Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) could help reduce the risk of men over the age of 60 developing the age and gender hormone-related disorder osteoporosis, a new study has found.
Research conducted at the University of Texas Medical Branch and presented at 121st Annual Meeting of the American Physiological Society revealed that TRT can improve bone density in men in their 60s and above, reducing the risk of osteoporosis.
Figures show that approximately two million males have been diagnosed with osteoporosis and another three million are at risk.
Previous studies have shown that women with low levels of estrogen and men with low levels of the testosterone are at risk of developing the disorder as reduced levels of gender hormones can lead to diminished bone mineral density.
Commenting on the findings, lead author of the study Dr Dillon said: "These preliminary data show beneficial effects of testosterone therapy on bone turnover markers in older men with low-to-normal testosterone concentrations using both continuous and monthly cycled testosterone replacement."
He added: "The effects of sex hormones on markers of bone formation are complex, but this is an important step in understanding how the process works."
