A Systematic Review of Testosterone Therapy in Men With Spinal Cord Injury or Traumatic Brain Injury

Spinal cord and traumatic brain injuries can lead to testosterone deficiency, negatively impacting body composition and overall function. This review explores the use of testosterone therapy for men with these injuries. The review found that testosterone therapy, especially when combined with exercise, may improve muscle mass, bone health, strength, energy levels, and heart health in men with spinal cord injuries. There's limited evidence on testosterone therapy's effects for men with traumatic brain injuries, but a small study suggests it might improve strength and functional abilities when combined with rehabilitation.

• 1
  Testosterone therapy combined with exercise increased muscle size and strength in men with SCI, while testosterone alone did not show the same effect.
• 2
  Testosterone therapy improved certain cardiovascular risk factors in men with SCI, potentially reducing the risk of heart arrhythmias.
• 3
  A small study suggested that testosterone therapy may improve strength and functional abilities in men with TBI when combined with rehabilitation, but more research is needed.