Latest news with #testosterone
Daily Mail
6 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE At 46, I decided to try hormone replacement therapy. This is the astonishing impact it had on me in just one month - and why more men should try it: ROB CROSSAN
The breakthrough came with a pine marten. These creatures have seldom helped me before in my life. But on this occasion, they were unusually obliging. They proved to me that testosterone replacement therapy was working for me in ways far beyond the sexually obvious.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why we need testosterone products designed for women
Menopause is something nearly every woman will go through. As fertility ends, levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop significantly – changes that can deeply affect physical health, emotional wellbeing and everyday life. For many, the effects of this hormonal shift are more than frustrating – they can be life altering. Symptoms like brain fog, hot flushes, night sweats, headaches, insomnia, fatigue, joint pain, low libido, anxiety, depression and even bone loss from osteoporosis are all common. Read more: Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) has helped many women manage these symptoms – but one key hormone is often overlooked in both treatment and conversation: testosterone. Testosterone is typically viewed as a 'male hormone,' but it plays a crucial role in women's health too. In fact, women have higher levels of testosterone than either oestrogen or progesterone for most of their adult lives. And like the other sex hormones, testosterone also declines with age – with consequences that are only now being fully explored. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is now widely used to replace oestrogen and progesterone during and after menopause. These treatments – available as tablets, patches, gels and implants – are regulated, evidence-based and increasingly accessible through the NHS. But when it comes to testosterone, the situation is entirely different. Currently, there are no testosterone products licensed for use by women in the UK or Europe. The only exception is in Australia, where a testosterone cream specifically designed for women is available. Europe once had its own option – a transdermal patch called Intrinsa, designed and approved by regulators based on clinical evidence to treat low libido in women with surgically induced menopause. But the manufacturer withdrew product in 2012, citing 'commercial considerations' in their letter to the European Medicines Agency, the agency in charge of the evaluation and supervision of pharmaceutical products in Europe. Since then, women across Europe have been left without an approved option. In the absence of licensed treatments, some clinicians – mainly in private practice – are prescribing testosterone 'off label', often using products developed for men. These are typically gels or creams with dosages several times higher than most women need. While doctors may advise on how to adjust the dose, this kind of improvisation comes with risks: inaccurate dosing, inconsistent absorption and a lack of long-term safety data. Some women report significant improvements – not just in libido, but also in brain fog, mood, joint pain and energy levels. However, the only proven clinical benefit of testosterone in women is in improving sexual desire for those with hypoactive sexual desire disorder (HSDD) following surgical menopause. Even so, interest is growing – fuelled by patient demand, celebrity use, social media buzz and a growing sense that testosterone may be a missing piece in midlife women's care. While there is increasing consensus that testosterone can play a role in supporting women's health, the current situation presents two serious problems: Safety and regulation: without licensed products, standardised dosing guidelines, or long-term safety data, off-label use puts both patients and clinicians in uncertain territory. Access and inequality: testosterone therapy is rarely available through the NHS and is often only accessible through private clinics, creating a two-tier system. Those who can pay hundreds of pounds for consultations and prescriptions can access care, while others are left behind. There are signs of change. For example, I founded Medherant, a University of Warwick spin-out company that is currently developing a testosterone patch designed specifically for women. It's in clinical trials and, if approved, could become the first licensed testosterone product for women in the UK in over a decade. It's a much-needed step – and one that could pave the way for further innovation and broader access. But the urgency remains. Millions of women are currently going without effective, evidence-based care. In the meantime, off-label prescribing should used with care and use based on the best available science – not hype or anecdote – and delivered through transparent, regulated healthcare channels. Women deserve more than workarounds. They deserve treatments that are developed for their bodies, rigorously tested, approved by regulators and accessible to all – not just the few who can afford private care. When half the population is affected, this isn't a niche issue. It's a priority. