Latest news with #testosterone
Yahoo
19 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
George Kittle opens up on bizarre NFL training method with sex life side effect
San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle might've shared too many details about his recovery treatment. During a recent appearance on the 'Bussin with the Boys' podcast, Kittle explained that he uses a Vasper machine to help improve his recovery — and the extra side effects it has on his testosterone levels. Advertisement 'I do it a little bit during OTAs (organized team activities), but as soon as I get back in the summer, it's like my cardio every day at the end of my workout,' Kittle, 31, said. 'I'll go lift, run my routes, run hills and then I'll do a 20-minute Vasper session, four days a week. I love it. 'It also knocks you the f–k out at night, unconscious. You sleep so well, and you have wild dreams, too. It's awesome … The main selling point is you, um, blow huge loads.' Warning: Graphic language The Vasper System is a recovery bike that utilizes blood flow restriction (BFR) and uses compression technology, liquid cooling and interval training to 'create the effect of a high intensity (anaerobic) exercise without the wear and tear, time, effort or stress it takes to achieve the same results with conventional exercise,' according to the company's website. Advertisement 'I was like, 'How do I say it?' I just gotta say it,' Kittle continued regarding the sexual side effects. 'That's how it was sold to players. It was like, 'Look, it boosts your testosterone, you sleep really well, you're going to feel great and you also blow huge loads.'' The Vasper machine. San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle might've shared too many details about his recovery treatment during a recent appearance on the 'Bussin' with the Boys' podcast in June 2025. YouTube/Bussin' with the Boys Kittle — who's been married to his wife Claire since April 2019 after meeting at the University of Iowa — was skeptical at first. 'I was like, 'Oh, that's bulls–t'. Not bulls–t. And then that rumor started going around,' he said. 'In 2019, there were six or seven coaches that were doing it all of the time… [like Mike LaFleur] one of my (offensive coordinator)'s, he was in there all the time, going to town.' San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle and his wife Claire after signing his contract extension in April 2025. Instagram/Claire Kittle San Francisco 49ers tight end George Kittle (85) works out with his teammates during an OTA at Levi's Stadium on June 10, 2025. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect Kittle added that he's 'lightyears ahead' of where he was last year at this time mentally and physically after having a rare postseason off. Advertisement The 49ers failed to make the playoffs for the first time since 2020 with a 6-11 mark last season. 'The one benefit of not making the playoffs is you get an entire month off. I haven't had January off since 2020,' he said. 'Mentally and physically, I'm lightyears ahead of where I was last year, which is pretty fun.' Kittle signed a four-year deal worth up to $76.4 million with $40 million in guarantees with the 49ers in April, tying him to the team through the 2029 season. He tallied 78 catches for 1,106 yards and eight touchdowns in 2024, becoming the fifth tight end in NFL history to record at least four 1,000-yard seasons. Advertisement Veterans report to 49ers training camp on July 22. San Francisco opens the 2025 season against the Seahawks in Seattle on Sept. 7.
CNET
5 days ago
- Health
- CNET
9 Foods That Will Naturally Increase Your Testosterone Levels, According to Experts
Everyone produces testosterone, regardless of sex. Not only is it a pivotal hormone in development (particularly for males) and for masculine characteristics, it's also essential for muscle growth, strength, bone density and sex drive. Like the best tools we rely on every day -- from solid routines to dependable phones -- testosterone plays a foundational role in how our bodies function, according to the director of Clinical Operations at ModifyHealth, Madison Reeder. Reeder explains that testosterone is far more involved than you would first think -- it plays are part in everything from muscle maintenance to energy levels to red blood cell production. "It plays a far more expansive role by supporting cellular signaling, protein synthesis, fat distribution and cognitive and emotional regulation," she says. Testosterone is vital for overall well-being, especially in men. Low testosterone, or hypogonadism, happens when the testicles don't produce enough of the hormone. It's more common than you might think, affecting about 35% of men over 45. To maintain healthy testosterone levels, it's helpful to moderate alcohol consumption and, if possible, quit smoking entirely. Your diet is equally important, so make sure to include these top foods (as picked out by our CNET experts) to boost your testosterone levels effectively. Why do testosterone levels vary? Testosterone naturally fluctuates. According to Dr. Justin Houman, an assistant professor of urology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, testosterone levels are generally at their highest point in the morning and decline throughout the day, in line with the body's circadian rhythm. Testosterone also changes throughout life. It increases sharply during puberty and then gradually decreases after age 30. "Beyond that, fluctuations can be influenced by a wide range of factors: sleep quality, stress