More men using testosterone for anti-ageing

It is touted as the fountain of youth: the hormone testosterone, which some men say helps them build muscle, lose weight and gain energy.

In the United States, prescriptions for testosterone therapy have increased significantly in the past 10 years, according to a study in JAMA Internal Medicine. 

who received testosterone therapy had lower than normal levels of testosterone.

But around 25 per cent did not have their testosterone levels tested before starting the treatment.

In Australia, there has been a similar increase in men using testosterone, particularly with the introduction of two new testosterone products: a long-acting injection and a gel.

Dr David Handelsman, from the Anzac Research Institute, found that testosterone prescribing increased in all states and territories from 1992 until 2010. 

from the pharmaceutical benefits scheme show the number of men using long-acting testosterone injections has almost doubled.

Dr Handelsman is concerned about the increase.

“It’s wasteful, it’s misguided, it’s not rational prescribing,” he said.

“The risks are accelerating cardiovascular disease and accelerating prostate disease. The risks are not facts yet but they are very good reasons to be cautious.” 

‘I feel fantastic’

But American patient Chris Running, 57, says testosterone is a wonder drug, helping him to lose weight and gain muscle.

“When I look in the mirror and I feel frigging fantastic,” he said. 

There are legitimate reasons for men to use testosterone.

Men suffering androgen deficiency or a condition called Klinefelter syndrome can be prescribed it as a treatment.

But Dr Handlesman says there has been no increase in men being diagnosed with that condition.

Instead he says it is being promoted with “speculative, non-approved indications such as andro-pause (male menopause) or male sexual dysfunction”.curate

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More men using testosterone for anti-ageing