The question on everyone's mind is the relationship of cancer and testosterone replacement.

Once a man has the diagnosis of prostate cancer, all physicians agree that testosterone must be stopped to prevent the existing cancer cells from proliferating. This is done in cancer patients by administering leuprolide, which mimics the LH releasing hormone in the hypothalamus and cutting off the supply of luteinizing hormone (LH) to the testes, preventing testosterone production. The other method is for the cancer patient to take flutamide to block the uptake of testosterone at the receptor site.

Of all studies reviewed, there still are a few that find some correlation between cancer of the prostate and testosterone or DHT levels. By far the majority of dozens of studies show absolutely that testosterone does not cause prostate cancer. There may be evidence that cancer risk may be actually reduced by keeping the ratio of testosterone/estrogen near to 40:1, as it is in a young man.

Given these effects of testosterone replacement therapy, it is not hard to imagine some males - young and old - going overboard on testosterone treatments: the young attempting to become supermen; the old trying to recapture their youth, and the sexual prowess that accompanied it.

Here again it must be emphasized, the desired goal is to bring the hormone to normal, youthful levels, not beyond. For most normal young men, trying to attain higher than normal testosterone levels is unnecessary and potentially hazardous. For older men, attaining normal levels (not exceeding them), that are in balance with their other hormones, is the proper goal. It is a goal best attempted under the care of one's doctor. Going beyond normal levels on one's own is simply to prove the old adage: There's no fool like an old fool.