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Testosterone Therapy Not Without Risks

By Dr. Brian McDonough, Medical Editor

PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - If you hear the advertisements, the claims are dramatic: stronger bones, muscles and better sexual health. More energy.

Testosterone therapy promises all this and more to men with low hormone levels. But now, new research has raised concerns about the risk for heart attacks and strokes in some men who take it.

The FDA has launched an investigation as a result.

Testosterone therapy was linked to a 30 percent increased risk for stroke, heart attack, and death in older men with an average age of 60. In another study, men older than age 65 had double the risk of having a heart attack in the 90 days after taking home a testosterone prescription.

The bottom line is to check it out closely with a physician if you take testosterone.

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