A new Canadian meta-analysis estimates the correspondence between symptoms of low testosterone and measured values:
The summary likelihood ratio associated with decreased libido was 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-1.9), and the likelihood ratio for absence of this finding was 0.72 (95% CI 0.58-0.85). The likelihood ratio associated with the presence of erectile dysfunction was 1.5 (95% CI 1.3-1.8) and with absence of erectile dysfunction was 0.83 (95% CI 0.76-0.91). Of the multiple-item instruments, the ANDROTEST showed both the most favourable positive likelihood ratio (range 1.9-2.2) and the most favourable negative likelihood ratio (range 0.37-0.49).
The conclusion called this a "weak correlation," not sure why.
http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2016/06/20/cmaj.150262
The news article that alerted me to the study was quite negative: "The controversial use of testosterone supplements by aging men is not based on clear evidence, the Canadian authors of a new review say." Don't see this in my reading of the study.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/testosterone-aging-1.3643217
The summary likelihood ratio associated with decreased libido was 1.6 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.3-1.9), and the likelihood ratio for absence of this finding was 0.72 (95% CI 0.58-0.85). The likelihood ratio associated with the presence of erectile dysfunction was 1.5 (95% CI 1.3-1.8) and with absence of erectile dysfunction was 0.83 (95% CI 0.76-0.91). Of the multiple-item instruments, the ANDROTEST showed both the most favourable positive likelihood ratio (range 1.9-2.2) and the most favourable negative likelihood ratio (range 0.37-0.49).
The conclusion called this a "weak correlation," not sure why.
http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2016/06/20/cmaj.150262
The news article that alerted me to the study was quite negative: "The controversial use of testosterone supplements by aging men is not based on clear evidence, the Canadian authors of a new review say." Don't see this in my reading of the study.
http://www.cbc.ca/news/health/testosterone-aging-1.3643217
