Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Don't let RA limit your routineLearn more now about a treatment that may help
Friday, March 06, 2009 R asks

Q: Raise my testosterone level or not?

I am inquiring about taking testosterone. I am a 74 year old man and I have serious osteoperosis and also an enlarged prostate. I have been taking medication for that. My testosterone level is low. It has been suggested that in addition to taking calcium, vitamin D, and a bone density medication like Fozomax, raising my testosterone level would help with the bone density problem.  It has also been suggested that this might also cause an increase in the prostate problem. Do you have any information about this?

Answer This
Answers (1)
Pam Flores, Health Guide
3/ 7/09 5:02pm

Hi R:  Your question is one that has been debated quite a bit lately.  There are Dr.s who feel that testosterone therapy can increase the *chance* of acquiring prostate cancer, but this theory has been shifting and I think you should talk to your Dr about it and if possible get a second opinion from either an oncologist or Dr that specializes in the prostate.

 

Raising your testosterone, along with taking supplements and one of the bone meds should help to increase your bone density, but since you have an enlarged prostate, you want to make sure that the therapy that will help your bones won't hinder your prostate.

 

Here are two links on this topic, that may help to explain from MedPage Today and NewsMax.  If you want to read more about this topic, look for clinical studies done by major educational institutions (New England Journal of Med, Mayo Clinic, Cleveland Clinic, National Institute of Health, Harvard etc) with *current* studies on this issue. 

 

Good luck with your decision and I hope you find a resonable solution.

Reply
Answer This

Important:
We hope you find this general health information helpful. Please note however, that this Q&A is meant to support not replace the professional medical advice you receive from your doctor. No information in the Answers above is intended to diagnose or treat any condition. The views expressed in the Answers above belong to the individuals who posted them and do not necessarily reflect the views of Remedy Health Media. Remedy Health Media does not review or edit content posted by our community members, but reserves the right to remove any material it deems inappropriate.

Ask a Question

Get answers from our experts and community members.

Btn_ask_question_med
View all questions (1303) >
By R— Last Modified: 11/02/10, First Published: 03/06/09