Does Testosterone Therapy Correct Anemia?

Mild anemia is common in older adults, and its prevalence is higher in men with hypogonadism. In this study, researchers used data from a large, industry-sponsored trial of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and risks for cardiovascular disease (CVD; NEJM JW Gen Med Jul 15 2023 and N Engl J Med 2023; 389:107) to assess whether TRT corrects anemia. About 5200 men (mean age, 63) with two morning testosterone levels <300 ng/dL, at least one potential symptom of hypogonadism, and high risk for (or known) CVD were randomized to transdermal testosterone gel or placebo gel and followed for as long as 4 years (mean follow-up, 21 months). This secondary analysis involved 815 participants with anemia (hemoglobin level, <12.7 g/dL; mean hemoglobin…