December 01, 2014
The New England Journal of Medicine
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
- The authors of this commentary summarize the relevant issues surrounding testosterone replacement, addressing in particular the controversial issue of routine use of testosterone replacement therapy in men with mildly depressed serum testosterone. In an interactive clinical case discussion, experts weigh in on both risks and benefits, and offer brief and informative arguments for and against replacement. The main benefits of replacement therapy include improving muscle mass and libido and imparting a sense of well-being; potentially serious risks include prostate cancer and cardiovascular disease.
- This case vignette provides key information for urologists to be able to engage in shared decision-making regarding testosterone replacement therapy, given the continuing direct-to-consumer marketing of various testosterone preparations.
– Matthew Resnick, MD