Benefits and consequences of testosterone replacement therapy: A review

Late onset hypogonadism (LOH) is an issue of increasing concern. Studies have shown the importance of testosterone in the maintenance of homeostasis, especially with respectto bone health, sexual function, diabetes, cardiovascular risk, mental health and cognition. Much of the dysfunction in hypogonadism can be reversed or improved with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Physicians worry about the possible consequences of TRT, especially regardingthe prostate. By reviewingthe literature, we have found there are significam benefits to TRT, and fears of adverse effects on the prostate are largely unfounded, though there is a great need for larger studies with longer periods of follow-up, especially to evaluate adverse events.