From the Popular Press: What Your Patients are Reading:

Older men with low testosterone levels may benefit from injections of the hormone testosterone. Testosterone therapy may improve bone density and reduce bone loss, which may prevent the development of osteoporosis. It has also been linked to improved muscle mass in some men. Long-term data is not yet available, however, the results of a 5 month-trial showed that testosterone injections aided in preserving bone mass. The men involved in the study ranged in age from 60 to 85, and received either weekly injections of testosterone, bimonthly testosterone injections, or placebo. Researchers believe that testosterone therapy may be able to prevent osteoporosis in men. Previous research suggests that men with low testosterone levels have a markedly higher risk of osteoporotic fractures. The side effects of testosterone therapy may include increased risk of prostate cancer and high levels of red blood cells. The long-term effects of the hormone have not yet been studied. A larger and longer-term trial is needed to fully assess the possible risks and benefits of testosterone therapy.

Read the full text of the article on healthday.com