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. David Haddleton works for and owns shares in Medherant Ltd
Yahoo
27-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Testosterone Booster Market Trends and Forecast Report 2025-2032: Personalized Supplementation, Expansion in Emerging Markets, Natural Product Development Bolster Opportunities
The global testosterone booster market is set to grow, driven by increasing health awareness among consumers. Rising from $365.8M in 2025 to $549.98M by 2032, the market thrives on demand from middle-aged men, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts. Key players are leveraging e-commerce and introducing natural formulas. Dublin, May 27, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Testosterone Booster Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2032 - By Product, Technology, Grade, Application, End-user, Region: (North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East and Africa)" has been added to offering. Testosterone booster market will grow from US$365.8 million in 2025 to US$549.98 million by 2032, with a CAGR of 6.00% during the forecast period. The global testosterone booster market is set for steady expansion over the next decade, driven by an increased focus on health, aging populations, and a surge in fitness-oriented lifestyles. With the rising emphasis on men's wellness, these hormonal supplements are gaining popularity among middle-aged men, athletes, and fitness enthusiasts aiming to boost physical performance and vitality. Testosterone boosters are acclaimed for supporting male health, enhancing muscle development, energy levels, libido, and mood regulation. These supplements contain a mix of vitamins, minerals, and plant-based ingredients like ashwagandha and fenugreek, which exhibit testosterone-enhancing properties. The increasing availability of these products via online platforms has broadened market access, as brands pivot towards direct-to-consumer models, significantly boosting market momentum. North America dominates the market due to high healthcare spending and a strong fitness culture, with easy availability through retail and digital channels. Conversely, Latin America is emerging, with increased awareness and social media influence expected to drive adoption. Europe and Asia-Pacific are poised for future growth, backed by a burgeoning middle-class, interest in natural supplements, and nutraceutical sector advancements. Market Drivers Rising Awareness of Men's Health:Men's health issues, particularly declining testosterone levels with age, are under increased scrutiny worldwide. This is spurring the demand for testosterone boosters, particularly those with natural, clinically supported claims. Increased Interest in Fitness and Athletic Performance: The urban fitness boom has bolstered the demand for testosterone boosters, viewed as essential for performance enhancement and muscle recovery. Fitness influencers and social media have further propelled their popularity among amateur and professional athletes. Aging Global Population: As testosterone levels diminish with age, older adults are pursuing hormonal support to maintain vitality, driving substantial demand among men over 40. This trend reflects the global increase in life expectancy, fueling market growth. Preference for Natural and Herbal Products: A shift towards herbal and natural supplements, free from synthetic additives, is notable among consumers. Ingredients like fenugreek, ginseng, and ashwagandha align with this preference, offering plant-based alternatives. Business Opportunities Personalized Supplementation: Technological advancements in personalized health enable tailored supplementation based on genetic profiling and lifestyle data, fostering subscription-based services and new revenue avenues for companies. Natural Product Development: The demand for clean-label and organic formulas presents innovation opportunities. Manufacturers focusing on non-GMO, sustainably sourced ingredients can meet consumer demand for efficacy