It's hard to know how many guys are taking testosterone supplements to ease the loss of sexual drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, reduced lean muscle mass, and depression. But according to the Urology Care Foundation, low levels of the hormone may affect 50% of men ages 80 and older.
And two studies show that it affects 30% of men who are overweight and almost 25% of those with diabetes.
While testosterone replacement may ease symptoms of male menopause (also called andropause), there's controversy about its side effects.
The Cleveland Clinic's TRAVERSE trial found that testosterone replacement didn't increase the risk of heart attack or stroke in men with low testosterone and existing heart conditions.
However, another study showed that it increases the risk of blood clots in the legs, kidney problems, and AFib. (Hence, the need for baby aspirin therapy along with testosterone replacement.)
Now a study in the Journal of the Endocrine Society found that testosterone users (not taking baby aspirin) have an almost 13% increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events compared to guys not on replacement.
And there may be other unwanted risks — although more data are needed to confirm that testosterone replacement increases the risks of breast and prostate cancer. (Baby aspirin decreases those risks too.)
What besides testosterone replacement will preserve and promote your testosterone level?
Avoiding or losing belly fat and maintaining a healthy weight is number one. Combine that with strength-building exercises and avoiding vaping, excess alcohol, and hormone-disrupting chemicals in plastics.
And ask your doctor about baby aspirin.