Testosterone Replacement Therapy for Men Health BeatHealth Beat

Hormone Therapy for Prostate Cancer American Cancer Society

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient. Always look at your testosterone enanthate (Xyosted) solution before you inject it. It should be clear to light yellow in color and free of visible particles. Do not use it if it is cloudy, contains visible particles, or if the expiration date on the package has passed. Find explanations for the meaning behind the doctor-speak you hear when trying to research reproductive medicine topics. ASRM has defined the most popular terms in easy to understand language.

However, in February 2025, after reviewing a “large clinical trial,” the FDA announced several label changes to testosterone drugs. Chief among them was the removal of the black box warning from all testosterone products that stated the drugs could lead to increased risk of cardiac events. Ultimately, the clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine and cited by the FDA concluded that testosterone therapy did not increase cardiovascular risk. Millions of American men use a prescription testosterone injection or gel as forms of testosterone replacement therapy (often referred to as TRT therapy) to restore normal levels of the manly hormone. The ongoing pharmaceutical marketing blitz promises that low-T treatment can make men feel more alert, energetic, mentally sharp, and sexually functional.

Beyond statistical significance, clinical relevance is another key factor. In analyzing the literature, it is imperative to determine whether or not statistically significant results are clinically meaningful. Establishing total testosterone thresholds for a diagnosis of testosterone deficiency is challenging considering the heterogeneity that exists in the testosterone deficiency literature. The most accurate testosterone measurements are obtained in the early morning and on more than one occasion, which is not uniform across testosterone trials.

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is an option for men who have low testosterone levels due to male hypogonadism. TRT involves taking manufactured forms of testosterone to regulate your levels of this hormone. People with castration-resistant prostate cancer who receive these treatments will continue to receive ADT (e.g., an LHRH agonist) to keep testosterone levels low, because an increase in testosterone could lead to tumor progression in some men (12).

Some research has brought up serious risks with the therapy, particularly when taken long term. In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men’s health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym. Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest. These guidelines are provided only as assistance for physicians making clinical decisions regarding the care of their patients.

Men who have prostate or breast cancer, or suspect they might, should not use testosterone before talking with their doctor. It may also not be a good fit for a male who has kidney, heart or liver problems, as it may increase the chance of complications from these diseases. Once it is produced, the testosterone moves through the body to carry out its various important functions. Testosterone production increases during puberty and can start to dip after the age of 30. Dr. Pastuszak agrees that testosterone therapy isn’t the cure for everything that the commercials will lead you to believe, but for some guys, it can get them on the right track. For example, an overweight thirty year old with low testosterone levels may be suffering from extremely low energy. That low energy leads him to not exercise or eat as well as he should.

For people with low testosterone cost with insurance using TRT, studies show slight increased risk of certain heart, lung and kidney conditions. But there aren’t controlled studies for those using it with normal testosterone levels. Before testosterone therapy is recommended, a doctor may test levels multiple times to determine the best treatment option. The abundance of testosterone therapy options enables patients to select a product that best aligns with their preferences. Topical products are easy to apply and dose-adjust, but they carry a risk of transference to women and children. Although the transdermal patch is easy to apply, it can cause skin irritation at the application site.

To learn more about how hormone therapy is used to treat cancer, see Hormone Therapy. A flare can be avoided by giving drugs called anti-androgens (discussed below) for a few weeks when starting treatment with LHRH agonists. She’s sympathetic to patients who feel ignored by doctors and are frustrated with the lack of treatment options available for perimenopausal and menopausal symptoms. Voedisch recalls one patient who finally stopped testosterone therapy after her voice was altered. Higher doses for women can cause side effects including acne, excessive body hair and even body odor.

Testosterone patches are worn at all times until replaced with new patches. Testosterone gel can unintentionally transfer from your body to another’s with skin to skin contact. This can potentially lead to serious health reactions for the other person.