levels (particularly cortisol), body fat percentage, alcohol consumption, certain medications and even acute or chronic illness," said Houman. The pituitary gland is central to regulating testosterone production in the body, and it's a sensitive system that can easily be thrown off. Things that can impact testosterone levels include but are not limited to: Medications like steroids or opioids Chronic health conditions like kidney disease, lung disease or diabetes Sleep apnea and poor sleep Stress Obesity According to the American Urological Association, low testosterone is a level below 300 ng/dL. A healthy range is considered between 450 and 600ng/dL. "However, there is no 'one-size-fits-all' testosterone level. The body's ideal level is influenced by age, sex, genetics, health history, and even how well you sleep or manage stress," Reeder said. If you're struggling with low testosterone, one of the first places you can look is your diet. Unhealthy diets or chronic under-fueling can impair hormone production while working toward a balanced diet full of nutrients can help stabilize your levels. 9 foods that may increase testosterone "There isn't a single 'testosterone superfood,' but certain foods support the body's natural testosterone production by providing key nutrients or reducing inflammation and oxidative stress," Houman said. The nutritional content of certain foods can give you a leg up when it comes to testosterone, especially if you're deficient in that particular nutrient. Reeder pointed to zinc, vitamin D, magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids and high-quality protein as pivotal nutrients for healthy testosterone production. Adding the foods on this list to your diet won't magically fix low testosterone levels. However, being intentional about making good food choices can help supplement level management as you speak to your doctor. Your needs will vary depending on your age, health conditions and hormonal status. Milan_Jovic/Getty Images Leafy greens Leafy greens like spinach, kale and collard greens contain a lot of magnesium, which can help regulate total and free testosterone. Research suggests that magnesium deficiency may also play a role in low testosterone levels. Magnesium reduces oxidative stress, or the body's imbalance of antioxidants and free radicals. Reducing oxidative stress benefits testosterone bioactivity because inflammation and oxidative stress can lower testosterone levels. Eating leafy greens may help boost testosterone levels. However, if you're not a big green eater, beans, nuts and dark chocolate are also excellent sources of magnesium. Fatty fish Fatty fish have a lot going for them in the testosterone department. They are great sources of "good fats" known as omega-3s, which are known to support heart and joint health. Research has revealed that low-fat diets can be associated with lower testosterone levels. While we need more research to fully understand why this is the case, incorporating healthy fats into your diet, such as fatty fish, can benefit your overall health. That's not the only benefit of fatty fish. They have a high nutritional content of essential vitamins like zinc and vitamin D, which are crucial for healthy testosterone levels. Those with less vitamin D tend to have lower testosterone levels than those with more vitamin D. You can take a fish oil supplement if you're not a fish eater. A 2020 study found that fish oil supplements with omega-3s boost testosterone in men. Cruciferous vegetables Houman explained that cruciferous vegetables like broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts can indirectly support healthier testosterone balance by lowering estrogen levels. They can do this because cruciferous vegetables have a compound called indole-3-carbinol. Some studies suggest that indole-3-carbinol may slow the growth of cancer cells, although the research is limited. DragonImages/Getty Images Eggs Eggs can help maintain healthy testosterone levels because they contain vitamin D and healthy fats. They also contain the antioxidant selenium. Animal studies have found that selenium can increase testosterone production. However, it's important to remember that we don't have human studies to draw any conclusions about the extent of the relationship between selenium and testosterone. Regardless, eggs are highly nutritious and contain other testosterone-friendly nutrients. One smaller study found that eating the whole egg will be better for testosterone levels than egg whites. Avocados Avocados are a triple threat when it comes to boosting testosterone levels. They are a great source of healthy fats and magnesium and contain boron, a trace element linked to testosterone production. One study found that within a week of taking boron supplements, testosterone levels in males increased up to 32%. Oysters and other shellfish According to Houman, zinc is an essential nutrient for testosterone synthesis in the testes. Oysters offer the most zinc per serving than any food. Other shellfish, like shrimp, clams, mussels, crab and lobster, have notable zinc levels. If seafood isn't your thing, red meat, pumpkin seeds and lentils are other zinc-rich foods. Beyond the benefits of zinc, oysters and other shellfish's antioxidant effect may boost testosterone by increasing the efficiency of the Leydig cells, the primary source of testosterone. Read more: 15 Best Food Sources of Zinc Select fruits Fruits with flavonoid antioxidants, like pomegranates, berries and cherries, can help support testosterone production. A study of active