All articles tagged with #hypogonadism
An in-depth look at the surge in testosterone testing and replacement therapy driven by online clinics and ads. The piece questions whether “low T” is being medicalized through looser diagnostic thresholds, as patients report real benefits while endocrinologists warn of overdiagnosis, marketing-driven care, and uncertain long‑term risks for otherwise healthy men.
Longevity researcher Matt Kaeberlein explains his journey from suspected low testosterone in his 50s to starting weekly testosterone injections after advanced testing revealed primary hypogonadism, debunking myths about natural remedies, noting TRT stigma, and stressing that therapy works best when paired with diet and exercise, while acknowledging potential fertility effects and that stopping TRT may not fully restore fertility.
Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, affects men by reducing sex drive, muscle mass, and energy, with symptoms including fatigue, mood changes, and decreased libido. Diagnosis involves blood tests, and lifestyle changes like exercise and healthy eating are recommended, while testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be considered for some, especially older men, but is controversial for younger men. Caution is advised against online trends and unproven remedies.
A large clinical trial has found that testosterone therapy does not increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and cardiac deaths in men with hypogonadism, a medical condition where the body does not produce enough testosterone. However, the study does not apply to men who take testosterone without a medical diagnosis, and long-term safety data is still lacking. The trial was funded by pharmaceutical companies that make testosterone, at the behest of the Food and Drug Administration.
A new study finds that prescription testosterone gel does not increase the risk of heart attacks or strokes in men with low levels of testosterone. However, the FDA cautions that testosterone treatment should be reserved for men with low testosterone confirmed by laboratory tests. The study included about 5,200 men, ranging in age from 45 to 80, who were assigned to use either a placebo gel or a testosterone gel, which is rubbed into the skin, daily for 22 months. The study was funded by a group of testosterone manufacturers including AbbVie, maker of Androgel, which was the product used in the study.