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Review
. 2013 Mar;9(1):59-64.
doi: 10.17925/EE.2013.09.01.59. Epub 2013 Mar 15.

Benefits and Consequences of Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Review

Polackwich As  1 , Tadros Nn  1 , Ostrowski Ka  1 , Hedges Jc  2
Affiliations
Review

Benefits and Consequences of Testosterone Replacement Therapy: A Review

Polackwich As et al. Eur Endocrinol. 2013 Mar.

Abstract

Late onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an issue of increasing concern. Studies have shown the importance of testosterone in the maintenance of homeostasis, especially with respect to bone health, sexual function, diabetes, cardiovascular risk, mental health and cognition. Much of the dysfunction in hypogonadism can be reversed or improved with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Physicians worry about the possible consequences of TRT, especially regarding the prostate. By reviewing the literature, we have found there are significant benefits to TRT, and fears of adverse effects on the prostate are largely unfounded, though there is a great need for larger studies with longer periods of follow-up, especially to evaluate adverse events.

Keywords: Late onset hypogonadism (LOH); aging; hormone replacement; testosterone; testosterone replacement.

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Conflict of interest statement

Disclosure: The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare.

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