and holistic health. Expansion in Emerging Markets: While North America leads the market, Latin America and South Asia represent untapped potential, with rising disposable incomes and lifestyle changes enhancing market opportunities. Competitive Landscape Companies are innovating formulations, expanding online sales, and investing in research to validate efficacy. New market entrants with niche natural and organic offerings are gaining traction. Companies Featured GNC Holdings, LLC EVLUTION NUTRITION DR. MOREPEN Roar Ambition Ltd TestoFuel Biotrim Labs Hybrid Nutraceuticals Ramini BioNutrition Pvt Ltd Nutracell Labs Nicholas Pharmaceuticals By Ingredient D-Aspartic Acid Vitamins Zinc Magnesium By Dosage Form Capsule Tablet Softgel By Source Oyster Extract Fenugreek Ginseng Ashwagandha By Region North America Latin America Europe Asia Pacific The Middle East & Africa For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Sign in to access your portfolio
Medscape
23-05-2025
- Health
- Medscape
Hip Fracture Rehab: Testosterone Gel Provides Limited Gains
Compared with exercise alone, combining exercise training with testosterone gel application did not result in longer 6-minute walk distances (6MWDs) in older women with a recent hip fracture repair and persistent mobility impairments. METHODOLOGY: Hip fractures are a significant public health issue, with up to 76% of patients in the United States experiencing functional loss despite rehabilitation. Researchers conducted a phase 3 clinical trial at eight US sites between December 2018 and August 2023 to evaluate the effects of exercise combined with topical testosterone therapy on functional outcomes in 129 women aged 65 years or older with a recent surgical repair of a nonpathologic fracture of the femur. Participants were randomly assigned to one of the three groups: Exercise plus 1% topical testosterone gel (n = 55; mean age, 79.4 years; 94.6% White population), exercise plus placebo gel (n = 54; mean age, 78.3 years; 90.7% White population), or enhanced usual care (n = 20; mean age, 83 years; 95.0% White population). Both exercise groups underwent a 24-week supervised, multimodal, high-intensity exercise program with progressive resistance training, whereas the enhanced usual care group was advised to independently perform low-intensity home-based exercise. The primary outcome was a change in the 6MWD from baseline to 24 weeks. TAKEAWAY: At 24 weeks, the mean increase in the 6MWD was not significantly different among groups: 42.7 m, 40.5 m, and 37.7 m for the exercise plus topical testosterone gel, exercise plus placebo gel, and enhanced usual care groups, respectively. The change in physical performance at 24 weeks, measured using the Short Physical Performance Battery score, was significantly greater in the exercise plus topical testosterone gel group than in the exercise plus placebo gel group ( P = .009). = .009). Among all participants, 11 (8.5%) had one or more serious adverse events during the intervention period, with the groupwise count being seven, three, and one for the exercise plus topical testosterone gel, exercise plus placebo gel, and enhanced usual care groups, respectively ( P = .48). IN PRACTICE: 'Among older women with a recent hip fracture repair and persistent mobility impairments, exercise training combined with topical testosterone therapy did not result in improvements in 6MWD compared with exercise training alone, although improvements in physical performance were observed,' the authors concluded. 'Testosterone combined with exercise might benefit physical performance and mobility for short distances and warrants further study.' SOURCE: This study was led by Ellen F. Binder, MD, Division of General Medicine and Geriatrics, Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, Missouri. It was published online on May 15, 2025, in JAMA Network Open. LIMITATIONS: The enhanced usual care group's protocol included low-intensity exercises, potentially leading to more exercise than anticipated. The findings cannot be generalized to immediate post–hip fracture recovery periods, patients with varying functional impairment levels, those with dementia, or individuals from racially and ethnically minoritized populations. DISCLOSURES: This clinical trial was supported by grants from the National Institute on Aging. Support at the Baltimore site was provided by the Baltimore Veterans Affairs Medical Center Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Centers. Multiple authors reported receiving grants, personal fees, employment, and internal research support from multiple institutes, foundations, and pharmaceutical companies.
