Testosterone supplementation did not show consistent benefit for cardiovascular risk , sexual function , mood and behavior , or cognition .
Studies that examined clinical cardiovascular endpoints have not favored testosterone therapy over placebo .
Testosterone is ineffective in treating erectile dysfunction and controlled trials did not show a consistent effect on libido .
Testosterone supplementation consistently increased muscle strength but did not have beneficial effects on physical function .
Most studies on mood-related endpoints found no beneficial effect of testosterone treatment on personality , psychological well-being , or mood .
Testosterone products are recommended by some prescribers in response to a diagnosis or presumption of " low testosterone " ( low-T ) for cardiovascular health , sexual function , muscle weakness or wasting , mood and behavior , and cognition .
Effects of testosterone on behavior, depression, and cognitive function in older men with mild cognitive loss.
BACKGROUND The role of sex hormones in the prevention of cognitive decline is uncertain . Animal studies suggest mechanisms for sex hormones including testosterone to maintain optimal cognitive function . But , there are studies to suggest that endogenous testosterone levels are associated with aggression in men with cognitive impairment . METHODS In this pilot study , 11 men ( mean age 80 + /- 5 years , range 73 - 87 years ) with early cognitive decline and bioavailable testosterone levels below 128 ng/dl ( lower limit for adult normal range ) were r and omized to receive intramuscular testosterone ( 200 mg every 3 weeks ) or placebo for 12 weeks . Outcome measures included sex hormones ( testosterone , bioavailable testosterone , sex hormone binding globulin , estradiol , and estrone ) , Behave AD Question naire , Katz Activities of Daily Living , Geriatric Depression Scale , Digit Span , Clock Face Drawing , Clock Face Perception , Verbal Fluency , Trail-Making B , and International Prostate Symptom Score at baseline , 4 weeks , and 10 weeks . RESULTS All men completed the study . Total and bioavailable testosterone , estrone , and estradiol levels increased in men receiving testosterone , but no changes were detected in men receiving placebo . No significant changes were found in behavior following testosterone supplementation , nor was there evidence of change in depression or activities of daily living . No discernable changes were found in any of the cognitive tests . Symptoms of prostate hyperplasia remained unchanged in the testosterone ( 6.6 + 5.8 to 5.2 + 3.6 ; p = .39 ) and placebo ( 8.8 + 6.4 to 6.4 + 3.8 ; p = .15 ) groups , and prostate-specific antigen levels did not change significantly . CONCLUSION No significant changes in behavior , function , depression , or cognitive performance occurred following 12 weeks of testosterone replacement in men with low testosterone levels and early-to-moderate cognitive impairment . This pilot work suggests that testosterone can be given to men with early cognitive impairment without significant concern about worsening aggressive or unwanted behaviors
Testosterone supplementation did not show consistent benefit for cardiovascular risk , sexual function , mood and behavior , or cognition .
Studies that examined clinical cardiovascular endpoints have not favored testosterone therapy over placebo .
Testosterone is ineffective in treating erectile dysfunction and controlled trials did not show a consistent effect on libido .
Testosterone supplementation consistently increased muscle strength but did not have beneficial effects on physical function .
Most studies on mood-related endpoints found no beneficial effect of testosterone treatment on personality , psychological well-being , or mood .
Testosterone products are recommended by some prescribers in response to a diagnosis or presumption of " low testosterone " ( low-T ) for cardiovascular health , sexual function , muscle weakness or wasting , mood and behavior , and cognition .