Tulane professor helps set testosterone therapy guidelines

Tulane University School of Medicine Professor of Urology and Chief of Andrology Dr. Wayne Hellstrom served on a panel that provided guidance on the use of testosterone therapy and its potential risks.

Hellstrom joined other men’s health experts in developing new guidance for physicians in Mayo Clinic Proceedings. According to Hellstrom, there is a lot of confusion among patients and doctors alike due to several studies that seem to contradict other. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration requires that manufacturers have a warning that indicates that testosterone can increase the risk of a heart attack or stroke.
  
“Testosterone replacement therapy in patients who have documented hypogonadism is safe and beneficial, provided they are treated and followed appropriately by a physician,” Hellstrom said.

Testosterone treatments are prescribed for men who have lower testosterone production due to an injury or adult onset hypogonadism, a condition that limits the amount of testosterone produced by the body. It is not recommended for testosterone loss due to advanced aging. The panel indicates that older men with low testosterone are at greater risks of other conditions that can increase chances of cardiovascular diseases and events.
  
This panel also concluded that patients on testosterone therapy should be monitored regularly by their doctor.