Testosterone Supplements?

Testosterone supplements are often used by males who are looking to increase their sex hormones for various reasons, from muscle development to a raised sexual libido. While you can find testosterone supplements at stores that sell nutrition-related products, the jury is still out on whether these supplements really work.

A recent study of men 65 years and older with low hormone levels found that testosterone gel had a moderate effect regarding their walking strength or ability to have sex.

Even though the study showed some signs of improvement among those that participated in the study, according to Dr. Peter Snyder, the lead author and a University of Pennsylvania hormone specialist, they still aren’t sure if they can recommend the treatment for older men with low testosterone.

“Making a recommendation depends on knowing all the benefits versus risks,” the professor told the Associated Press. “We still don’t know everything we want to know.” The study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine.

A 2015 trial found that testosterone supplements didn’t improve the abilities of a group of older men.

“That was the surprising thing,”Dr. Shalender Bhasin, study author and director of the Boston Claude D. Pepper Older Americans Independence Center at Brigham and Women’s Hospital in Boston, told WebMD. “Many middle-aged and older men take testosterone because they feel it will improve their sex life, but the study showed that men who had low-normal or slightly low levels did not show any improvement.”

Most young men, whose bodies are full of testosterone, don’t have to worry about using the supplements. There is very little evidence that testosterone supplements do anything for healthy men.

“Although some men believe that taking testosterone medications may help them feel younger and more vigorous as they age, few rigorous studies have examined testosterone therapy in men who have healthy testosterone levels,” according to the Mayo Clinic. “And some small studies have revealed mixed results.”

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After age 50

Testosterone naturally declines as men age, and after 50 the drop becomes more noticeable. On average, testosterone levels decrease about 1% per year after age 30, but the effects often become more apparent in the fifth and sixth decades of life. This gradual decline is sometimes referred to as “andropause.”

Lower testosterone can affect both physical and mental health. Many men experience reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, lower energy levels, and decreased strength. Bone density may also decline, raising the risk of fractures. Beyond physical changes, low testosterone can contribute to mood swings, irritability, difficulty concentrating, and even symptoms of depression. A reduced sex drive and changes in sexual performance are also common concerns.

However, testosterone loss after 50 is not entirely unavoidable or untreatable. Lifestyle choices play a major role in hormone health. Regular strength training, quality sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and essential nutrients can help support natural testosterone production. Maintaining a healthy weight is especially important, as excess body fat can further lower hormone levels.

For men experiencing significant symptoms, medical evaluation is essential. A healthcare provider can assess hormone levels and discuss appropriate options, which may include lifestyle adjustments or medically supervised treatment.