Hypogonadism, or low testosterone, is a fairly common condition that affects men as they age, leading many to consider ways to increase testosterone naturally. Testosterone-replacement therapy (TRT) is a treatment that aims to bring testosterone levels back to normal, thereby easing symptoms like low energy, reduced muscle mass, and decreased libido.
For years, there’s been debate about whether TRT is safe for the heart. Some studies suggested a link between testosterone therapy and heart problems, while others found no such connection. Meta-analyses attempting to synthesize all the existing data have also yielded mixed results.
Enter the TRAVERSE trial. TRAVERSE was a large, carefully designed study intended to settle the question of TRT’s cardiovascular safety once and for all. It was a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, meaning neither the participants nor the researchers knew who was receiving testosterone and who was receiving a placebo. The goal of the TRAVERSE trial was to systematically evaluate cardiovascular outcomes in men receiving testosterone therapy.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of the TRAVERSE trial, its findings, and what those findings mean for doctors and men considering testosterone replacement.