Kidney damage caused by testosterone pill use?

To those older men who take testosterone supplements to replace that sexual drive and muscle mass as natural testosterone product decreases, be aware that a new study involving rats indicated that kidney damage and high blood pressure could be the result of taking these products.

It's odd that the dropping production of testosterone has been linked to cardiovascular disease and now testosterone supplements are being linked with the same thing. This latest study seems to refute earlier findings, and indicates that testosterone production actually contributes to possible heart ailments. However, these findings are from rodent studies, not humans.

But renal failure? The rats in this study showed increased protein levels in their urine -- a tell-tale sign of kidney problems. The suggestion of the researchers was for doctors to use extra-special care when prescribing testosterone products to male patients. That should be a rule of thumb at all times.