Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone Therapy on Musculoskeletal Health and Clinical Outcomes in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials
Authors' conclusion
After 6 months, testosterone effectively increases hip bone density and total lean mass in men, but its effects are unclear for lumbar spine bone density and handgrip strength. Further, RCTs are needed to clarify the safety and efficacy of testosterone on musculoskeletal health and clinical outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Men (≥18 years); mean age 77.1 ± 7.6 years; baseline mean serum testosterone 7.5 ± 0.3 to 18.9 ± 1.2 nmol/L
- Participants
- 1,728 men16 randomized controlled trials (RCTs)
- Comparison
- Testosterone therapy vs placebo
- Outcome
- Musculoskeletal outcomes: bone density, muscle mass, fat mass, muscle strength/physical performance
Methodological detailsplacebo-controlled, random effects meta-regression, Limited number of RCTs reporting adverse events/clinical outcomes and low incidence prohibited statistical comparisons
- Placebo-controlled
- Random effects meta-regression
- Limited number of RCTs reporting adverse events/clinical outcomes and low incidence prohibited statistical comparisons
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Musculoskeletal outcomes · 6 months
- Testosterone increased hip bone density vs placebo
- Testosterone increased total lean mass vs placebo
- Effects on handgrip and total fat mass did not reach statistical significance
Further pooled results
Musculoskeletal outcomes · 12 months
- No significant effects of testosterone on musculoskeletal outcomes
Original publication
Safety and Efficacy of Testosterone Therapy on Musculoskeletal Health and Clinical Outcomes in Men: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trials. Endocr Pract. Published 8 May 2023. doi:10.
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