An analysis of online content related to testosterone supplementation

Abstract

Objective: To describe the quality of online information on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in men.

Methods: A quantitative content analysis was conducted on websites providing patient-directed information on TRT for the purpose of treating late onset hypogonadism (LOH). Websites were identified through Google in March 2017. The DISCERN instrument was used to determine the quality of health information.

Results: A total of 20 websites met inclusion criteria. Websites were primarily from the United States (45%), United Kingdom (25%), and Australia (15%). Sources of information were cited by 40% of websites. Several websites (40%) claimed that TRT had benefits, with 25% claiming that TRT was effective for treating LOH. TRT was described as a safe therapy by one website (5%), with gynecomastia (35%) and increased hematocrit (35%) representing the most commonly described side effects. Prostate specific antigen (35%) and serum testosterone monitoring (30%) were the most commonly described monitoring parameters. The mean DISCERN score was 46.4, indicating fair quality information. The Flesh–Kincaid Grade Level was 12.2.

Conclusion: Online TRT information is incomplete, often failing to describe important safety information and the need for regular monitoring.

Keywords:

• Testosterone
• men's health
• hypogonadism
• consumer health information
• internet

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

This research received no specific grant from any funding agency, commercial or not-for-profit sectors.

Notes on contributors

Evan Sehn

Dr. Sehn is a recent graduate from the pharmacy program at the University of Alberta. He currently practices in community pharmacy, providing pharmaceutical care for hypogonadal men on a daily basis. He has an interest in geriatrics and men's health and has also coauthored evidence based-medicine summaries, answering common questions in primary care.

Cassidy Mozak

Cassidy Mozak is a recent graduate of the pharmacy program at the University of Alberta. She currently practices in the community pharmacy setting. She has an interest in research and men's and women's health.

Nese Yuksel

Nese Yuksel is a Professor at the University of Alberta and specializes in the area of women's health. She has a clinical practice in a mature women's health clinic, and conducts research on related topics, including osteoporosis, hormone therapy, and decision making for women. She also teaches on topics related to women's health (including hormonal contraception, menopause, menstrual related disorders, etc.). She has won numerous pharmacy practice and teaching awards in her career. She is also a NAMS Certified Menopause Practitioner (NCMP).

Cheryl A. Sadowski

Cheryl Sadowski is a Professor at the University of Alberta and specializes in the area of geriatrics. She has a clinical practice in an interprofessional geriatric outpatient assessment clinic. She conducts research on geriatric syndromes, interprofessional education, and pharmacy practice change. She teaches geriatrics, men's health, and topics related to vulnerable populations, including those with disabilities. She has won pharmacy practice awards for her work in geriatrics, and teaching awards for innovation and team-based teaching. She is also a board certified geriatrics pharmacist.