Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
DETestosteronersatztherapie (TRT)
If you have diagnosed hypogonadism, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) restores the hormone. (Hypogonadism means low blood testosterone plus symptoms.) It is given via gels, injections, or implanted pellets. The benefits include better libido, mood, lean mass, and bone density. But there are risks. They include too many red blood cells (erythrocytosis). They include suppressed fertility. And they include cardiovascular effects. The recent TRAVERSE trial is the key data. It suggested cardiovascular non-inferiority, but not a benefit. It also found more atrial fibrillation and venous blood clots in the treated group. TRT is not validated as a longevity therapy in men with normal levels. And its use outside diagnosed hypogonadism remains controversial.
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