USRF Research

USRF Research Helps Clarify...
Effects of Testosterone Replacement
Therapy (TRT) on Prostate

Leonard S. Marks, M.D.
Medical Director, USRF
Clinical Professor of Urology, UCLA

Effect of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Prostate Tissue in Men With Late-Onset Hypogonadism: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Leonard S. Marks, MD; Norman A. Mazer, MD, PhD; Elahe Mostaghel, MD, PhD et al
JAMA. 2006;296:2351-2361

Conclusion
"...in aging men with late-onset hypogonadism, 6 months of TRT normalizes serum androgen levels but appears to have little effect on prostate tissue androgen levels and cellular functions."


Spring, 2007--- Serum levels of testosterone, the male hormone, decline with age. Along with this hormonal decline may come a decline in the male structures and functions which are maintained by testosterone, ie, a "male menopause" syndrome. The decline may affect muscle mass and strength, bone mineral density, sexual performance, hair growth and skin thickness, lean body mass, mood, and cognition. The syndrome may be ameliorated by testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), and thus TRT is currently a widespread, growing practice.

However, when aging men receive testosterone, the potential effects of the male hormone on the prostate gland are a paramount concern. Aging men have a substantial prevalence of subclinical prostate disease, both benign and malignant, and testosterone is the primary nutrient for the prostate. Thus, a fear about the prostatic effects of TRT has been present for decades. While several studies have failed to show any overt effects clinically, none has focused on prostate tissues. In 2001 the USRF team began such an investigation. The result of that 5-year work, "Effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on Prostate Tissues in Men with Late Onset Hypogonadism," was published in a special Men's Health issue of J.A.M.A. in November, 2006.

The conclusion of the USRF study---that in aging men with low testosterone levels restoration of normal levels by TRT has no discernible effect on the prostate gland---served as a springboard for several commentaries by expert reviewers.

The JAMA Men’s Health Issue (Nov. 15, 2006) was launched with a press conference in New York City on Nov. 14, 2006. At the conference, JAMA editor Katherine DeAngelis introduced the 4 invited speakers, each of whom contributed an original research paper to the issue. In addition to the USRF article, a number of other practice-changing studies were featured, leading to substantial coverage of the Men’s Health Issue in the lay press.

Jim’s Story
---Watch L.A. businessman Jim Holland describe his symptoms and tell about participating in the USRF testosterone study, in an on-camera interview with lead author, Dr. Leonard Marks. Did Jim choose to continue with TRT after the trial? YES! And in these clips, he tells why.

Katie Couric spotlights the “Male Biological Clock” on CBS Evening News

Co-authors of TRT paper in JAMA
12 medical scientists from 8 academic centers across the U.S. contributed to the USRF article in J.A.M.A. Their varied backgrounds, special talents, and individual contributions to the project are shown here.

History of Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)


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