A recently published study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that men who take testosterone supplements are putting themselves in danger for potentially deadly side effects. The study found that testosterone supplement risks include increased risk of death, heart attack, and stroke. testosterone supplements are widely used by men to treat low testosterone levels in the body. These supplements include products such as AndroGel and Axiron.
An ABC News report on the study showed the research involved over 8,000 men for three years. The study compared the rates of cardiovascular problems in men being treated with testosterone supplements to those who did not take a supplement. The study found that men who use a testosterone supplement were 29% more likely to suffer a heart attack, stroke, or death.
Testosterone supplements purportedly improve muscle mass and strength, increase energy levels, and improve sexual function. There are over 5.3 million prescriptions written each year, and the industry has seen large growth since 2000. The FDA approved testosterone supplements for low testosterone therapy over 20 years ago. As a result of this study, doctors are calling on the FDA and the industry to take a closer look at the risks associated with these products.
