Male testosterone therapy being examined

Unlike the situation of menopause in women, as men age, there is a gradual and not immediately noticeable in drop in hormone production. This condition known as “andropause”, although it  not a completely accepted diagnosis.

Nonetheless, many men are seeking testosterone replacement therapy.

Last year, Canadian retail drugs stores filled more than 550,000 prescriptions for testosterone-containing drugs, up from 378,000 in 2009. These treatments come in the form of testosterone gels, patches and tablets.  Many medical professionals feel the demand is fueled by drug company advertising campaigns.  They often list relatively normal ageing conditions and hint that it may due to “low-T”

Dr. John Aquino, Ontario Men’s Health Clinic says, “We talk about what the symptoms of testosterone deficiency can be, and also how common these symptoms can be overall, and that it’s not always due to testosterone … A lot of them overlap with the very common symptoms of life that everyone experiences from time to time… everything from fatigue, maybe a bit of depression or boredom and fluctuation or drop in sexual interest. So, you know, they read these things, they compare it to their own situations, and they think ‘Oh, maybe I should look into that”.

Meanwhile, two recent, but controversial studies link this hormone replacement with increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and death.

However critics say that the concerns about testosterone therapy from the US surveys of older men, came from surveys actually seeking other information.

Several Canadian doctors and urologists have expressed concern about the potential indiscriminate use of T-therapy by men who may not need it, but also say that concern about how dangerous it is,  is not supported by evidence.

Health Canada is now re-evaluating the safety of testosterone products.  Their review, expected to be complete by summer, could lead to new safety warnings