As men get older, the levels oftestosteronein their blood often drop.
Testosterone supplementationis used by some healthcare providers to help with such issues.
In recent years, there has been increased interest in the clinical utility of testosterone supplementation in older men.
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The T Trials were intended to serve as a prelude to lengthier and more robust trials in the future.
In the aggregate, 790 men ages 65 or older with low levels of testosterone and associated symptoms participated.
First, participants had to qualify for one of the three main trials.
These were the:
Then, participants could participate in any of the other trials for which they qualified.
People were excluded who had certain conditions, such as prostate cancer, heart problems, or kidney problems.
In all the trials, participants were randomly assigned to either an experimental orplacebogroup.
Participants were regularly assessed.
Men who couldnt walk, had severe arthritis, or had severe neuromuscular disease were excluded.
Inclusion in the Vitality Trial required participants to have fatigue and low vitality.
However, testosterone supplementation didnt improve walking ability or vitality.
Overall, the researchers suggest that there werent enough participants to draw definitive conclusions in these three trials.
Anemia Trial
In February 2017, results from the Anemia Trial were published.
Anemiais a condition in which theres a deficiency of red blood cells orhemoglobinin the blood.
In one-third of elderly men with anemia, clinicians cant establish a cause.
Anemia can be mild or severe.
People with anemia can feel weak or tired.
Other symptoms include dizziness, shortness of breath, or headaches.
Long-lasting anemia can damage the heart, brain, and other organs.
Occasionally, very severe anemia can result in death.
However, more research needs to be done.
Bone Trial
In February 2017, results from the Bone Trial were published.
Prior research concerning the effects of testosterone on bone has been inconclusive.
CT is an imaging method that uses X-rays to take cross-sectional pictures of the body.
DEXA scans use low-dose X-rays to assess bone mineral density and compute scores.
In other words, DEXA scans measure how much calcium and other minerals are in the bone.
Except for over-the-counter vitamin D and calcium supplements, men taking medications affecting bone were excluded from the study.
Additionally, men with low DEXA scores were excluded from the study.
The researchers found that men who received hormone treatment experienced an increase in bone strength and density.
Strength increases were greater in the spine than they were in the hip.
However, as with other T Trials, more research needs to be done.
Cognitive Function Trial
In February 2017, results from the Cognitive Function Trial were published.
In this study, older men with low testosterone and age-associated memory impairment were given testosterone.
Age-associated memory impairment was defined by memory complaints and impaired performance on tests of verbal and visual memory.
This study didnt show that testosterone treatment helped with age-associated memory impairment.
Cardiovascular Trial
Studies concerning the effects of testosterone on cardiovascular outcomes are conflicting.
Noncalcified coronary artery plaque volume has been linked to heart attack and ensuing heart problems.
Its tested using coronary computed tomographic angiography, a special diagnostic test.
Coronary arteries supply the heart with blood.
However, testosterone treatments may also entail risks.
The exact trade-off is unknown.
It’s a bad idea for anybody to engage in hormone supplementation without a healthcare provider’s supervision.
Just because hormones occur naturally in the body does not mean that they can be taken without negative effects.
Any man considering hormone treatment should discuss the possible harms and benefits with a healthcare provider."
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