Does testosterone therapy raise red flags in older men?
Adverse events associated with testosterone replacement in middle-aged and older men: a meta-analysis of randomized, placebo-controlled trials.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Testosterone didn’t increase cardiovascular events, sleep apnea, or death despite raising hematocrit—a known risk factor for clots.
Common medical wisdom assumed that thickened blood from testosterone would lead to more heart attacks and strokes. The fact that this didn’t happen in 19 trials contradicts that assumption.
Practical Takeaways
If you’re on or considering testosterone therapy, get hematocrit checked every 3–6 months and monitor PSA + digital rectal exams regularly.
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare professional. Terms
Surprising Findings
Testosterone didn’t increase cardiovascular events, sleep apnea, or death despite raising hematocrit—a known risk factor for clots.
Common medical wisdom assumed that thickened blood from testosterone would lead to more heart attacks and strokes. The fact that this didn’t happen in 19 trials contradicts that assumption.
Practical Takeaways
If you’re on or considering testosterone therapy, get hematocrit checked every 3–6 months and monitor PSA + digital rectal exams regularly.
Publication
Journal
The journals of gerontology. Series A, Biological sciences and medical sciences
Year
2005
Authors
O. Calof, Atam B. Singh, Martin L. Lee, A. Kenny, R. Urban, J. Tenover, S. Bhasin
Related Content
Claims (4)
Giving someone testosterone can make their body produce more red blood cells, which thickens the blood; if the blood gets too thick, it might increase the chance of dangerous blood clots.
Men over 45 who take testosterone to boost low levels may be 78% more likely to have a prostate problem detected than those who don’t, so doctors should keep a close eye on them during treatment.
For men over 45, taking testosterone supplements doesn't seem to make heart problems, sleep apnea, or dying any more likely than not taking them.
For men over 45 taking testosterone therapy, their blood often gets thicker with more red cells, making it almost four times more likely to reach unsafe levels—so doctors need to check their blood regularly.