Global debate over testosterone use and regulation

The use of testosterone is undergoing significant scrutiny as its application shifts from clinical treatment for diagnosed hormonal deficiencies toward use as a supplement for physical performance and anti-aging.

In the United States, the issue has taken on political dimensions. 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 possibility of accessing replacement therapy to enhance troop conditioning. Meanwhile, in Argentina, the substance remains a controlled medication requiring strict medical documentation.

Medical professionals are expressing concern over a growing trend, particularly among young men, seeking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) without clinical necessity. Experts, including Josvany Sánchez of Fundació Puigvert, report that misinformation on social media platforms like TikTok is driving patients to request hormonal treatments to gain muscle mass or improve sexual performance. Doctors warn that TRT is intended for diagnosed hypogonadism and caution against the use of the hormone as an unproven ‘elixir of youth,’ noting that private clinics may be providing excessive doses to satisfy client demands.