Metabolic health issues have long been a source of confusion for researchers. Even after studying these issues for decades, metabolic conditions like diabetes and obesity continue to plague society. Research studies sometimes produce contradictory results, and relying on a single study can lead to dire consequences if the study's results turn out to be inaccurate.
Research studies focusing on Low T therapies have produced some upsetting results. These results not only reveal that testosterone supplements have the power to cause serious, potentially life-threatening consequences, but they also indicate that testosterone supplements are being prescribed to men when their use is not necessarily indicated.
Low T Therapies and Health Problems
Low T therapies come with a multitude of possible side effects that may occur immediately. Depending on the specific product, side effects may include:
- Reactions at the application site
- Depression
- Gynecomastia (the development of breasts in males)
- Edema
- Sleep apnea
- Anxiety
- High or low blood pressure
- Headache
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Osteoporosis
- Fatigue
- Impotence
- Redistribution of hair
- Loss of male sex characteristics
- Clotting in the legs
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced libido
- Hot flashes
- Insomnia
- Spontaneous erection
The diversity of possible side effects is a testament to the unpredictability of Low T medications. Some of the side effects, such as low and high blood pressure, may occur in different men taking the same medication. Likewise, because of the complex nature of testosterone production in the body, these medications may produce some of the problems they are intended to treat in certain men, such as reduced libido and erectile dysfunction.
These Drugs Can Cause More Serious Health Problems in the Future.
For example, a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine in 2010 indicates that testosterone therapy may increase the risk of cardiovascular events. The study, "Adverse Events Associated with Testosterone Administration," examined 209 men over the age of 65, all of whom suffered from limited mobility and low testosterone. In this population, "the application of testosterone gel was associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular adverse events." However, this was a relatively small and unique population, so the results may not be relevant for all men who use Low T therapies.
Another study, "Association of Testosterone Therapy With Mortality, Myocardial Infarction, and Stroke in Men With Low Testosterone Levels," published in the Journal of the American Medical Association of 2013, also explored the relationship between testosterone supplementation and heart attack. In this study, a much larger population of 8,709 men suffering from low testosterone was examined. Among those men who underwent coronary angiography, "the use of testosterone therapy was associated with an increased risk of adverse outcomes." Adverse outcomes experienced included stroke, myocardial infarction and death. In fact, the study found that subjects taking testosterone therapy were 30 percent more likely to suffer from cardiovascular disease than those who did not.
As a result of these studies, the Federal Drug Administration issued a safety alert regarding the use of testosterone products. The alert indicates that men who use these products may be at a greater risk for pulmonary embolism, stroke, heart attack, clotting and even death. The FDA also disclosed its intention to continue investigating this risk through additional research studies.
If you believe you may be experiencing symptoms related to the use of Low T drugs, talk to your doctor about your symptoms as soon as possible.
If you would like to explore the possibility of bringing legal action to obtain compensation for medical problems, deaths or other issues related to Low T medications, please contact the experienced attorneys at Marc Whitehead & Associates, LLP at (855)-423-3666 to discuss your options.
For more information regarding the use of Low T drugs, please visit www.usacivialaction.com and download a copy of our free E-book, The Fall of Testosterone: How a Vaunted “Low T” Therapy Has Backfired and Put Millions of Men at Risk for Heart Problems and Stroke.