Testosterone use sparks debate over medical necessity and military performance

The use of testosterone is facing increased scrutiny and debate as it shifts from a clinical treatment for diagnosed hormonal deficiencies to a sought-after supplement for physical performance and anti-aging. While medical professionals emphasize that hormone replacement therapy is highly effective when correctly indicated for conditions like hypogonadism, they warn against its use as an unproven ‘elixir of youth’ to boost muscle mass or energy.

In the United States, the debate has gained political momentum. U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced that military personnel aged 30 and older will undergo annual exams to detect hormonal deficiencies, with the potential for access to replacement therapy to improve troop conditioning.

Regulatory approaches vary by region; for instance, in Argentina, testosterone remains a controlled medication requiring strict medical prescription and documentation. Experts caution that while testosterone is vital for bone density, muscle mass, and libido, artificial elevation of hormone levels without medical necessity can lead to health risks.