A new study has found that testosterone therapy may increase the risk of blood clots. The study found that men on testosterone therapies had a 63 percent higher risk of developing a potentially fatal blood clot known as venous thromboembolism (VTE).
VTE can lead to stroke, organ damage, heart attack, or even death.
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Lead researcher Dr. Carlos Martinez explained, “Risk peaks rapidly in the first six months of treatment and lasts for about nine months, and fades gradually thereafter.”
Millions of men are taking some form of testosterone therapy to improve stamina, libido, and strength. Other studies have pointed to estrogen therapies contributing to blood clots in women.
The researchers reviewed data from 19,000 men with confirmed VTE. These men were compared to 909,000 age-matched men who made up the control group.
Within the first six months of testosterone therapy, there was a 63 percent increase in the risk of blood clots, compared to the men not taking testosterone therapy.
Past president of the American Heart Association Dr. Mark Creager explained, “My advice is to review the patient’s underlying risk factors for VTE, and weigh that risk against the potential benefit of testosterone therapy. These individuals should at least be made aware of the fact that their risk would be even higher with testosterone.”
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Risk factors for VTE include obesity, prolonged immobility, older age, and prior episodes of blood clots.
Dr. Martinez concluded, “Future research is needed to confirm this temporal increase in the risk of venous thromboembolism.”
The findings were published in BMJ.
Mohan Garikiparithi got his degree in medicine from Osmania University (University of Health Sciences). He practiced clinical medicine for over a decade before he shifted his focus to the field of health communications. During his active practice he served as the head of the Dept. of Microbiology in a diagnostic centre in India. On a three-year communications program in Germany, Mohan developed a keen interest in German Medicine (Homoeopathy), and other alternative systems of medicine. He now advocates treating different medical conditions without the use of traditional drugs. An ardent squash player, Mohan believes in the importance of fitness and wellness.
