Testosterone is a sex hormone mainly produced by the testes in men and by the ovaries in women. Throughout life, the higher levels of testosterone in men account for many of the male sex characteristics. For men with a condition called hypogonadism, which causes abnormally low levels of testosterone, studies have clearly demonstrated the benefits of testosterone. In recent years, interest has grown in testosterone supplementation to decrease the effects of aging, however, additional research is needed to clearly define the benefits of testosterone in other healthy, aging men.
Bone Density
Testosterone is clearly linked to bone density, according to an article published in the Journal of Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. Men with hypogonadism suffer from bone thinning and bone fractures at a higher rate than healthy men. Several studies have known that men with hypogonadism clearly benefit from testosterone treatment. Aging men also may experience bone thinning and increased risk for fracture, although no studies have clearly shown that men without hypogonadism benefit from testosterone treatment, reports the Journal of Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management.
Mood and Mental Function
Men with hypogonadism often suffer from depression and reduced mental function. Studies have shown that when men with hypogonadism are treated with testosterone, verbal memory, spatial memory and spatial cognition were all improved, explains the Association of American Family Physicians. Studies found, however, that men with hypogonadism who were given testosterone did not show a decrease in depression or improvement in mood. For otherwise healthy aging men, no conclusive benefits to mood or mental functioning have been found.
Sexual Function
Hypogonadism frequently causes erectile dysfunction and other sexual problems in men. For men with hypogonadism, research indicates that testosterone treatment increases sex drive and the frequency of sex acts, reports the Journal of Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. The results of these studies on overall sexual satisfaction were inconclusive, however. The effects of testosterone in aging men without hypogonadism requires further investigation.
Muscle Mass and Strength
Studies on the effect of testosterone on muscle mass and strength have produced mixed results. Studies have shown clear increases in lean muscle mass in elderly men taking testosterone. In some of these studies, men taking testosterone also demonstrated increases in functional strength. In contrast, other studies found increases in muscle mass without increases in strength, explains the Journal of Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management. Some men also reported increased energy level and motivation. Testosterone's ability to improve muscle mass and strength requires additional studies.
References
- Mayo Clinic: Testosterone Therapy: Key to Male Vitality?
- Association of American Family Physicians: Testosterone Treatments: Why, When, and How?
- "Journal of Therapeutics and Clinical Risk Management"; The Benefits and Risks of Testosterone Replacement Therapy: a Review
- Harvard Health Publications: Not Enough Test in Testosterone
- National Institute on Aging: Frequently Asked Questions About Testosterone and the IOM Report
