Testosterone replacement can be a helpful way to reverse many of the phenomena of reduced testosterone: gain vigor, increase muscle mass, and partially restore lost libido.

While low testosterone levels have been firmly and inarguably associated with increased risk for heart disease and heart attack, what we lack is a large trial involving a substantial number of men (thousands) that shows that testosterone vs. placebo yields any genuine heart attack-reducing benefits.

My prediction is that testosterone replacement will indeed reduce heart disease risk by a significant marginnot eliminate risk, but just be an important addition to a broader program of prevention. Until such a large clinical trial is performed, however, the benefits of testosterone remain somewhat uncertain.

Nonetheless, testosterone status is something worthy of conversation between every male and his doctor.

Coming next: Part II: Testosterone: A practical guide to replacement