Western tradition · Neurohormone · prescription
An FDA-approved hormone replacement for diagnosed age-related hypogonadism with real muscle and mood benefits in that population — not an anti-aging therapy, and its landmark safety trial found real trade-offs alongside cardiovascular neutrality.
Data definition. Matched records include all indexed medical endpoints for this intervention — not only longevity. Longevity-relevant records are screened separately and cited in the evidence summary below. Counts are matched-record volumes, not de-duplicated trials and not efficacy claims.
Not a supplement: testosterone is a prescription-only hormone (patch, gel, injection, or pellet) approved for men with diagnosed hypogonadism (clinically low testosterone with symptoms), not for general aging or performance enhancement.
Key active: Testosterone (androgen).
Testosterone replacement in men with diagnosed age-related hypogonadism reliably increases lean mass and modestly improves mood/sexual function, and is an active research area for sarcopenia and frailty prevention in older men; the landmark TRAVERSE trial (2023, NEJM) found no increase in major adverse cardiovascular events versus placebo in men with hypogonadism and cardiovascular risk, but it did find higher rates of non-fatal arrhythmia (including atrial fibrillation), venous thromboembolism, and fractures — findings that require an individual risk-benefit discussion. It is not FDA-approved for age-related decline in men with normal testosterone, and prostate/hematocrit monitoring is required.
Effect summary
| Health outcome | Effect | Magnitude | Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lean muscle mass (diagnosed hypogonadism) | Increases | Moderate | A |
| Major adverse cardiovascular events (TRAVERSE trial) — Non-inferior to placebo — no significant increase in CV risk found | No change | Negligible | A |
| Non-fatal arrhythmia / atrial fibrillation — Higher than placebo in TRAVERSE — a real safety signal | Increases | Minor | B |
| Venous thromboembolism / fracture risk — Higher than placebo in TRAVERSE | Increases | Minor | B |
| Sarcopenia / frailty prevention in men without diagnosed hypogonadism — Not established; not an approved indication | No change | Negligible | D |
Grade: A = robust RCTs · B = several RCTs / meta-analysis · C = limited or mixed RCTs · D = observational or early data
Dosage guidance
PRESCRIPTION ONLY. FDA-approved only for diagnosed hypogonadism with symptoms plus confirmed low serum testosterone on two morning tests — not for general aging, low energy, or performance enhancement. Requires monitoring for erythrocytosis, prostate health (PSA), and cardiovascular/clotting risk factors. Not a longevity drug; risk-benefit is individual.
Informational only — not a prescription or personalised medical advice. Consult a qualified clinician before starting any supplement or medication.
Evidence summary
Large RCT base including a major cardiovascular-outcomes trial (TRAVERSE); benefit tied to diagnosed hypogonadism, not general aging
Testosterone replacement in men with diagnosed age-related hypogonadism reliably increases lean mass and modestly improves mood/sexual function, and is an active research area for sarcopenia and frailty prevention in older men; the landmark TRAVERSE trial (2023, NEJM) found no increase in major adverse cardiovascular events versus placebo in men with hypogonadism and cardiovascular risk, but it did find higher rates of non-fatal arrhythmia (including atrial fibrillation), venous thromboembolism, and fractures — findings that require an individual risk-benefit discussion. It is not FDA-approved for age-related decline in men with normal testosterone, and prostate/hematocrit monitoring is required.
According to PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov: trial counts from ClinicalTrials.gov, peer-reviewed literature from PubMed. Counts auto-refresh weekly; last checked 2026-07-19. They include trials across many endpoints, not only longevity.
Informational only — not medical advice, a treatment claim, or a substitute for a qualified clinician. Evidence strength varies; we show mixed and null results on purpose.
Evidence collections
Suppliers
Tell us what you need and we will source suppliers for you.