The Endocrine Society is calling for large-scale controlled trials of both testosterone therapy’s effects on older men and the association between testosterone therapy and cardiovascular disease.
The statement comes on the heels of an analysis published in PLoS One by Dr. William D. Finkle and his associates. They found a doubled risk of MIs in men under age 65 years who had preexisting heart conditions and were taking testosterone. In men over age 65 taking testosterone, the MI risk was even greater (PLoS ONE 2015 Jan. 29 [doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0085805]).
Several studies and retrospective analyses connected with the National Institutes of Health and the Veterans Health Care System have explored the link between heart disease and testosterone therapy.
"Until evidence from large, randomized trials becomes available, the Endocrine Society believes that patients should be made aware of the potential risk of cardiovascular events in middle-aged and older men who are taking or considering testosterone therapy for age-related decline in testosterone levels and symptoms. Physicians and patients should have a conversation about the risks and benefits of using testosterone, especially in patients who have preexisting heart disease," the statement said.
The Food and Drug Administration announced Jan. 31 that it has launched an investigation into the dangers of testosterone therapy in men with heart conditions, but the agency fell short of advising against the therapy altogether.