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الوسم: testosterone

  • Hegseth Launches Testosterone Checks for U.S. Military Members

    Hegseth Launches Testosterone Checks for U.S. Military Members

    US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gestures as he makes an announcement about mandatory annual testosterone screening for troops 30 years old or older on July 15, 2026. — Reuters

    WASHINGTON: On Wednesday, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a new policy mandating yearly testosterone screenings for military personnel aged 30 and up. He stated that the initiative aims to address testosterone deficiencies, which can negatively impact health.

    Hegseth explained that the screenings could result in the offering of testosterone replacement therapy, designed to help soldiers maintain optimal testosterone levels to perform at their peak.

    “It’s well-documented that testosterone levels tend to decline naturally with age,” he said in a video statement.

    This screening will be integrated into annual health assessments for service members aged 30 and above. Soldiers diagnosed with low testosterone can choose to undergo hormone replacement treatments voluntarily. Those younger than 30 can also request testing if desired.

    This decision coincides with recent changes by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, which are easing restrictions on testosterone therapy, including plans to lift usage limits for men experiencing age-related testosterone decline.

    However, Hegseth’s announcement has faced criticism from Democratic lawmakers, who pointed out inconsistencies with his stance on transgender service members, many of whom rely on hormone therapy.

    “So, now you support gender-affirming care?” asked Democratic Congresswoman Summer Lee.

    “That sounds like gender-affirming care to me,” added Senator Tammy Duckworth.

  • Cannabis Doesn’t Affect Men’s Testosterone or Fertility

    Cannabis Doesn’t Affect Men’s Testosterone or Fertility

    For years, scientists have debated how cannabis impacts male reproductive health. With increasing cannabis use around the world, questions about its long-term effects on hormones and fertility have gained urgency. Some research suggests that cannabis might negatively affect sperm quality and lower testosterone levels, while other studies find little evidence supporting these claims. Due to these conflicting results, researchers have been searching for clearer insights.

    A recent study from the University of Geneva (UNIGE) in Switzerland offers a surprising new perspective. The research indicates that, in young men, cannabis use does not decrease testosterone levels—in fact, it might even boost testosterone production in the testes. The findings were published in the journal Communications Medicine.

    The study was conducted by scientists from the University of Geneva in partnership with the Swiss Center for Applied Human Toxicology. Their objective was to better understand how cannabis influences the body’s hormonal systems, especially those involved in male reproduction.

    Male fertility is affected by many factors, including hormone levels, sperm production, lifestyle choices, age, and overall health. Testosterone, one of the key male sex hormones, plays a central role in sexual development, muscle growth, bone density, and reproductive function. Because of its importance, researchers have long wondered whether cannabis use can alter testosterone levels.

    Previous research has yielded mixed results. Some studies found that cannabis users had lower sperm counts, reduced motility, and poorer overall sperm quality. Others saw little to no direct effect of cannabis on reproductive hormones. One challenge in these studies was that many focused only on individual hormones, providing an incomplete picture.

    In this new investigation, the researchers took a broader approach. They analyzed blood samples from 94 Swiss military recruits aged 18 to 23, split evenly between 47 confirmed cannabis users and 47 non-users. Rather than targeting a single hormone, they measured hundreds of steroid hormones and related compounds circulating in the blood. This comprehensive analysis allowed for a deeper understanding of how cannabis might influence the endocrine system, which regulates many vital body functions.

    Results showed that cannabis users had testosterone levels approximately 23% higher than those of non-users. Further examination revealed that this increase stemmed specifically from the testes. Hormones produced by the adrenal glands, which also produce androgens, did not show similar changes. The findings suggest that cannabis may directly impact Leydig cells—the specialized cells inside the testes responsible for testosterone production.

    The study also identified two hormone-related substances, hydroxyprogesterone and dihydroprogesterone, which are derived from progesterone—a hormone involved in reproductive health. These compounds were significantly elevated in cannabis users and may serve as new biological markers of regular cannabis use. Tracking these markers could help researchers better understand how cannabis influences the hormonal system and monitor hormone-related changes over time.

    However, higher testosterone levels do not automatically translate into increased fertility. The relationship between testosterone and reproductive health is complex. Fertility depends on sperm count, motility, morphology, hormone balance, and various other biological factors. An increase in testosterone alone does not guarantee improved fertility.

