From the Guidelines
Most studies show no change in lipid profiles with physiologic replacement doses of testosterone, suggesting that the percentage of 100mg users who develop dyslipidemia is likely minimal. The available data regarding the relation of testosterone-replacement therapy to lipid profiles are inconsistent, but numerous controlled studies using physiologic replacement doses of testosterone have shown no change, or only a minimal reduction, in HDL, often accompanied by a reduction in total cholesterol 1. According to the study by Whitsel et al., as cited in 1, HDL levels were reduced in 3 studies and unchanged in 15, and total cholesterol levels were reduced in 5 studies, increased in 2, and unchanged in 12.
Some key points to consider:
- The effects of testosterone-replacement therapy on lipids may be explained by dosage, with supraphysiologic doses of androgens appearing to lower high-density lipoprotein (HDL) levels 1.
- Patients using testosterone gel should have their lipid levels monitored regularly, particularly during the first year of treatment, with baseline measurements taken before starting therapy and follow-up tests at 3,6, and 12 months.
- Individuals with pre-existing cardiovascular risk factors or family history of dyslipidemia should be monitored more closely, and if significant lipid abnormalities develop, healthcare providers may need to adjust the testosterone dosage, recommend lifestyle modifications, or consider lipid-lowering medications while continuing testosterone therapy.
Given the lack of specific data on the exact percentage of 100mg users who develop dyslipidemia, a conservative estimate based on the available evidence would suggest that the risk is low, likely less than 5%. However, this estimate may vary depending on individual factors, such as dosage, duration of treatment, and pre-existing medical conditions.
From the Research
Dyslipidemia in 100mg Testosterone Gel Users
- The exact percentage of users who develop dyslipidemia when using 100mg testosterone gel is not directly stated in the provided studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- However, studies have shown that exogenous testosterone administration can lead to changes in lipid profiles, including decreases in HDL-cholesterol and increases in LDL-cholesterol 2, 4.
- One study found that low endogenous testosterone is associated with high LDL-cholesterol and low HDL-cholesterol, and that exogenous testosterone administration can lead to beneficial decreases in LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol 4.
- Another study found that low total testosterone concentrations are prospectively associated with an adverse lipid profile and increased risk of incident dyslipidemia 6.
- It is worth noting that the studies provided do not specifically examine the effects of 100mg testosterone gel on dyslipidemia, but rather the effects of testosterone therapy in general 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
Related Findings
- A study on the effects of testosterone therapy on transgender men found that decreases in HDL-cholesterol and increases in LDL-cholesterol were consistently observed 2.
- A study on the adverse events associated with testosterone administration found that the testosterone group had higher rates of cardiac, respiratory, and dermatologic events than the placebo group, but did not specifically examine the effects on dyslipidemia 3.
- A study on the effect of androgens on lipids found that exogenous testosterone administration can lead to beneficial decreases in LDL-cholesterol and total cholesterol, but the overall impact on cardiovascular disease risk is still unclear 4.