As men age, their total serum testosterone level decreases during the third decade of life and gradually declines by 0.4-2.6. By the age of 60, 20% of the general population is termed testosterone deficient. Many physicians are reluctant to prescribe testosterone therapy, as they have been educated in the past that elevated testosterone levels can cause metastatic prostate cancer.

This data came from researches by the name of Huggins and Hodges. Their study analyzed men that previously had prostate cancer and were treated with brachytherapy, radical prostatectomy or radiation therapy. The men who received testosterone therapy had low-grade prostate cancer without evidence of metastatic disease. Eight out of the nine studies that they reviewed did not show a significant recurrence of the disease with the presence of testosterone therapy; however they did find a positive impact on treating symptoms of androgen deprivation.

If you feel that you are a candidate for testosterone therapy, discuss with your physician the various treatment options. If you do undergo therapy, remember to get your annual digital rectal exam, as well as PSA (prostate specific antigen) to monitor change.

CPC recommends patients always ask their physicians for all treatment options and to also have annual prostate screenings which includes PSA (prostate specific antigen) and a DRE (digital rectal exam).