Loading...
Because serum testosterone levels gradually decline with age, many older men have levels near the lower limit of the traditionally “normal” range. Testosterone supplements often are prescribed for such men to improve sexual function and general well-being. However, the overall safety and efficacy of supplements are unclear in this population, and several recent studies have raised questions about cardiovascular safety.
In this industry-supported randomized trial, 306 men (age, ≥60) with morning total testosterone levels of 100 to 400 ng/dL or free testosterone levels <50 pg/mL received either testosterone gel or placebo gel daily for 3 years. Doses in the active-treatment group were adjusted to achieve total testosterone levels >500 ng/dL. M…