Testosterone supplements
The degree to which testosterone levels decline varies between men, but an increasing number of men are experiencing the effects of reduced testosterone levels as more men now live beyond the age of 60.
One study investigated the effects of testosterone supplementation (80 milligrams a day) in older men who had low to normal testosterone levels. Specifically, they looked at testosterone’s potential effects on:
- Functional mobility
- Cognition
- Bone mineral density
- Body composition
- Lipids
- Quality of life
They also assessed the safety of testosterone supplementation, finding no adverse effects of twice-daily doses. The researchers observed no beneficial effects of supplementation on functional mobility, bone mineral density, or cognitive function. They did, however, observe some effects on body composition and metabolic risk factors.
Compared with placebo, testosterone resulted in:
- Lean body mass increase
- Fat mass decrease
In spite of fairly limited evidence to support its health benefits, the prescription of testosterone for older men has increased dramatically in recent years; an increase of 170 percent was seen over the 5 years to 2012.
Specialists in testosterone research and reproductive health say that until there is stronger evidence of its benefits and safety, testosterone treatment in elderly men should be restricted to those with clinical symptoms of demonstrably low testosterone.
One recent study of testosterone found that its effects varied widely between different men.
The 2013 study found that lean mass, muscle size, and strength were regulated by male hormones while fat accumulation was primarily a consequence of estrogen deficiency. Meanwhile, sexual function was regulated by both androgens and estrogens.
In summary, additional research into testosterone replacement is needed for physicians to be better able to understand its potential risks and benefits and which individuals may benefit most.