Testosterone and Heart Disease

testosterone and heart diseaseThe evidence continues to mount that there is no scientific basis for the assumption that testosterone supplementation causes heart problems. The European Medicines Agency (EMA) recently reviewed the risk of serious cardiac problems in men using testosterone replacement therapy. The EMA’s Pharmacovigilance Risk Assessment Committee (PRAC) looked at major heart problems, particularly heart attacks.

EMA’s Findings Concerning Testosterone and Heart Disease

The committee reviewed all recent negative studies plus data from positive studies and available safety data. They concluded that there is “no consistent evidence of an increased risk of heart problems with testosterone medicines.” In addition, the PRAC noted that there is evidence that low testosterone may increase the danger of heart problems.

Practical Applications of These Findings

This position has been adopted by the European Union. The EMA supports the conservative position that only men who are low in testosterone should receive this hormone replacement therapy. They recommend periodic monitoring of:
  • Hemoglobin
  • Hematocrit
  • Liver function
  • Cholesterol
They caution that men with severe heart, kidney, or liver disease should avoid testosterone altogether. Patients should talk to their doctor or pharmacist for further information.

Testosterone Today

Although the history of testosterone research still haunts the medical practice today, interest in testosterone replacement therapy for both men and women is currently undergoing a long-overdue and welcome renaissance.

Several important trends are contributing to a growing acceptance of testosterone replacement therapy:

  • A gradual realization of a hormonally driven male andropause
  • Readily available, high-quality, inexpensive bioidentical testosterone (molecularly identical to that produced by the human body)
  • Improved testosterone delivery systems such as creams, gels, patches, and sublingual tablets
  • Increased recognition that the bioidentical testosterone formulations available today are far better, safer, and more convenient than those used by earlier generations

To learn more about compounded bioidentical testosterone, call 800.279.5708 for a consultation with one of the pharmacists on staff at Women’s International Pharmacy.

Written by Kathy Lynch, PharmD – Women’s International Pharmacy
Edited by Michelle Violi, PharmD – Women’s International Pharmacy
© Women’s International Pharmacy

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