Testosterone trial looking for a few good (older) men

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The majority of men ages 65 and older today are healthy, happy and independent, but some experience changes that signal deterioration or decline.

 
Cora Lewis (far left) and James Shikany (far right) are the principal and co-principal investigators for The Testosterone Trial - a nationwide research project to see if low testosterone levels in older men are related to health or aging.
After age 30, the amount of the male hormone testosterone decreases each year. Are low testosterone levels commonly found in older men are related to health problems or just a natural part of aging? If so, would increasing the testosterone levels in these men help them feel better?

A joint effort between UAB, 11 other academic research centers and the National Institute on Aging is examining these questions in The Testosterone Trial. The nationwide, $45 million study is the largest to compare the effects of the male hormone with a placebo. The trial is enrolling men ages 65 and older to see if testosterone-replacement improves muscle strength, sex drive, walking speed, energy level, memory and red blood cell count.

UAB researchers Cora E. Lewis, M.D., and James M. Shikany, Dr.P.H., are seeking 65 to 70 healthy men, ages 65 or older, to enroll in the trial.