Pills for extra grunt

Will bottles of testosterone pills one day sit alongside protein powders and vitamin pills in the pantry of the gym fit mature-age man?

 

One London doctor believes so, and has founded an institute to research the benefits of testosterone supplementation.

 

Dr Malcolm Curruthers has controversially gone public in support of the male hormone, which plays a key role in maintaining body muscle and sex drive.

 

Between the ages of 20 and 80, testosterone declines by up to 50 per cent in most men. Health authorities have observed a male version of menopause - labelled "andropause" - which is characterised by lowered testosterone production, flagging libido and general malaise.

 

Many doctors have observed multiple benefits of prescribing testosterone for older men including increased muscle mass, a vigorous sex drive, and mood elevation.

 

But some scientists are concerned at the growth in the numbers of young, fit bodybuilders illegally using testosterone supplements. The boost in testosterone may place the young user at risk of developing prostate cancer.

 

Dr Carruthers, however, believes that with careful monitoring of dosages, the risk of prostate cancer is minimal for men with testosterone deficiency.

 

New forms of administering the supplement have made it even safer. Doctors in the US and Britain are increasingly recommending testosterone patches and gels which will keep the hormone level within the body's normal range.

 

Dr Carruthers argues that with the new methods of taking testosterone, the prostate is protected. Not only that, but the supplements may even offer some protection from heart and circulatory diseases, and Alzheimer's.

 

A simple blood test can measure testosterone levels, but some men may suffer symptoms of testosterone deficiency even if their test indicates normal levels. Specialists recommend a general evaluation of a man's muscle/fat ratio, mental functioning and sexual performance in order to judge if he would benefit from supplementation.