Testosterone replacement in normal and pathologic prostate.

Abstract

Abstract The testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) market has grown rapidly over the past 5 years. Exogenous testosterone in various forms is now the fastest-growing medication prescribed in the USA. From 2005 to 2009, spending on testosterone jumped 115.5%, and the number of prescriptions filled increased 64.5%. One of the main reasons for this rapid growth in the TRT market is decreased concern that TRT can lead to prostate cancer. Other reasons are decreased concerns that testosterone can lead to worsening of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) symptoms. In fact, recent studies suggest that TRT may improve BPH symptoms. Although there have been marked increases in the treatment of low testosterone, lingering concerns about prostate cancer have hindered progress. There are many theories, such as the prostate saturation theory, that may help us understand why testosterone may be safely administered in men with hypogonadism with normal and pathologic prostatic disease.