young men found that drinking two cups of pure pomegranate juice each day for three weeks helped with muscle recovery, reduced inflammation and saw an increase in testosterone. Olive oil Olive oil has several health benefits, like increasing good cholesterol and lowering bad cholesterol. There is also some evidence that it may increase testosterone. One small study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research of 60 young males discovered that a daily intake of around five teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil increased testosterone by 17%. Fermented foods Reeder explained that gut health is gaining more attention for its role in hormone regulation. Fermented foods, such as yogurt and kimchi, can indirectly support testosterone levels by ensuring your gut microbiota is healthy. A healthy gut plays a role in inflammation and hormone metabolism, so eating gut-friendly foods is always good. "While eating these foods won't artificially raise testosterone beyond your body's natural capacity, they can help create the right environment for hormonal stability," Reeder said. Jose LuisWhat is the best diet for boosting testosterone levels? Any balanced diet that includes testosterone-friendly foods is a good option. However, if you're looking for a specific diet to help you create meals, try the Mediterranean diet. It's rich in lean proteins, healthy fats and plenty of veggies. Houman explained that following a Mediterranean diet has been linked to higher testosterone levels and better reproductive health in men. You don't have to follow the Mediterranean diet to boost your testosterone levels; you can focus on healthy eating habits to see the benefits. However, it's essential to acknowledge what not to do. Houman explained that ultra-processed foods and high-sugar diets can suppress testosterone by promoting insulin resistance. You'll always want to stay away from trans fats and packaged snacks. Read more: The Best Food Subscriptions for a Mediterranean Diet That said, you don't want to cut out fats entirely. "Very low-fat diets can be problematic. Fats, especially those from whole food sources, provide cholesterol, a crucial building block for hormone production," Reeder said. Don't cut out all fats from your diet or you may see a hormone level drop. Instead, focus on high-quality fats and moderate how often you eat processed foods. If you don't know where to start with your diet or how to recognize your food patterns, working with a registered dietitian can help you find a diet that works best for your body. Other natural ways to boost testosterone Everything starts with the foods you eat, though your diet isn't the only thing that could impact your testosterone levels. Your lifestyle matters too. Other healthy habits to maintain testosterone levels:
Medscape
5 days ago
- Health
- Medscape
Adherence to Male Hypogonadism Treatment Guidelines Is Low
SAN FRANCISCO — Adherence to diagnostic and treatment guidelines for male hypogonadism is quite low, with significant differences among medical specialists, a new study found. Off-label use of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) has risen in recent years, corresponding with the advent of direct-to-consumer (DTC) advertising for TRT and the emergence of 'low T' clinics, Petra Pederson, MD, PhD, chief resident in internal medicine at Scripps Clinic/Green Hospital, San Diego, said at the ENDO 2025: The Endocrine Society Annual Meeting. 'This led to our hypothesis that [DTC] advertising in the presence of online clinics creates patient expectations that make it challenging for clinicians to practice evidence- and guideline-based care,' she said. Pederson and colleagues conducted a two-part study of adherence to TRT prescribing guidelines at their institution. The first part involved a retrospective chart review of 269 men who were prescribed TRT from January 1, 2019, through June 30, 2023, examining adherence to the 2018 Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline (CPG). Of the 269 TRT prescriptions, 67.3% were from primary care providers (54% internal medicine and 13% family medicine) and 32.7% from specialists (25% urology and 8% endocrinology). The majority of patients (72.1%) stayed on treatment for at least 1 year, with an average treatment duration of 25 months. Criteria for adherence was defined as: Confirmation of the diagnosis of hypogonadism with two separate low (< 264 ng/dL) early morning total testosterone levels. Determination of the etiology of hypogonadism by measuring luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) with appropriate laboratory or imaging follow-up based on the results. On-treatment therapeutic monitoring with total testosterone levels drawn at 3-6 months and 12 months. On-treatment safety monitoring, with hematocrit at baseline and at 3-6 months, with dose reduction if necessary and discontinuation if > 54%. Overall, the proportion of clinicians, primary care, and specialists combined who followed all four criteria was just 5.9%. The difference between primary care (3.3%) and specialists (11.4%) was statistically significant ( P = .009). By individual criteria, 17.8% overall had no low testosterone level prior to treatment, 21% among the primary care group vs 10.2% for the specialists. This difference was also significant ( P = .023). Follow-up total testosterone measurement at 3-6 months was performed for only 50% overall, 44.1% by primary care, and 62.5% by the specialists. Hematocrit testing at 3-6 months was measured at 54% overall, 48.0% by the primary care, and 65.3% by specialists. Both specialty differences were again significant ( P = .01 and P = .06, respectively). Between the two specialties, endocrinologists were more likely than urologists to follow all four criteria, 23.8% vs 7.5%, respectively ( P = .054), and were much more likely to have LH and FSH drawn (85.7% vs 16.4% for LH; P < .001). 