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By Karen Lottis, PhD FNP-BC
While there has been a great deal of controversy over the decades around hormone replacement therapy, the evidence consistently and regularly points to improved quality of life as we age. Testosterone has been strongly linked with improvement in bone density and strength, mood improvement (anxiety, depression, lack of motivation), improvement in libido or sexual interest as well as orgasms and erectile function. Muscle strength improvement has been well documented – but keep in mind this also means that one has to exercise to get and maintain this value! There have been studies done for senior men going through rehab for various reasons and testosterone supplementation definitely improved their muscle strength, balance and ability to regain overall strength and mobility.
For decades, there has been concern about testosterone and the role in prostate cancer, there are numerous studies that support the use of testosterone replacement in men that have had prostate cancer AND a full prostatectomy without increased morbidity/mortality and with definite improvement in quality of life factors. The other concern over the decades has been cardiovascular health and testosterone supplementation. Again, while there remains controversy – there are numerous studies that support the positive role with testosterone and cardiovascular health
This is no different for women. The improvement in bone density, muscle strength, mood enhancement, sexuality improvements are all considerable. There are also studies that document the protective role of testosterone in women with breast cancer.
In our clinic, anecdotally, we see vast improvements and what so many of our patients describe as “life-changing” differences in their musculoskeletal health, aches and pains, mood disorders, bone strength and intimate lives – to name a few. So, if you are wondering if this is right for you, schedule a consultation with us to review your bloodwork and your symptoms.
References:
A L Kaplana,*, J C Hub, A Morgentalerc, J P Mulhalld, C C Schulmane, and F Montorsif. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Prostate Cancer. Eur Urol. 2016 May 69(5): 894–903. doi:10.1016/j.eururo.2015.12.005.
A Yassina , K AlRumaihib, R Alzubaidib, S Alkadhib and A Al Ansarib. Testosterone, testosterone therapy and prostate cancer. THE AGING MALE 2019, VOL. 22, NO. 4, 219–227 https://doi.org/10.1080/13685538.2018.1524456
American College of Cardiology. (2017, March 8). Hormone replacement therapy associated with lower early mortality. ScienceDaily. Retrieved June 6, 2017 from www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2017/03/170308150030.html
G Donovitz, MD (Chairman), E Schwartz, MD, C Miller, MD M Barber, MD, F Comite, MD, K Janson, MD, J Leake, MD, E Lee, MD, J Life, MD, L Martinez, MD, D Woodford, MD. Testosterone Insufficiency and Treatment in Women: International Expert Consensus Resolutions. Testosterone Insufficiency and Treatment in Women: International Expert Consensus Resolutions
J E Zweifel and W H O'Brien. A META-ANALYSIS OF THE EFFECT OF HORMONE REPLACEMENT THERAPY UPON DEPRESSED MOOD. Psychoneuroendocrinology, Vol. 22, No. 3, pp. 189-212, 1997 © 1997 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved Printed in Great Britain 0306-4530/97 $17.00 + .I)0
R. Glasera,b,∗, C. Dimitrakakisc. Testosterone and breast cancer prevention. Maturitas Vol 76, Issue 4, P342-349, December 2013
V Tyagi, MD,1 M Scordo, MD,2 R S Yoon, MD,3 F A Liporace, MD,3 L W Greene, MD, MA4. Revisiting the Role of Testosterone: Are We Missing Something? [Rev Urol. 2017;19(1):16-24 doi: 10.3909/riu0716] © 2017 MedReviews®, LLC.
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