The Truth About Testosterone Therapy for Men

**The Truth About Testosterone Therapy for Men**

Testosterone therapy is often marketed as a quick fix for low energy, muscle loss, or mood swings. But the reality is more complicated. Here’s what you need to know before considering treatment.

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### **What Is Low Testosterone?**
Low testosterone (or “Low T”) can cause fatigue, reduced muscle mass, low sex drive, and even depression[2]. While these symptoms are real, they’re not always caused by Low T—stress, poor sleep, or other health issues could be to blame[1]. Doctors use blood tests to confirm low levels before recommending treatment.

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### **Does Testosterone Therapy Work?**
For men with *clinically low* testosterone:
– **It can help**: Improved energy, muscle strength, and libido are common benefits[5].
– **It’s not a cure-all**: “It’s not this magic elixir that’s going to solve all your problems,” says Dr. Musi of Cedars-Sinai[1]. Men with borderline-low levels often see little improvement[1].

For others: Lifestyle changes like better sleep or exercise might work just as well—and without side effects[1][2].

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### **Risks You Should Know**
– **Your body stops making testosterone**: External doses can shut down natural production. Some men struggle for months to restart it after stopping therapy[1][5].
– **Side effects**: Sleep apnea, breast swelling (gynecomastia), infertility, and prostate issues are possible[1][5]. High doses raise risks further[1].
– **Heart health update**: A major 2025 study (TRAVERSE trial) found no increased risk of heart attacks or strokes in men using testosterone—leading the FDA to drop its cardiovascular warning label in early 2025. However, some products may still raise blood pressure slightly[3][4][5].

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### **Who Should Avoid It?**
Men with prostate cancer history should proceed cautiously due to potential growth risks (though it doesn’t *cause* cancer)[3][5], as should those with severe sleep apnea or uncontrolled heart conditions despite recent label changes[4][5].

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### The Bottom Line
Testosterone therapy helps some men but isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. If you suspect Low T:
✔️ Get tested properly first.
✔️ Discuss risks vs benefits openly with your doctor—especially if you have existing health issues.
✔️ Consider non-medical fixes first if your levels aren’t critically low.**