'We postulate that these striking differences between endocrinology and urology could be related to the fact that urologists were seeing more patients who present with sexual dysfunction compared to endocrinologists, and perhaps they have more pressure to prescribe,' Pederson said. Barriers: DTC Advertising, Misinformation, Test Inaccuracy The second part of the study involved a survey to which 51 Scripps providers responded. Of those, 74% were primary care (41% internal medicine and 33% family medicine), 18% endocrinologists, and 8% urologists. All 51 reported having seen one or more patients in the last 6 months who requested TRT. The specialists were significantly more likely to report being comfortable with the guidelines than were the primary care providers and to prescribe TRT more often. A total of 74.5% overall felt that DTC advertising and testosterone 'clinics' were significant public health issues. A similar majority (76.5%) felt there was a need for more educational tools. Barriers to providing guideline-based care identified by the providers included misinformation through advertising or social media, for-profit 'low T' clinics that contradict evidence-based guidelines, patient dissatisfaction when guidelines don't align with their expectations, vague and subjective symptoms, and test inaccuracy and variability. 'We're planning to address this at our institution with a quality improvement initiative,' Pederson said. She acknowledged that the American Urological Association guidelines use a low testosterone cutoff of < 300 ng/dL, 'so we might underestimate guideline adherence with our criteria.' And she noted that a small number of primary care providers accounted for a disproportionate number of the prescriptions in their sample, which could limit generalizability. In response to a question from the audience about why the guideline adherence was so low even among specialists, Pederson responded, 'I think that they're experiencing some of the same challenges that PCPs are experiencing, which is the pressure from their patients, and also maybe issues related to tests and accuracy. And I just think the difficulty of getting patients to do all these follow-up tests when they're looking for a simple fix.' Improvements Are Underway, Patient Education Is Key Asked to comment, the Endocrine Society's CPG lead author Shalender Bhasin, MB, professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School and director of the Research Program in Men's Health: Aging and Metabolism at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, told Medscape Medical News that these findings align with those of a study his group conducted a decade ago in the Veterans Administration (VA), but that the VA has since implemented system-wide improvements. 'I think it's gotten much better. In the VA, it was very low, and it has gotten substantially better because at the VA now there's one policy. Also, the assays have gotten better.' Bhasin also pointed out that the prescribing of testosterone has fluctuated over time, dropping in 2013 after an FDA advisory about cardiovascular risk but then rising again around 2017 following the TRAVERSE trial results showing cardiovascular safety. The subsequent rise has been slower, but, Bhasin noted, 'testosterone sales are growing, and at the same time, many men with testosterone deficiency remain undiagnosed, so it's both overuse and underuse.' Also asked to comment, session moderator Ismat Shafiq, MD, of the University of Rochester, Rochester, New York, told Medscape Medical News that patients will commonly have low total testosterone due to overweight or obesity and/or sleep apnea but will have normal free testosterone. 'If that's the case, we can properly educate our patients and work on managing their weight and sleep problems. That can reverse the hypogonadism and make them feel better, rather than giving them testosterone.' And if they have both low total and free testosterone, the cause could be something reversible, such as a prolactinoma or pituitary macroadenoma. 'If we check the prolactin level and we treat them, the hypogonadism will resolve. Primary hypothyroidism, too, if treated, can resolve the hypogonadism,' Shafiq said. 'Diagnosing the patient appropriately can identify causes that can be treatable and that can improve their quality of life and improve their testosterone level too, rather than jumping into giving them testosterone.' She also noted that many patients mistakenly believe that more testosterone is better. 'We need to educate them. In my experience, most of the patients listen and understand because nobody wants to take extra medicine all the time, unless it's really needed for them to improve their quality of life.' Pederson and Shafiq reported having no disclosures. Bhasin reported receiving research grant support from AbbVie and Metro International Biotech for investigator-initiated research, with the grants managed by Brigham and Women's Hospital. He has served as a consultant to Besins and Versanis and has an equity interest in XYone Therapeutics.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
GreenShield Expands Women's and Men's Health Offerings with Canada's First Personalized Hormonal Health Program
