The Men's Health Crisis and the Role of Testosterone
It’s time to talk about a silent crisis affecting men’s health: the significant and ongoing decline in testosterone levels.
In a 24-year study, researchers noted a substantial drop in testosterone levels among males in the U.S., and it’s not just due to aging. Men born in more recent years have lower testosterone levels than previous generations, with average levels declining by about 1% per year since the study began in 1984.1
What Does This Mean for You?
Testosterone is more than just a hormone; it’s integral to your vitality. Testosterone deficiency influences everything from muscle mass and bone density to mood and sexual health.
What Can You Do About It?
Be the hero of your life again! Recognize the changes in your body and take action for your health. This decline in testosterone is a public health issue, one that speaks directly to the core of men’s health and well-being.
Symptoms of Low Testosterone
Do These Symptoms Sound Familiar?
- Fatigue or low energy
- Low sex drive
- Trouble sleeping
- Loss of muscle mass
- Decreased bone density
- Weight gain
- Depression
- Anxiety
If so, you may have Low T. Talk to your doctor about your symptoms and ask them to check your testosterone levels.
If You Have Low T, You’re Not Alone
Low T can affect men at any age, including approximately 30% of men older than 45.3
Only 5-10% of men with low testosterone are being treated with testosterone therapy.4
Concerned About the Safety of TRT?
The Safety of Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Insights from the TRAVERSE Study
The TRAVERSE study is the largest randomized clinical trial of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) to date. It was designed to examine the effects of TRT (1.62% testosterone gel) versus placebo on cardiovascular and prostate health, a long-debated topic within the medical community.
Cardiovascular Health and TRT
Study Participants
- The TRAVERSE study enrolled 5,246 men aged 45 to 80 with documented low testosterone and pre-existing or a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Patients with preexisting cardiovascular disease: 2,847
- Patients at elevated cardiovascular risk: 2,357
Findings from the TRAVERSE Study
TRT did not increase the risk of major heart problems compared to a non-treatment placebo.4
Prostate Health and TRT
Study Participants
- The TRAVERSE study enrolled 5,246 men aged 45 to 80 with documented low testosterone and pre-existing or a high risk of cardiovascular disease.
- Men at greater risk of prostate cancer were excluded, leaving a total of 5,204 participants.
Findings from the TRAVERSE Study
Incidences of high-grade or any prostate cancer were low, and there were no significant differences between testosterone-treated and placebo groups, except for increased prostate-specific antigen concentrations in the testosterone-treated group compared to the placebo-treated group.6
These findings from the TRAVERSE study help provide a clearer picture of TRT’s safety. All TRT treatments, including KYZATREX, include warnings for increased blood pressure (which can increase your risk of having a heart attack or stroke), worsening enlarged prostate signs and symptoms, and increased risk of prostate cancer, among other risks. Your doctor should monitor your blood pressure while you are being treated with KYZATREX and should check you for prostate cancer or any other prostate problems before you start and while you take KYZATREX.
References:
- Travison TG et al. A Population-Level Decline in Serum Testosterone Levels in American Men. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. Jan 2007. 92(1):196-202. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2006-1375. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
- Morales A, Bebb RA, Manjoo P, et al. Diagnosis and management of testosterone deficiency syndrome in men: clinical practice guideline. CMAJ. 2015 Dec 8; 187(18): 1369-1377.
- Endocrine Society.”Hypogonadism in Men | Endocrine Society.” Endocrine.org, Endocrine Society, 31 January 2024, https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hypogonadism. Accessed 2 Feb. 2024.
- Krakowsky Y, Grober E. Testosterone deficiency – Establishing a Biochemical Diagnosis. EJIFCC. 2015 Mar; 26(2): 105–113.PMID: 27683486; PMCID: PMC4975356. Accessed 9 Feb. 2024.
- Lincoff AM, Bhasin S, Flevaris P, et al. Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy. N Engl J Med. 2023; 389:107-117. DOI: 10.1056/NEJMoa2215025
- Bhasin, S., Travison, T. G., Pencina, K. M., et al. (2023). Prostate Safety Events During Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(12):e2348692. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2023.48692
