US Military and Health Officials Promote Testosterone Testing and Supplementation for Aging Men
US Secretary of Defense Pete Gash, who prefers the title "Secretary of War," announced a new initiative about a month ago requiring all American soldiers over 30 to undergo testosterone level testing. Gash stated his goal is for soldiers to maintain "optimal testosterone levels for peak performance," suggesting supplementation when necessary to ensure a "healthy and clearly dominant fighting force." This interest in testosterone is shared by other Trump administration officials, including Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who advocates for easier access to the hormone and admits to using it himself.
Testosterone is widely available today, both legally and illegally, through gyms, "quality of life" clinics, and online, creating a market valued at around $2 billion. In Israel, unregulated versions can also be purchased online. Dr. Liat Barzilai-Yosef, an internal medicine and endocrinology specialist at Meir Medical Center, notes many patients buy testosterone over the internet. Professor Zvi Naor from Tel Aviv University adds that interest is especially high among wealthy men aged 60 and above.
The rising focus on testosterone aligns with two cultural trends in the US: a renewed emphasis on masculinity and the blurring of lines between medical treatments and lifestyle or longevity products. Testosterone levels naturally decline gradually from age 30, a process sometimes called andropause, which can lead to reduced sexual function, energy, muscle mass, and increased abdominal fat. However, Barzilai-Yosef stresses that supplementation depends on the cause of low testosterone, which requires medical evaluation.
There is limited evidence that testosterone supplementation benefits men with normal hormone levels, and research is ongoing. While testosterone clearly supports muscle mass and sexual desire, it does not consistently improve strength, vitality, or cognition in men without deficiency. Naor points out that testosterone may even reduce lifespan, citing historical studies of castrated choir boys who lived longer than average men.
Known side effects include worsening sleep apnea and potentially accelerating prostate cancer growth. Testosterone therapy is generally avoided in men with recent heart events or severe sleep apnea. Barzilai-Yosef warns that young men using testosterone unnecessarily risk shrinking testicles, reduced sperm production, and irreversible health issues. Despite a decline in testosterone therapy popularity after 2013 due to cardiovascular concerns, the trend is resurging following newer studies that dispute earlier risks. Nonetheless, medical professionals urge caution and emphasize alternative ways to improve health without hormone supplementation.
