The number of prescriptions written for testosterone treatments in the U.S. has more than tripled within the past 10 years, according to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA). However, researchers suspect that much of the testosterone dispensed at “low-T” clinics is not tracked, as it is often purchased with cash. In fact, the unfettered flow of testosterone has raised concerns among physicians who specialize in hormonal conditions, and those who have allegedly been injured as a result of these treatments may consider filing a lawsuit to seek compensation for their conditions.
Possible Increase in Testosterone Therapy Risks
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration released a safety announcement in January 2014 to acknowledge that the agency would be evaluating the testosterone therapy risks of heart attack, stroke and death in all FDA-approved testosterone treatments. With more medical experts turning their attention to the possible testosterone therapy risks and benefits, the media is also starting to take notice as well.
As a result, men who once believed that they were legitimately suffering from low testosterone levels may now be questioning their diagnoses. The exposure of testosterone therapy risks in the media continues to rise, and as more patients come forward to file lawsuits, more media outlets begin to take notice of the allegations at hand. Lawsuits have been filed across the U.S. by men who have experienced severe and life-threatening side effects such as strokes, heart attack and wrongful death, allegedly due to their use of testosterone treatment therapies.
Test Before Prescription
Those who feel as though they may be living with low testosterone are urged to have their levels tested prior to beginning a prescription. According to an endocrinologist and clinical director of the Mount Sinai Diabetes Center, testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, and they are highest between 8:00 a.m. and 10:00 a.m. If a man attempts to measure his testosterone levels in the afternoon, he may receive a false reading. Additionally, the blood test should be performed on two separate days in order to confirm the results.
Dr. Tamler also maintains that the most common reason for low testosterone is obesity as the fat tissues may turn testosterone into estradiol, a female hormone. As a result, the man may test for lower levels of testosterone, and the extra estradiol may disrupt the brain’s signals responsible for stimulating the production of testosterone, telling the body not to produce any more. As such, many men throughout the U.S. who are obese may find themselves diagnosed with low testosterone levels that could potentially be attributed to another cause.
According to Professor Stephanie Page in The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, physicians do not yet have sufficient information from clinical trials to fully understand the testosterone therapy risks associated with the prescriptions in older men. Although the benefits of these treatments in young men with low testosterone levels has been well-researched and established, such has not been the case in older men who use the therapies. In fact, many physicians and medical experts maintain that additional studies are needed in order to gain a complete picture of the testosterone therapy risks and benefits for men of all ages who are suffering from symptoms or conditions resulting from a natural decline in testosterone levels.
Do You have a Testosterone Therapy Lawsuit?
If you or someone you love is concerned about the testosterone therapy risks or you have suffered from life-threatening complications and you would like to determine if you have a lawsuit, Attorney Group can help. We can review your potential lawsuit, answer your questions and connect you with an affiliated attorney who can file your lawsuit on your behalf and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
