New Research Findings Conducted by the Low T Institute Contradict Controversial Testosterone Studies

SOUTHLAKE, Texas, May 27, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Utilizing data obtained from Low T Center (www.lowtcenter.com) detailing the clinical experience of over 39,000 patients nationwide, Robert S. Tan M.D., William G. Reilly M.D., and Kelly Cook, PA-C recently presented research findings pertaining to testosterone patients at the 2014 American Association of Clinical Endocrinologists (AACE) 23rd Annual Scientific and Clinical Congress.  Their conclusion:  "Our experience does not suggest that testosterone treatment is associated with an increased rate of heart attack, stroke, or other negative cardiac events."

In an interview Dr. Tan said, "Among the patients studied, event rates for myocardial infarction and stroke for testosterone therapy patients were significantly lower than those seen in the general population.  In addition, of the patients who had previous heart attacks or strokes, there was no evidence of worsening of pre-existing heart conditions or strokes."  Tan likens his findings to longstanding research correlating cardiac health with normal testosterone levels.  "Most research studies, in particular research on endogenous testosterone have suggested that normal hormone levels play a role in cardioprotection."  Cardioprotection refers to the prevention of coronary heart disease and the clinical improvement in patients suffering from cardiovascular problems.

Two recent controversial studies (JAMA, PLOS-One) suggested a relationship between certain types of testosterone therapy and increased risk of heart attack or stroke.  Physician groups, such as the Androgen Study Group (which includes Harvard Medical School faculty member Abraham Morgentaler, M.D.) have called for retraction of those studies due to methodological errors, and inaccurate reporting (two corrections have already been issued, and it was recently determined that the JAMA study data was corrupt resulting in the inclusion of women in a theoretically all-male study.)  They allege the studies improperly discourage patients who need treatment from seeking treatment.    According to an interview with MedPage Today, George Grunberger, MD, FACP, FACE, President-elect of the American Academy of Clinical Endocrinologists explains, "The last thing you want is patients who are doing well, to stop their [testosterone] treatment because of some headline." He also stated that Tan's results should "assure the public that if you know what you're doing, testosterone doesn't increase cardiovascular risk."

Tan agrees stating that the methodology and conclusions of the other two studies are "significantly flawed."  For instance, Tan explains, "in the JAMA paper, the mean T level with treatment was only 332.2 ng/dL, which is at the low end.  Perhaps the lower range in that study led to the increased risk of MI? In our study the mean level was 543 ng/dl, which was consistent with national guidelines."  Tan also noted that one-third of the patients in the JAMA study received testosterone patches, whereas 90% of Low T Center patients received testosterone via injection, and fewer than 1% used the patch.  Moreover, only 60% of the JAMA study patients had their testosterone levels reassessed, whereas 100% of Low T Center patients receive regular reassessments.

Low T Center follows a strict protocol requiring first a definitive diagnosis of hypogonadism (total T < 350 ng/dL and free T < 10 ng/dL), coupled with certain symptoms before treatment.  Out of the 39,937 patient records studied, about 40-50% did not receive treatment because they did not qualify for treatment.  Once treatment begins, patients receive regular blood testing coupled with laboratory work.  "I think close monitoring for safety is essential in testosterone therapy.  Patients must receive regular physical assessment and laboratory work," Dr. Tan explained. 

The Low T Institute (www.lowtinstitute.org) is a Texas-based non-profit medical research foundation dedicated to advancing the understanding of the causes, effects, and treatment of hypogonadism.

SOURCE Low T Institute