Testosterone therapy showed different associations with prostate cancer and prostate enlargement
Medicare records linked testosterone therapy to a lower prostate cancer hazard and a higher hazard of benign prostate enlargement.
Based on the published abstract. The full paper may contain additional methods, results and limitations.
The 30-second takeaway
This records study linked testosterone replacement therapy to opposing prostate outcomes: a lower hazard of cancer and a higher hazard of benign enlargement. Matching participants on recorded characteristics does not establish causation. The findings cannot show that testosterone caused either pattern or that it prevents prostate cancer.
The abstract leaves the reference group, individual follow-up lengths and absolute event rates unspecified. These gaps limit interpretation of both associations.
What researchers found
Prostate cancer hazard ratio
For testosterone users, the hazard was 0.84 times that of an unspecified reference group; follow-up duration was not reported.
Benign prostate enlargement hazard ratio
For testosterone users, the hazard was 1.13 times that of an unspecified reference group; follow-up duration was not reported.
How records were compared
Researchers matched men on recorded characteristics and analyzed results by age. They also examined treatment duration, administration route and aromatase inhibitor use when assessing the associations with prostate outcomes.
What hazard ratios describe
Hazard describes how quickly new diagnoses arise at a given time among people still without that diagnosis. Hazard ratios compare these rates, rather than absolute probabilities of developing either condition.
The original publication
Association Between Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Prostatic Disorders in Elderly Hypogonadal Men.
Baik SH, Baye F, Fung KW et al.
J Clin Endocrinol Metab · 2026
- PubMed ID
- 40922669
- Record checked
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