    The researchers proposed several possible reasons for the observed testosterone increase. One theory is that the body might be compensating for reduced sensitivity of certain hormone receptors caused by cannabis exposure. Another possibility is that young men with naturally higher testosterone levels may be more inclined to engage in risk-taking behaviors, including cannabis use.

    As an observational study, it cannot establish causality—only an association between cannabis use and higher testosterone levels. The most significant strength of this research lies in its comprehensive analysis of numerous hormones rather than just a single measurement, offering a more complete view of cannabis’s potential effects on the endocrine system.

    Nonetheless, the study has limitations. Its sample size was relatively small, all participants were young Swiss men, and the findings may not apply to older individuals or those from different populations.

    Overall, these results challenge the common belief that cannabis automatically reduces testosterone levels. They also emphasize how much remains unknown about the relationship between cannabis and male fertility. Further long-term research is necessary to determine if certain levels of cannabis exposure could become harmful or if the hormonal changes observed have significant impacts on reproductive health.

    This study was published in Communications Medicine.

    Source: University of Geneva.

  • Why Raising Testosterone Might Not Boost Your Energy or Mood

    Why Raising Testosterone Might Not Boost Your Energy or Mood

    Credit: Unsplash+

    Testosterone is often regarded as a vital hormone for men’s health, associated with strength, energy, and confidence.

    Because of this, many believe that low testosterone levels are at the root of issues like tiredness, mood swings, and a lack of motivation. Over recent years, an increasing number of men have sought treatments to boost their testosterone, hoping to feel more alert and balanced.

    However, recent research from the University of Gothenburg suggests that this view might be an oversimplification. By analyzing extensive data from both the U.S. and Sweden, the study indicates that testosterone is just one small piece of a much larger health puzzle.

    The study was conducted by Dr. Amar Osmancevic, a specialist in public health. He explored how testosterone interacts with various aspects of health like muscle health, inflammation, and common symptoms experienced by men.

    The findings reveal that while testosterone does have some correlations, they are relatively limited. The strongest associations were observed in sexual health.

    Men with lower testosterone levels were more likely to experience issues with libido, erection, and overall sexual performance. Yet, these links were not particularly strong when compared to men whose hormone levels were within normal ranges.

    The research also examined muscle health, reaffirming that testosterone is generally linked to muscle development. Men with higher testosterone levels tended to have greater muscle mass and lower fat accumulation within their muscles—an important factor since excess fat in muscles can impair function and affect metabolism.

    Interestingly, the study highlighted the role of estradiol, a hormone commonly associated with women, in influencing men’s muscle health. This suggests that the body’s hormonal system is intricate, and focusing on a single hormone may not provide a complete picture.

    Another significant discovery was the connection between testosterone and inflammation. Men with lower testosterone levels typically showed higher levels of chronic inflammation, which can develop gradually and contribute to long-term health problems.

    Despite these findings, the study found little evidence linking testosterone levels directly with common issues like fatigue and depression. This challenges the popular assumption that low testosterone is a primary cause of these symptoms.

    Instead, the research emphasizes that other factors, including age, lifestyle choices, existing health conditions, and especially excess abdominal fat, have a stronger impact on how men feel. This underscores the importance of lifestyle improvements over solely hormone-focused treatments.

    The results point to the need for a more holistic approach to health. Rather than relying only on testosterone therapy, adopting healthy habits—such as regular exercise, good nutrition, and weight management—can lower inflammation and enhance overall well-being.

    While the study provides valuable insights through its large-scale data analysis, it doesn’t establish a direct causal relationship between testosterone and specific symptoms. Further research is needed to clarify these connections.

    Overall, the findings challenge the common belief that testosterone is the main determinant of men’s health. Although the hormone influences certain areas, it isn’t the key to resolving widespread issues like fatigue or depression. A comprehensive approach to overall health appears to be more effective for improving quality of life.

    If you’re interested in nutrition, consider exploring current research about the optimal timing for vitamin intake to prevent heart disease and how vitamin D supplements may significantly reduce cancer mortality.

    For additional nutritional insights, look into recent studies on plant-based nutrients that can help lower high blood pressure, and antioxidants that might reduce the risk of dementia.

    Source: University of Gothenburg.