Yahoo
22-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Canadian Sports Illustrated swimsuit model Nicole Williams English says she was 'literally crawling out of bed' before starting treatment for low testosterone
Nicole Williams English is back to feeling like herself again. The 41-year-old Canadian model recently told Yahoo Canada that she's prioritizing her health by working out regularly, eating healthfully and continuing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for low testosterone. Williams English, who appears in the latest issue of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit, said she began noticing she was extremely run down when her daughter, India Moon, was about 18 months old. This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Contact a qualified medical professional before engaging in any physical activity, or making any changes to your diet, medication or lifestyle. 'I would get 10 hours of sleep and wake up feeling like I had one-and-a-half hours of sleep. I couldn't open my eyes. I was dizzy, I wasn't feeling myself,' she said. "…I was very moody. I was snapping at everybody in the morning. I wasn't depressed, but I was just kind of mad. Angry at everything. Everything was a catastrophe for me… I was having really bad anxiety.' Williams English's husband, retired NFL player Larry English, put her in touch with a doctor based in Florida who ordered bloodwork and a full hormone panel. The results showed that she was low in testosterone, and would require daily medication to help balance her testosterone levels. 'I thought I would just go to (the pharmacy), get my iron pills, get my D3, but no. Until I did a deep dive and they really looked at my blood, I never would have known," she said. "I was literally crawling out of bed. I was really, really exhausted." Now that Williams English has found a dosage that works for her, she has the energy to keep up with a toddler and continue to grow her career. But what is HRT and how do you know if you have low testosterone? Keep reading to learn more. Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) is more than just a treatment option for women in menopause. Although HRT gained popularity in the '90s as a form of treatment to help lessen menopause symptoms — which greatly impact a woman's quality of life — its uses are not limited to treating brain fog, hot flashes and other side effects from low estrogen and progesterone. HRT can also be used for women with low testosterone levels. But it's not as straightforward as it may seem. 'Testosterone is a really important hormone in women… but it is one that has been poorly studied and really only focused on niche areas like libido and sexuality,' said Dr. Michelle Jacobson, an OBGYN and co-founder of Coven Women's Health, in an interview with Yahoo Canada. While testosterone does impact women's libido, it also impacts things like mood, energy levels and bone and muscle health, as well as menstrual cycle and fertility. Symptoms of low testosterone in women can include: Decreased libido Anxiety Depression Fatigue Irritability Trouble sleeping Thinning hair Muscle weakness Jacobson, who did not treat Williams English, explained that the lack of quality information and evidence makes it difficult to measure and understand lower levels of testosterone in women, since women already naturally have lower testosterone levels than men. Without sufficient research, there's a gap in understanding what testosterone levels in women mean for their functioning and how they feel. 'We're left with many years of kind of poor evidence that don't really answer the questions that we should have been asking,' Jacobson said. 'So we don't have strong evidence to direct the use of testosterone one way or another.' Although there are currently no Health Canada approved testosterone medications for women in Canada and no federally approved testosterone drugs for women in the U.S., Jacobson said healthcare providers can repurpose and prescribe testosterone medications that are approved for men at much lower doses. HRT for testosterone can be in the form of gels and creams, injections, implanted pellets or oral medications. Although there are benefits to using testosterone HRT for women, there can also be side effects. Potential side effects can include: Acne Oily skin Excess hair growth Weight gain Male pattern baldness Although some side effects are reversible with hormone level adjustment, there are some like deepening of the voice or clitoral enlargement that are permanent. Blood tests can help determine if your hormone levels are low, however Jacobson noted it's important for healthcare providers to consider the patients symptoms and the potential benefits of testosterone HRT. "We really need to figure out a way to meet in the middle in order to attend to not only the patients needs but their quality of life," she said. "So much of medicine ignores quality of life and focuses on what is medically necessary or indicated or contraindicated, but that informs a big part of function and compliance and well being." There are many reasons why women can have low testosterone levels. Testosterone levels naturally begin to drop as women age, particularly around early menopause. However, certain medications, like birth control and acne medications or medications for hair loss can also lower the body's level of free testosterone (testosterone not attached to protein). Women who have had their ovaries surgically removed or who live with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) can also have lower levels of testosterone. There are multiple factors that impact testosterone levels, including lifestyle factors like poor nutrition, sleep deprivation, prolonged stress, substance abuse, alcohol use and smoking. Outside of taking hormone supplements, Jacobson said there are things women can do to help naturally raise testosterone levels. "Things that you can do to help improve your testosterone are to build more muscle mass and eat more protein," she said. "It's sort of a positive reinforcement feedback loop, and that's just outside of taking exogenous (external) testosterone."
