Research
Hormonal
Testosterone replacement therapy increases muscle mass and strength in hypogonadal and elderly men, but its efficacy in elderly women is less clear and requires further research.
Testosterone therapy can help increase muscle mass and strength in men with low testosterone, but it is not a one-size-fits-all solution. Women should be cautious as the benefits are less clear. Always consult a doctor before considering hormone therapy.
ModerateQualifiesMEDIUM confidence
Testosterone replacement has resulted in increased muscle mass (92) and strength in hypogonadal populations (10) and elderly men (116, 127) and increased strength in elderly women (27).
Why this rating
Based on randomized controlled trials, but with limitations regarding long-term risks and functional outcomes.
Source
Invited Review: Aging and sarcopenia
Timothy J. Doherty · Journal of Applied Physiology · 2003
DOI 10.1152/japplphysiol.00347.2003
narrative_reviewCited 1,766×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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- Aging is associated with a progressive loss of neuromuscular function, specifically a 20-40% decrease in maximal voluntary contractile strength by the seventh and eighth decades, primarily driven by decreased muscle mass rather than reduced neural activation.Good
- Resistance training interventions can partially reverse age-related strength losses and attenuate the decline in muscle cross-sectional area in elderly populations.Good
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