Semin Thromb Hemost 2011; 37(1): 087-094
DOI: 10.1055/s-0030-1270075
© Thieme Medical Publishers

Testosterone, Hemostasis, and Cardiovascular Diseases in Men

Ellen Brodin1 , 3 , Torkel Vikan2 , 3 , John-Bjarne Hansen1 , 3 , Johan Svartberg2 , 3
  • 1Hematological Research Group (HERG), Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
  • 2Endocrine Research Group, Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, Tromsø, Norway
  • 3Division of Internal Medicine, University Hospital of North Norway, Tromsø, Norway
Further Information

Publication History

Publication Date:
19 January 2011 (online)

ABSTRACT

Men have a higher incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) than women, and adverse thrombotic events increase with age. Recent experimental cross-sectional, and case-control studies have shown that testosterone may affect the hemostatic/fibrinolytic system in men in several ways. It has been hypothesized that physiological doses of testosterone would have a beneficial effect on tissue factor-induced thrombin generation and the development of CVD. The search for eternal youth has created a market for testosterone treatment in aging men during the last few years. However, whether testosterone supplementation could be useful in the treatment of testosterone-deficient elderly men is still controversial. The present review focuses on the coagulation system and CVD from the perspective of testosterone.

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Ellen BrodinM.D. Ph.D. 

Hematological Research Group (HERG)

Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Tromsø, N-9037 Tromsø, Norway

Email: ellen.brodin@uit.no