Testosterone Therapy: Potential Benefits and Risks as You Age
As you get older, testosterone therapy might seem like a promising solution. But there are many misconceptions about what this treatment can and cannot do for you. While testosterone therapy is sometimes seen as the ultimate anti-aging formula, the health benefits for age-related testosterone decline aren’t entirely clear.
Let’s explore what is known — and what remains uncertain — about testosterone therapy for normal aging.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced primarily in the testicles. It plays a crucial role in maintaining several important bodily functions in men, including:
- Bone density
- Fat distribution
- Muscle strength and mass
- Facial and body hair
- Red blood cell production
- Sex drive
- Sperm production
How Do Testosterone Levels Change With Age?
Testosterone levels typically peak during adolescence and early adulthood. After age 30 or 40, they begin to decline gradually—about 1% per year.
In older men, it’s important to determine whether low testosterone levels are simply due to normal aging or the result of a condition called hypogonadism.
Hypogonadism is when the body can’t produce enough testosterone due to a problem with the testicles or the pituitary gland. In such cases, testosterone replacement therapy—available through injections, pellets, patches, or gels—can improve symptoms of low testosterone.
Do Age-Related Testosterone Drops Cause Symptoms?
Not always. Many symptoms of aging in men may overlap with those of low testosterone. Symptoms possibly related to lower testosterone include:
Changes in Sexual Function
- Reduced sexual desire
- Fewer spontaneous erections (such as during sleep)
- Infertility
Physical Changes
- Increased body fat
- Reduced muscle bulk and strength
- Decreased bone density
- Swollen or tender breasts (gynecomastia)
- Loss of body hair
- Low energy
Emotional Changes
- Lower motivation or self-confidence
- Feelings of sadness or depression
- Trouble concentrating or remembering things
However, these symptoms may also be linked to other conditions such as:
- Medication side effects
- Obstructive sleep apnea
- Thyroid problems
- Diabetes
- Depression
Some of these conditions may actually lead to low testosterone themselves. A blood test is necessary to confirm a low testosterone diagnosis.
Can Testosterone Therapy Restore Youth and Vitality?
Testosterone therapy can help treat hypogonadism, but whether it benefits older men without that condition is still uncertain.
Although some men claim to feel younger and more energetic when using testosterone therapy, evidence supporting this in otherwise healthy men is limited. According to guidelines from the American College of Physicians, testosterone therapy may slightly improve sexual function, but there’s little proof it enhances energy or overall vitality.
What Are the Risks of Testosterone Therapy for Normal Aging?
Testosterone therapy isn’t without its risks. Potential side effects include:
- Worsening of sleep apnea
- Acne or other skin problems
- Enlarged prostate or growth of existing prostate cancer
- Breast enlargement
- Reduced sperm production or testicle shrinkage
- Increased red blood cell production, which can raise the risk of blood clots and potentially cause a pulmonary embolism
Some studies also suggest a possible increased risk of heart disease associated with testosterone therapy, though more research is needed.
Should You Talk to Your Doctor About Testosterone Therapy?
If you’re considering testosterone therapy, have an open discussion with your doctor about the possible risks and benefits. Your physician will likely recommend checking your testosterone levels on at least two occasions before making any decisions.
It’s generally not advised to treat normal aging with testosterone therapy unless there’s a medical cause for the decline.
Instead, your doctor may suggest natural strategies to help boost testosterone, such as:
- Losing excess weight
- Building muscle through resistance training
By understanding both the potential benefits and the risks of testosterone therapy, you can make informed decisions about your health as you age.
