As far back as March, 2011, a Livestrong article detailed the potential dangers of testosterone supplements among men with a diagnosed disorder of hypogonadism, endocrine disorders or those undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Those dangers included: the worsening of sleep apnea (a disorder which causes a person to stop breathing intermittently during the night), an increase in red blood cell counts which can lead to heart attack or stroke, prostate changes which can lead to urination problems, enlarged breasts and testicular changes which may lead younger men to stop producing sperm or produce fewer sperm.
Testosterone Prescription Skyrocket
Since that time thousands upon thousands of men without a diagnosed disorder have jumped on the testosterone bandwagon in response to aggressive marketing regarding symptoms of “Low-T.” Such symptoms include a loss of muscle mass, bone density and strength, a lessening of libido and increased fatigue. Interestingly, these “symptoms” were once considered nothing more than the natural effects of aging. A study published in the Journal of American Medical Association in November, 2013, brought some of the potential risks of testosterone therapy to light. The study concluded that for men over the age of 65, testosterone therapy could increase the risk of heart attack, stroke and death by nearly 30%. One doctor likened the risks of testosterone therapy as being equivalent to smoking two packs of cigarettes daily.
The number of men taking testosterone tripled between 2001 and 2011, and it is believed that by 2013 nearly 5% of men in their 60’s were taking testosterone supplements. The most alarming part of that number is that of the men currently taking testosterone supplements, at least one-fourth of them have not even had their testosterone levels tested. Symptoms such as fatigue or sexual dysfunction have resulted in a prescription for testosterone, in many cases for men with no diagnosed medical condition. One professor of urology at the Harvard Medical School noted that there was a possibility that the heart attacks seen in the men who were part of the study were due to underlying medical problems rather than testosterone supplements. Most of the heart attacks seen among study participants occurred within the first 90 days of use of testosterone.
Taking a Hard Look at Manufacturers of Testosterone
Another well-known cardiologist believes that the pharmaceutical companies selling testosterone should be required to conduct rigorous clinical trials to determine the risks of testosterone therapy. Because of the aggressive marketing campaigns regarding testosterone therapy, experts feel that many men are currently taking testosterone supplements without a full understanding of the side effects and potential serious risks. When looking at the more than seventy websites from companies selling testosterone drugs, barely more than a quarter of those detailed potential side effects including liver and kidney problems, increased male pattern baldness, prostate health damage, an increased risk of blood clots, congestive heart failure and a worsening of urinary symptoms.
Speaking to an Attorney Regarding Injury From Testosterone Supplements
Testosterone therapy—which can cost between $75 and $300 per month—is believed to be currently oversold to patients and even the FDA is advising caution, telling doctors to conduct a benefit vs. risk assessment prior to prescribing testosterone supplements. The FDA is currently looking at the risks of testosterone, particularly in light of the studies showing an increased risk of heart attack, stroke and death.