The FDA still requires caution and careful prescribing but has acknowledged recent evidence showing no clear rise in cardiovascular risk for most patients. Results showed no significant increase in heart attacks, strokes, or deaths in the testosterone group compared to the placebo group. For example, observational studies that included thousands of men found no clear increase in heart attack or stroke rates among men on TRT. Another small trial in 2010 also showed more cardiovascular events in men receiving testosterone gel. Cholesterol (a type of lipids) isn’t just something to watch for on your blood test – it actually serves as a building block for hormone production. Follow your doctor’s advice about a heart-healthy lifestyle, and take any prescribed medications. Researchers have yet to provide a definitive answer about testosterone and cholesterol. Once LDL cholesterol is in the liver, this organ can filter LDL out of the body. Some evidence suggests injectable testosterone may have stronger effects on lowering HDL compared to gels or patches, but results are mixed. Physicians may combine TRT with statins or other lipid-lowering therapies to balance testosterone benefits with cardiovascular safety. Men with high cholesterol before starting TRT may see greater improvements in triglycerides and LDL, while those with normal cholesterol may mainly notice reductions in HDL. TRT often increases muscle, which may help lower triglycerides and improve metabolic function. This can lead to increases or decreases in LDL, HDL, or triglycerides. Testosterone affects how the liver processes fats. Conditions like obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, and high cholesterol are common. Another reason this topic matters is that millions of adults already have some form of heart risk. Understanding this connection makes it easier to see why doctors monitor blood tests so closely during TRT. Higher testosterone levels in men reduce the risk of becoming or staying unemployed. If a father's testosterone levels decrease in response to hearing their baby cry, it is an indication of empathizing with the baby. For instance, fluctuation in testosterone levels when a child is in distress has been found to be indicative of fathering styles. Serious side effects may include liver toxicity, heart disease (though a randomized trial found no evidence of major adverse cardiac events compared to placebo in men with low testosterone), and behavioral changes.
