10/29/2026
One year of testosterone made older men's spine bone denser. Fewer broken bones? Not proven.
What they did: 211 men, age 65 and up, with low T. Testosterone gel or a placebo gel for 1 year. Bones were measured with detailed 3D CT scans.
What they found: Spine bone density: up 7.5% vs 0.8% on placebo. Estimated bone strength: up about 11% vs about 2%. Hip bone improved too, but less.
Why it matters to you: Weaker bones are a real risk as men age. Testosterone plays a part in keeping bone strong.
The catch: Denser bone isn't the same as fewer broken bones. A bigger study (TRAVERSE) found no drop in fractures. Fractures were a bit higher on testosterone there: 3.5% vs 2.5%.
Study: Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Volumetric Bone Density and Strength in Older Men With Low Testosterone, JAMA Intern Med (2017). https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.9539
Talk to a licensed provider. Results vary. Not medical advice.
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