Mayo Clinic article:
http://www.mayoclinic.com/invoke.cfm?objectid=671310EE-FD49-43AB-80A5A9AEB5AD7EDD
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Who should take testosterone therapy? |
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Testosterone therapy is clearly beneficial for men whose testicles fail to produce sufficient levels of testosterone (hypogonadism).
For this group of men, it can restore sexual function and muscle strength and prevent bone loss.
Few studies have evaluated possible benefits and risks of testosterone therapy for healthy, aging men. And those that have
been done provide conflicting results. Many questions remain unanswered, particularly the extent and the duration of the beneficial
effects, which men might benefit, and the possible long-term risks.
In November 2003, the Institute of Medicine (IOM) reviewed the current evidence surrounding testosterone therapy and reported
that this treatment is only appropriate for men who produce little or no testosterone. The IOM concluded that the long-term
effects of supplemental testosterone on otherwise healthy men aren't known. And until more studies have been done, the institute
recommends that testosterone therapy not be used to prevent or relieve the physical or psychological effects of aging.
There's no question a man faces emotional and physical challenges as he gets older. Changes at home, at work and within
his body all affect a man's general health. If you're concerned that you might have a hormone deficiency, talk to you doctor.
A decline in testosterone that falls below normal values may be a reason to take supplemental testosterone. But it remains
unclear whether restoring the testosterone levels to those of youth benefits older men.
THIS CONCLUSION
IS MADE INCONGRUOUS BY:
1) THE AMOUNT OF CLEAR EVIDENCE PRODUCED BY RESEARCH
OVER THE LAST 50 YEARS AND
2) THE FACT THAT THE MAYO CLINC RUNS A CLINIC WHICH
RESTORES TESTOTERONE TO YOUTHFUL LEVELS--jk.
Androstenedione (andro) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, ovaries and testes. It's a precursor hormone that's
normally converted to testosterone and estradiol in both men and women.
Manufacturers of synthetic androstenedione, through vigorous marketing efforts, say that their product will increase your
body's production of testosterone. According to proponents of andro supplements, an elevated level of testosterone allows
athletes to train harder and recover more quickly.
Scientific studies that refute these claims are now emerging. In fact, these studies show that supplemental androstenedione
doesn't increase testosterone and that your muscles don't get stronger with andro use.
On March 11, 2004, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) sent letters to 23 companies asking them to cease distributing
dietary supplements that contain andro. The FDA took this action because it believes products containing andro may increase
the risk of serious health problems.
Side effects of andro differ for men and women. In men it can actually decrease the production of testosterone while increasing
the production of estrogen. Side effects in men include acne, diminished sperm production, shrinking of the testicles and
enlargement of the breasts. In women, side effects include acne and masculinization, such as deepening of the voice and male-pattern
baldness. Andro might also stunt your child's growth.
In men and women, supplemental androstenedione can decrease high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol (the "good" cholesterol).
Lower HDL levels put you at greater risk of heart attack and stroke.
Legislation has been introduced in Congress to classify andro-containing products as controlled substances.
