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Is Testosterone Therapy Safe For Elederly Men?
Question: I am 60 and take a low dose of testim daily. My heart and prostate and healthy - no problems. My Doctor wants me to stop the testosterone because he says it will lead to heart and cancer down the rode. My testosterone will most likely go to zero.
I would like to stay on the testim. What is the current thinking on men over 60 using testosterone therapy.
I would like to stay on the testim. What is the current thinking on men over 60 using testosterone therapy.
Brief Answer:
Testosterone
Detailed Answer:
Endocrine experts are concerned about the lack of long term safety data regarding the use of testosterone in older men in light of recent studies that have drawn considerable attention of the FDA as well as the medical community.
However, there is enough science to back the use of testosterone in men, where there is a clear evidence of benefit such as those with correctly diagnosed 'primary or secondary hypogonadism'. These include well defined pituitary and testicular disorders, as opposed to age related declines in testosterone levels. The latter has been increasingly treated nationwide with testosterone, often by non-experts in the field ie non endocrinologists. That is where the cause of concern over long term use is most accentuated.
Testosterone
Detailed Answer:
Endocrine experts are concerned about the lack of long term safety data regarding the use of testosterone in older men in light of recent studies that have drawn considerable attention of the FDA as well as the medical community.
However, there is enough science to back the use of testosterone in men, where there is a clear evidence of benefit such as those with correctly diagnosed 'primary or secondary hypogonadism'. These include well defined pituitary and testicular disorders, as opposed to age related declines in testosterone levels. The latter has been increasingly treated nationwide with testosterone, often by non-experts in the field ie non endocrinologists. That is where the cause of concern over long term use is most accentuated.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I was treated because levels were low and Doctor felt I might feel better. Will I start producing some testosterone once I am off Testim. I have taken Testim for. 5 years
Brief Answer:
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is quite likely your levels will go back to where they were before you started testim. In some cases, it is possible the levels go back to lower than baseline as taking testosterone from outside for a length of time can suppress the body's capacity to make it's own.
There is no test to predicate the individual response after having taken testim for 5 years. So you will have to see what happens in your instance
Follow up
Detailed Answer:
It is quite likely your levels will go back to where they were before you started testim. In some cases, it is possible the levels go back to lower than baseline as taking testosterone from outside for a length of time can suppress the body's capacity to make it's own.
There is no test to predicate the individual response after having taken testim for 5 years. So you will have to see what happens in your instance
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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