Who really needs testosterone?

Key Points:

• Dr. Jamin Brahmbhatt, a urologist, notes that many men suspect low testosterone based on symptoms like fatigue and low libido, but actual hormone levels often remain normal, with factors like sleep and stress playing significant roles.
• Testosterone therapy is gaining cultural attention, fueled by social media influencers and online clinics, but experts caution that not all men need treatment and emphasize the importance of proper testing and medical supervision.
• The FDA is considering loosening restrictions on testosterone therapy to include men with low libido and low testosterone regardless of cause, a move supported by some experts but criticized by others who worry about insufficient long-term safety data.
• Recent large studies have alleviated some cardiovascular safety concerns about testosterone therapy, but questions remain, and experts stress that benefits are primarily seen in men with clearly low testosterone levels and related symptoms.
• Testosterone therapy can improve libido, energy, and bone density in older men with confirmed low levels, but risks include fertility suppression, and lifestyle changes may be a preferable alternative for some patients.