Testosterone Therapy Linked to Adverse Cardiovascular Events in Older Men with Limited Mobility

Use of testosterone gel in older men with mobility problems might increase risk for cardiovascular events, according to a small study in the New England Journal of Medicine.


Some 200 community-dwelling men aged 65 or older with low serum testosterone levels and impaired mobility were randomized to use a testosterone gel (10 mg) or placebo daily for 6 months. The trial was stopped early because of an excess of cardiovascular events with testosterone compared with placebo (in 23 vs. 5 subjects). In addition, testosterone recipients developed more respiratory and dermatologic disorders.


The elevated risks persisted after adjustment for baseline risk factors, including diabetes, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension.


The authors note that their findings may not be generalizable to younger men or to those without impaired mobility.