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Testosterone issue is important in male health since it influences almost all body functions, including muscles and emotions. However, what happens when the levels of testosterone are low, and this hormone needs to be replaced?
In this light, it is relevant to know how testosterone replacement therapy can affect renal functions, particularly if a patient has certain renal problems.
Let’s start with the basics. Does testosterone replacement affect the kidneys? Well, from what researchers have found so far, it doesn’t seem to cause harm to kidney function in most men, even those with chronic kidney disease (CKD). In fact, some studies have shown that it might actually help in a few ways.
For instance, one team of scholars worked on a group of men with severe kidney issues. Following the treatment with testosterone for only three months, these guys revealed improvement in their general well-being. They could exercise longer, they did not feel as tired, and some of them reported better sex lives.
But it is not only the question of how people could feel good. The researchers also observed some modifications in the profiles of the men’s blood. Their hemoglobin levels increased which is useful because individuals with kidney disease have anemia; it is a condition that results in low healthy red blood cells count.
Thus, at least in some of these study’s participants, higher testosterone might simply be promoting more efficient cellular function in the red-blood-cell-producing tissues.
Now, you might be wondering, “Can hormone replacement therapy cause kidney problems?” It’s a valid concern. While the research so far is mostly positive, there are a few things to keep an eye on:
So, is testosterone therapy bad for kidneys? Based on what we know right now, it doesn’t seem to be. In fact, a big study of men with stage 3 and 4 kidney disease (that’s pretty advanced) found that after a whole year of testosterone treatment, their kidney function hadn’t gotten worse.
But here’s the thing – most of these studies have only looked at the short-term effects. We still need more research to know for sure what happens when men take testosterone for many years.
What about men who’ve had a kidney transplant? Is testosterone safe for them? Well, there haven’t been many studies looking at this specific group. Some doctors worry about things like fluid retention or how testosterone might interact with the drugs transplant patients take to prevent rejection. If you’ve had a transplant and are thinking about TRT, it’s important to talk it over with your transplant team.
Now, let’s address the big question: Is TRT safe for kidneys? Overall, the evidence we have suggests that it can be safe for many men with kidney issues, as long as it’s done right. Here’s what that means:
In 2024, a study came out in a journal called “Nutrients.” They looked at 119 men with serious kidney disease (stages 3 and 4) who took testosterone for a whole year. The results were impressive:
Another study from 2023 focused on men who were on dialysis:
So what’s the bottom line here? Testosterone replacement therapy looks like it could be a good option for men with chronic kidney disease who have low testosterone levels. The research we have so far suggests that it’s generally safe for the kidneys, but – and this is a big but – it needs to be done carefully and under close medical supervision.
Let’s tackle some common questions people have about this topic:
There’s no evidence that TRT, when done properly, causes kidney damage in men with normal kidneys or stable kidney disease.
Low testosterone is actually pretty common in guys with kidney disease. It can contribute to problems like anemia, muscle loss, and just feeling crummy overall. TRT might help with these issues.
Men on dialysis often have lower testosterone levels. The reasons are complicated, but it’s probably due to a mix of hormonal imbalances and the effects of kidney disease itself.
Yes, studies have shown that many men with kidney disease who start TRT see improvements in their ability to get and maintain erections, as well as their overall desire for physical intimacy.
