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 .
Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone Gel 1% Augmentation in Depressed Men With Partial Response to Antidepressant Therapy
The current study evaluates the efficacy and safety of testosterone ( T ) gel 1 % augmentation on depressive symptoms and quality of life in treatment-resistant , depressed , hypogonadal men older than 50 years of age who are receiving antidepressants . The authors hypothesized that T augmentation would improve depressive symptoms and quality of life .  Eighteen hypogonadal men entered the study who had had an adequate trial of antidepressant therapy and had significant depressive symptoms . Participants were continued on their antidepressant and were r and omized to receive either placebo or active T gel ( 5 g ) to be applied once a day . Participants were tested on 6 occasions : screening visit , an initial session ( pretreatment ) , at 6 and 12 weeks during the first treatment condition , and at 18 and 24 weeks during the crossover condition . The authors found a significant improvement in depressive symptoms from baseline to 12 weeks of testosterone treatment . However , a statistical difference between placebo and testosterone treatment phases was not demonstrated . The limitations of the study , including the chronicity and severity of patients ’ depression , variability in T levels , and a small sample size , probably influenced the ability to detect a discernable difference . Nevertheless , the study shows that T gel augmentation may be helpful in hypogonadal males with depression . ( J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol 2005 ; 18:20 - 24
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 .