Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Hypogonadal Men

Authors

  • Jagoda Kissock, MD, FRCPC Fraser River Endocrinology, Surrey, BC Fraser Health Division of Endocrinology, Surrey, BC

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.58931/cdet.2024.2330

Abstract

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) aims to restore serum testosterone levels in men with hypogonadism. Symptoms associated with hypogonadism include reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depression, and loss of muscle mass and bone density. The primary purpose of TRT is to alleviate these symptoms and improve quality of life by restoring serum testosterone levels to the physiological range.

The prevalence of hypogonadism in men increases with age, affecting approximately 2–5% of middle-aged and older men and up to 20% of elderly men. Despite its therapeutic benefits, the cardiovascular safety of TRT remains a topic of debate and investigation. Cardiovascular disease is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality among men, and any therapy that might influence cardiovascular risk requires careful evaluation. Early observational studies raised concerns about potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes associated with TRT. These findings prompted regulatory agencies to issue warnings and recommend further research. In response, more recent trials, including the TRAVERSE Study, have provided new insights into the relationship between TRT and cardiovascular health. This article aims to provide a review of recent evidence on the cardiovascular safety of TRT.

Author Biography

Jagoda Kissock, MD, FRCPC, Fraser River Endocrinology, Surrey, BC Fraser Health Division of Endocrinology, Surrey, BC

Dr. Jagoda Kissock is a clinical endocrinologist at Fraser River Endocrinology in Surrey, British Columbia, with a clinical focus on male hypogonadism and transgender care. Originally from Poland, she earned her medical degree from Jagiellonian University Medical College and completed her Internal Medicine residency at the University of Saskatchewan, where she served as Academic Chief Resident. She completed Endocrinology and Metabolism training at the University of British Columbia. Dr. Kissock is also committed to medical education, having served as a Pharmacology Sessional Lecturer at the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine and currently mentoring trainees within the Fraser Health Division of Endocrinology at Surrey Memorial Hospital.

References

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Published

2024-11-25

How to Cite

Kissock, J. (2024). Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Hypogonadal Men. Canadian Diabetes & Endocrinology Today, 2(3), 5–10. https://doi.org/10.58931/cdet.2024.2330

Issue

Volume 2, Issue 3, Fall 2024

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Articles

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