Question: Do testosterone supplements increase prostate cancer risk?

A hypothetical scenario: When my husband’s sex drive started tanking several years ago, his doctor diagnosed him with having low testosterone.

He’s been taking a testosterone supplement since then, which has been great for his energy levels and our sex life. But I just read in the newspaper that high testosterone can increase a man’s risk of prostate cancer. Is my husband in danger?

Answer: While there’s no solid evidence that even decades-long use of testosterone supplements increases a man’s risk of prostate cancer, the disease is a possibility for every man.

So get a prostate examination, including a prostate-specific antigen (PSA) test, at least once a year.

He should also have his testosterone and blood pressure levels monitored by his physician every six months since testosterone levels that get too high have indeed been linked to high blood pressure.

One final word of caution: These hormone supplements can interact with other medications (such as cholesterol meds), so he should ask his doctor or pharmacist about possible interactions if he is taking other prescription drugs. [source: John P. Mulhall, M.D., Cornell University]