The Testosterone Trial
Dec 29th, 2011 | By Greg Cambridge | Category: Hormones, NewsAn interesting event is about to begin in the world of testosterone therapy. Testosterone is being placed on trial. Clinical research led by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is about to begin. Conducted by Dr. Peter Snyder at the University of Pennsylvania, the Testosterone Trial will study the use of testosterone in men ages 65 and older with low levels of testosterone will be studied to determine if testosterone really assists with their sexual function, memory, blood count, cardiovascular risk, walking and overall vitality. 800 men from 12 different cities the United States will be subjects involved in this study.
It is currently believed that low testosterone levels in men lead to the loss of energy and vitality, muscle mass and low libido. The Testosterone Trial will study the use of testosterone in men to determine if testosterone treatment will cure these problems as well as the risks of testosterone therapy and prostrate cancer.
Male subjects who are interested in participating in the study must have low testosterone levels as well as have one or more of the following health issues: low libido, problems walking one quarter of a mile and less vitality and energy. Blood tests for testosterone levels and questionnaires will be taken to determine whether one can participate in the study. The NIH is currently seeking participants for the 12 city study.
Participants in the study will either use a placebo or a testosterone gel for the period of one year. Further blood serum tests and questionnaires will be completed to determine if there is an improvement in the symptoms that are believed to be effected by the decrease in testosterone in the body. This clinical study of testosterone is expected to be completed in 2015. The study is not without controversy. Expert researchers and urologists are already debating testosterone use and questioning if this study will be enough to understand testosterone use and its pros and cons.
Dr. John Amory, a researcher involved in a study of testosterone at the University of Washington, said that the debate on testosterone is much like the current debate that exists on the use of estrogen by women. Estrogen does provide some benefits to women with declining levels of estrogen, but it has also been known to increase the risk of breast cancer and strokes.
He acknowledges that there are some benefits to the use of testosterone for men, but “what we don’t know — in the 65-year-old man who is having sexual problems, obesity, maybe some other problems… does the testosterone do more good than harm?”
Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, a urologist, founder of Men’s Health Boston and and author of “Testosterone for Life: Recharge Your Vitality, Sex Drive, Muscle Mass, and Overall Health” believes the study does not last enough time to fully understand the possible increased risk of prostate cancer with testosterone therapy on but that it may help with general acceptance of testosterone therapy to treat the symptoms of andropause and aging.
It is hoped that the Testosterone Trial will clear up some of the controversy surrounding the use of testosterone therapy. To participate in the trial or to read further on this clinical study of testosterone, please visit: http://rt5.cceb.upenn.edu/portal/page/portal/T-Trial%20Portal/T-TrialPublicPageMain.
