Testosterone replacement therapy might reduce the risk of heart attacks and strokes in older men with both low testosterone and coronary artery disease, a new study finds.
Produced by the testes, the hormone testosterone contributes much to a man’s masculinity. It’s responsible for increased his muscle mass, deeper voice, and facial hair. It’s also important for his sex drive and erections.
As men get older, their testosterone levels naturally drop. The process is gradual, but some men sense the change. They might feel fatigued and moody. Some men start to lose interest in sex.
==================================================
Testosterone therapy may benefit older men with low testosterone and coronary artery disease. (Click to tweet)
==================================================
Sometimes, doctors prescribe testosterone for these symptoms. But the practice has been controversial, with some studies showing increased risk of cardiovascular events – stroke, heart attack, and death – in men taking testosterone. Other studies have found no increased risk.
In this study, researchers from the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute in Salt Lake City worked with 755 men who ranged in age from 58 to 78. The men had low testosterone and severe coronary artery disease, a condition caused by atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). When plaque builds up in the coronary arteries, it becomes more difficult for blood to flow to the heart.
Three groups were formed. One group of men received a high dose of testosterone therapy; another was given a medium dose. The third group did not receive any testosterone.
After a year, 64 men in the non-treatment group had had a cardiovascular event, compared to 12 men in the medium-dose testosterone group and nine in the high-dose group.
After three years, cardiovascular events were experienced by 125 men who were not treated with testosterone, 38 men in the medium-dose group, and 22 men in the high-dose group.
Doctors shouldn’t be changing their patients’ treatment plans quite yet, however. The scientists stressed that their study was observational and that more research is needed.
The findings were presented last month in Chicago at the American College of Cardiology’s 65th Annual Scientific Session.
Resources
Intermountain Healthcare
“New Study Finds Testosterone Supplementation Reduces Heart Attack and Stroke Risk in Men with Heart Disease”
(News release. April 3, 2016)
https://intermountainhealthcare.org/news/2016/04/testosterone-supplementation-reduces-heart-attack-and-stroke-risk-in-men-with-heart-disease/
UPI.com
Feller, Stephen
“Testosterone supplement reduces heart attack risk from heart disease”
(April 4, 2016)
http://www.upi.com/Health_News/2016/04/04/Testosterone-supplement-reduces-heart-attack-risk-from-heart-disease/3791459771756/
You may also be interested in...
Other Popular Articles
What Is Jelqing, and Does It Actually Work?
The term “jelqing” refers to a set of penis stretching exercises that some believe can make the penis bigger. Although the practice has gained attention and popularity in blogs and internet forums in recent years, there is no scientific evidence that it is an effective way to permanently increase the size of one’s penis. In fact, in some cases, jelqing may actually cause damage to the penis, so it is a good idea to get all the facts before setting off to try it.
What Is Sensate Focus and How Does It Work?
Sensate focus is a technique used to improve intimacy and communication between partners around sex, reduce sexual performance anxiety, and shift away from ingrained, goal-oriented sexual patterns that may not be serving a couple.
What Is the Average Penis Size?
If you have ever wondered how your penis compares to others in terms of size, you are not alone. Many men are curious to know how their penises stack up compared to the average. Unfortunately, general curiosity can sometimes give way to full-on obsession and anxiety about penis size. This can be an unhealthy and often unnecessary fixation, especially because most men who think their penises are too small have perfectly normal-sized penises.
What Is Edging and Why Do People Do It?
Edging is the practice of stopping sexual stimulation before reaching orgasm to prolong a sexual experience. The term stems from the concept of approaching the metaphorical “edge” of orgasm but stopping before going over the edge.
Can Sex Reduce Menstrual Cramps?
The SMSNA periodically receives and publishes ‘guest editorials.’ The current article was submitted by Mia Barnes, a freelance writer and researcher who specializes in women's health, wellness, and healthy living. She is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Body+Mind Magazine.
Having sex while you experience menstrual cramps is healthy and can provide significant benefits. While it might not be the first activity that comes to mind when your PMS or period cramping begins, many people enjoy sex to reduce menstrual cramps, experience increased pleasure and benefit from other advantages. Learn more about having sex while menstrual cramps are happening and how it can help your body.
The Sex-Positivity Movement: What it Means to Be Sex-Positive
You may have heard references to “being sex-positive” or “the sex-positivity movement” in popular culture. Various celebrities have brought attention to this movement by speaking out about their beliefs and personal experiences regarding sexuality, sexual health, body positivity, “slut-shaming,” and sexual assault.
