On the one hand, testosterone therapy is a form of treatment that can improve various symptoms experienced by some men as they grow older. On the other hand, testosterone therapy is a means to profit from disease mongering.
For supporters of testosterone therapy like Dr. Morgentaler, the results speak for themselves.
"Indeed," he writes "one only needs to treat five symptomatic men with low testosterone values to become convinced: two will thank the physician profusely for restoring their sexuality and vitality, another two will report solid benefits, and one will not respond."
Prof. Handelsman believes that further research is needed. "That point requires proper evaluation, not wild guesswork by pharma or single-issue proponents who have vested interests in such drug promotion," he told MNT.
Both sides of the debate present their own evidence and refute that of the opposition, putting the lay person who lacks expertise in a tricky position when it comes to making a judgment.
The Mayo Clinic recommend discussing any signs and symptoms that could be attributed to a low testosterone level with a doctor. Being honest with health care providers, making healthy lifestyle choices and seeking help when feeling down are useful steps in tackling problems associated with aging and may help with any decision making about pursuing treatment.
It is likely that the debate surrounding testosterone therapy and aging-related hypogonadism will continue into the near future. For any patients affected by these topics, it would appear best to keep an open mind and listen to both sides of the debate while further research is conducted.