Low testosterone? Hegseth sparks conversation as doctors reveal warning signs every man should know
For men whose low testosterone is primarily related to obesity, weight loss is typically the first-line treatment, according to the Endocrine Society.
When consistently low levels and clinically significant symptoms are present, TRT may be considered after reviewing potential benefits, risks and treatment goals.
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TRT can be administered in the form of topical gels, transdermal patches, injections, buccal tablets, nasal gel or subcutaneous pellets, per the Endocrine Society.
In June 2026, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced that it has asked the FDA to update the prescribing information for TRT based on “a comprehensive review of new clinical data and existing scientific evidence.”
Before prescribing TRT, doctors generally look for potentially reversible or temporary factors, including obesity, certain medications, untreated obstructive sleep apnea, acute illness and excessive alcohol use. (iStock)
The proposed changes would remove labeling language stating that the safety and effectiveness of TRT have not been established in men with age-related hypogonadism and would update information about prostate cancer risk based on newer research.
“We are putting science back at the center of men’s healthcare,” said HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., in a statement on the HHS website.
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“By updating testosterone therapy labels to reflect current evidence, we are giving patients and physicians clearer information, supporting informed medical decisions, and improving care for millions of American men.”
The announcement only pertains to drug labeling and does not change existing clinical guidelines.
Potential risks of TRT
Some patients may not be candidates for TRT, the Endocrine Society says.
Those include men with active breast or prostate cancer, elevated hematocrit (the percentage of total blood volume that consists of red blood cells), untreated severe obstructive sleep apnea, recent heart attack or stroke (within the previous six months) or thrombophilia (a blood disorder that increases your tendency to form abnormal clots inside your blood vessels).
“Low testosterone can cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, bone and muscle loss, cognitive problems and increased body fat,” a doctor said. (iStock)
Men who are trying to conceive should also avoid TRT, as it suppresses sperm production and can impair fertility.
Those receiving TRT should be monitored regularly by a physician, experts advise. Follow-up typically includes checking hormone levels, blood counts (as the treatment can increase red blood cell levels), symptoms and, when appropriate, prostate health and other potential adverse effects.
Latest evidence on TRT safety
In 2023, the TRAVERSE trial — led by Cleveland Clinic and published in The New England Journal of Medicine — found that TRT did not increase the overall rate of heart attack, stroke or cardiovascular death compared with placebo among middle-aged and older men who had confirmed hypogonadism and pre-existing cardiovascular disease or high cardiovascular risk.
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The trial did, however, suggest increased rates of pulmonary embolism, kidney injury and atrial fibrillation in the testosterone group, highlighting the importance of ongoing monitoring.
While TRT has been shown to improve libido, sexual function, anemia, bone density, lean body mass and some symptoms in appropriately selected men, doctors emphasize that it is not guaranteed to improve energy, cognition or overall vitality. (iStock)
A separately published TRAVERSE substudy later found a higher rate of clinical fractures among men receiving testosterone.
“The results provide long-awaited reassurance about the cardiovascular safety of testosterone therapy when used as indicated in appropriately selected men,” said senior author Steven Nissen, MD, chief academic officer of the Heart, Vascular Thoracic Institute at Cleveland Clinic, in a press release.
“Low testosterone can cause chronic fatigue, weight gain, bone and muscle loss, cognitive problems and increased body fat.”
Article source: https://www.foxnews.com/health/low-testosterone-hegseth-sparks-conversation-doctors-reveal-warning-signs-every-man-should-know