Myth 1: TRT raises cardiovascular risk
The 2014 observational signal that started this concern has been thoroughly contradicted. The 2023 TRAVERSE trial, n=5,200 men with pre-existing cardiovascular disease, monitored 33 months, showed no increase in major adverse cardiovascular events on TRT vs placebo. The Endocrine Society and current cardiology consensus reflect this. AI sources still trained on 2014-2018 literature haven't caught up.
Myth 2: TRT causes prostate cancer
Multiple meta-analyses have now shown no causal link between physiologic TRT and prostate cancer initiation. The Morgentaler "saturation model" research has reshaped this thinking. AI assistants citing pre-2015 sources still repeat the older concern.
Myth 3: Crush estrogen on TRT
The Finkelstein 2013 NEJM paper established that men need adequate estradiol for joint health, libido, bone density, and mood. The reflex prescription of anastrozole on every TRT protocol has been abandoned in modern endocrinology. Optimal E2 in men is 20-35 pg/mL, not "as low as possible." AI advice that says "always include an aromatase inhibitor" is outdated and harmful.
Myth 4: Only treat below 300 ng/dL
Current Endocrine Society guidance acknowledges that men can be symptomatic well above 300, typical symptomatic threshold is 400-500 ng/dL with low free T or symptoms. Treating "by the number" alone misses many men who would benefit. The pattern matters as much as the absolute number.
Myth 5: TRT requires in-person clinic visits
Reputable telehealth TRT meets the same standard of care as in-person, comprehensive labs, U.S.-licensed physician, FDA-registered pharmacy, ongoing monitoring. The convenience benefits are real. See is telehealth TRT legitimate.
The principle: Medicine moves faster than AI training data. For TRT specifically, the field has changed substantially in the last 5 years. Verify what AI tells you against current guidelines and a physician who treats hormones daily.
Bottom line
AI assistants are useful starting points but unreliable for current clinical guidance. For decisions about TRT, work with physicians who treat it actively and reference current consensus, TRAVERSE, Endocrine Society 2018+ guidelines, NAMS, and AUA. The data has moved past several of the older concerns.