The benefits of testosterone therapy for weight loss are still being studied, but it’s clear that testosterone is responsible for increased muscle mass. Leaner body mass helps control weight and increases energy. For men with low testosterone, studies show that treatment can decrease fat mass and increase muscle size and strength. Some men reported a change in lean body mass but no increase in strength. It’s likely you’ll see the most benefits when you combine testosterone therapy with strength training and exercise.
Testosterone also helps keep your muscles strong. A lack of testosterone can lead to muscle loss and a decrease in strength. This can make everyday activities, like climbing stairs or carrying groceries, more difficult. Testosterone plays a role in how the body uses energy. Too little testosterone can lead to increased body fat, especially around the belly. This is because testosterone helps the body use food for energy rather than storing it as fat. Having more testosterone may help you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. One study found that testosterone treatment helped obese men lose weight and body fat. Another study showed that testosterone helped increase muscle mass and decrease body fat in men with HIV. However, more research is needed to know if testosterone can help with weight loss in all people.
Aging is associated with a decrease in serum testosterone levels. This decrease may be partially due to decreases in Leydig cell numbers and secretory activity. The mechanism of age–related testosterone decline is not fully understood, but may be related to increased aromatase activity, increased oxidative damage, or decreased androgen receptor numbers. Testosterone replacement therapy can improve some measures of cognitive function in elderly men with low testosterone levels.
Low testosterone levels are also associated with an increased risk for heart disease. Some research shows that men with low testosterone levels are at a higher risk for heart disease, stroke, and other cardiovascular problems. But some research suggests that this may only be true for men with hypogonadism. There is some evidence that testosterone therapy may help improve heart health in men with low testosterone levels who have been diagnosed with heart disease. However, more research is needed to confirm this.
There is no one–size–fits–all answer to this question, as the best treatment for testosterone replacement therapy will vary depending on the individual. Some men may find that testosterone replacement therapy helps improve energy levels, sex drive, and muscle mass, while others may not experience any benefits. It is important to speak with a doctor to see if testosterone replacement therapy is right for you.