A bold step forward in health equity and innovation to support whole person wellness, GreenShield's new nurse-led program addresses a critical gap in hormonal health care—empowering Canadians across life stages. TORONTO, July 17, 2025 /CNW/ - Three in four Canadian women experience disruptive menopausal symptoms and one in four men face hormonal shifts like low testosterone. Despite this widespread impact, Canadians still face fragmented education and a one-size-fits-all approach to hormonal health care, which can often lead to worsened health outcomes and increased absenteeism in the workplace. GreenShield, Canada's only national non-profit health and benefits company, today announced the launch of its new Personalized Hormonal Health Program—a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to support Canadians through life-stage hormonal changes. Building on the integrated capabilities of GreenShield+—Canada's first fully integrated platform combining healthcare services and benefits coverage—GreenShield's comprehensive nurse-led Hormonal Health program merges clinical insights with personalized support to proactively manage hormonal health. Whether it's navigating the effects of perimenopause and menopause, or addressing andropause and low testosterone, the program is designed to empower all Canadians to take control of their hormonal wellness with care that adapts to their needs over time. "Hormonal health is not a niche issue—it's a national health gap," said Joe Blomeley, EVP, GreenShield Health. "Nearly half of Canadian women feel unprepared for menopause, and awareness of hormonal changes in men remains limited. Canadians deserve access to care that not only informs but empowers them to thrive through every stage of life. Our new nurse-led program is designed to support all individuals with personalized care that meets their evolving health needs. By delivering integrated, whole-person care, we're advancing our mission of Better Health for All and ensuring no one feels alone on their health journey." Designed to help members understand and manage the impact of hormonal changes on their everyday health—from energy and mood to sleep and metabolism—GreenShield's program includes: A complimentary nurse intake and assessment so employees can get a full picture of their health Full hormone panel testing A personalized care plan tailored to each member's needs Virtual consultations with a hormonal health provider (e.g., nurse practitioner) Ongoing health support via direct messaging Home delivery of any required treatments The program is fully connected into GreenShield's broader ecosystem—making it easy for members to access mental health services, telemedicine, pharmacy care, well-being tools, and their benefits plan all in one place. This creates a fully integrated, holistic care journey that supports members at every stage of their health experience. Whether the member knows exactly what they are looking for, or is unsure where to begin, GreenShield+ offers a guided, intuitive experience. Key features include: Life stage-based support: Tailored content and services that evolve with the member, addressing everything from reproductive health and parenting to menopause and healthy aging. Personalized, data-driven recommendations: "Next Best Action" suggestions that connect members to the right support at the right time. An intuitive interface: Simplified coverage and care navigation, helping members make more confident health decisions. "Hormonal changes can deeply affect a person's physical, mental, and emotional well-being—often leading to lower engagement and more time away from work," said Nadim Kara, Executive Vice President of People and Culture at GreenShield. "Our integrated model is designed to meet people where they are, making it easier to access holistic care that reflects their individual needs. This program is a clear example of how we're evolving our payer-provider model to support the real, everyday health needs of those we serve—including our own employees through our Total Rewards Program." GreenShield's Total Rewards program is market-leading across three priority areas that are core to the company's values: mental health, social impact and inclusion. Notably, the program includes $10,000 of mental health coverage per year, and donation matching of $3,000 per year towards charities of each employee's choice. Last month, GreenShield's Total Rewards Program expanded to include access to its new Hormonal Health program, including three consultations with a nurse practitioner. This offering builds on GreenShield's inclusive benefits for family building, gender affirmation and more, along with expanded plan choices that employees can customize to their lifestyle, all accessible through the GreenShield+ integrated health and benefits platform. About GreenShield As Canada's only national non-profit health and benefits company, GreenShield believes health care is a right, not a privilege. We're dedicated to improving health outcomes, driving systemic change, and building a future where every Canadian can reach their full health and well-being potential. We are revolutionizing the health and benefits experience with coverage and care in one place. Through our unique integrated payer-provider ("payvider") model, we offer insurance, administer benefits and pay claims as a 'payer' while offering health services such as mental health, pharmacy, telemedicine and chronic disease management as a 'provider'. As a non-profit social enterprise without shareholders, we prioritize and reinvest our excess earnings to directly support underserved communities. Through GreenShield Cares, we've committed $75 million to improve the health of over one million Canadians by the end of 2025, focusing on mental health, essential medicines, and chronic disease management. Our scalable initiatives deliver meaningful change in pursuit of Better Health for All. GreenShield is proud to be recognized as one of Canada's Most Admired Corporate Cultures, a leading Imagine Canada Caring Company, and named on the Fortune's Change the World List. * As part of our commitment to inclusion, GreenShield recognizes that the terms "women's health" and "men's health" can be understood expansively. Our program is designed to serve all individuals regardless of gender identity. SOURCE GreenShield View original content to download multimedia: Sign in to access your portfolio
Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
The unexpected Ozempic side effect that has men rushing to get their hands on weight-loss drug
A new study suggests that drugs like Ozempic may do more than lower blood sugar and aid in weight loss - they could also raise testosterone levels in men. Researchers from Saint Louis University Hospital found that men taking GLP-1 medications, including semaglutide (Ozempic) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro), saw their testosterone levels increase by 24 per cent after 18 months of treatment. Testosterone is a vital hormone responsible for male sexual development, muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and fat distribution. Low testosterone is common in men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes and is linked to fatigue, reduced libido, and decreased quality of life. The new findings suggest that GLP-1 drugs may also improve reproductive health in men affected by these conditions. Researchers say the results open the door for further investigation into how anti-obesity medications can impact hormone levels and overall well-being. Lead author Dr Shellsea Portillo Canales, an endocrinology fellow at SSM Health St Louis University Hospital said: 'While it is well known that weight loss from lifestyle changes or bariatric surgery increases testosterone levels, the impact that anti-obesity medications may also have on these levels has not been widely studied. 'Our study is among the first to provide compelling evidence that low testosterone can be reversed with the use of commonly prescribed anti-obesity medications.' The researchers analyzed existing medical records of 110 adult men with obesity or Type 2 diabetes. All of the participants were being treated with semaglutide (Ozempic or Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity) or tirzepatide (Zepbound) for one and a half years. All three drugs are known to mimic the effects of GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body that regulates blood sugar and appetite, often leading to lower blood sugar and weight loss. None of the men were on testosterone or hormonal therapy before or during the experiment. Some risks of testosterone therapy include worsening sleep apnea, acne, enlarging the prostate or breasts, increasing the growth of prostate cancer, reducing sperm counts, causing the testicles to shrink and increasing the risk of clots, according to the Mayo Clinic. The researchers measured the participants' total and free testosterone levels before and during their treatment. Results showed that the participants experienced 10 per cent of weight loss and saw their testosterone levels rise from 53 per cent to 77 per cent. The scientists are yet to discover how GLP-1 drugs can increase testosterone. However, previous research has shown that excess fat can force the body to convert testosterone into estrogen, a female hormone. But when obese individuals start to lose weight, they reduce their body fat stores, which can improve insulin sensitivity in the body and reduce overall inflammation. Both decreased inflammation and weight loss can help the body produce more testosterone and prevent the conversion of the male hormone into estrogen. Talking about the preliminary results, Dr Portillo Canales said: 'Results from this study show that there is a direct correlation between the use of anti-obesity medications and testosterone levels. 'Doctors and their patients can now consider this class of medications not only for the treatment of obesity and to control blood sugar, but also to benefit men's reproductive health.' But despite clear results, the study authors noted that further research is needed to establish a clear link between the drugs and an increase in testosterone. However, seeing how beneficial the discovery is, Dr Fatima Cody Stanford, an obesity medicine physician scientist at Massachusetts General Hospital who was not involved in the study, told NBC News: 'The findings from this study highlight an important intersection between metabolic health and hormonal balance. 'This dual benefit underscores the potential of these medications to enhance overall health outcomes, including reproductive health, in this population.' Average testosterone levels in men are between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. Testosterone tends to decline gradually with age, starting around the late 30s to early 40s. By the age of 75, the average male testosterone level drops to about 65 per cent of the average level seen in young adults, Dr Portillo Canales said. The findings were presented today at ENDO 2025, the Endocrine Society's meeting in San Francisco.
