TTrials Bone Study: Testosterone and Bone Density in Older Men
One year of testosterone increased spine bone density about 7% and estimated bone strength about 10% in older men with low T.
This article walks through the JAMA Intern Med (2017) paper in plain English: what was studied, what changed, what the limits are, and what it does not prove. Full citation and DOI link are at the end, with a PubMed record.
What the study found
The Bone Trial of the Testosterone Trials enrolled 211 men aged 65 or older with testosterone averaging under 275 ng/dL at nine US academic centers. Men used testosterone gel or placebo for one year, and bone was measured with quantitative CT and DXA.
Spine trabecular volumetric bone density rose 7.5% with testosterone vs 0.8% with placebo, and estimated bone strength rose 10.8% vs 2.4%. However, the larger TRAVERSE fracture substudy found testosterone did not lower fractures (3.50% vs 2.46%), so density gains should not be read as fracture protection.
Key finding (from the study record): Spine trabecular volumetric BMD +7.5% vs +0.8% placebo (treatment effect 6.8%); estimated spine trabecular bone strength +10.8% vs +2.4% (effect 8.5%), P<.001.
How the study was done
- Design: Placebo-controlled double-blind trial (T Trials Bone Trial)
- Who was studied: 211 men >=65, T <275 ng/dL
- Journal / year: JAMA Intern Med (2017)
- First author: Snyder PJ et al.
From the abstract: IMPORTANCE: As men age, they experience decreased serum testosterone concentrations, decreased bone mineral density (BMD), and increased risk of fracture. OBJECTIVE: To determine whether testosterone treatment of older men with low testosterone increases volumetric BMD (vBMD) and estimated bone strength. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS: Placebo-controlled, double-blind trial with treatment allocation by minimization at 9 US academic medical centers of men 65 years or older with 2 testosterone concentrations averaging less than 275 ng/L participating in the Testosterone Trials from December 2011 to June 2014.
What it means — and what it does not
Useful takeaway: One year of testosterone increased spine bone density about 7% and estimated bone strength about 10% in older men with low T.
Limits and caveats: Surrogate outcomes only. The larger TRAVERSE fracture substudy found NO reduction in fractures (numerically higher 3.50% vs 2.46%) - must be mentioned.
This evidence can inform a conversation with a licensed provider. It is not a guarantee of similar results for you, and it is not a recommendation to start, stop, or change any medication on your own.
Related research we cite
- Cardiovascular Safety of Testosterone-Replacement Therapy — N Engl J Med (2023); also on PubMed. Takeaway: In a 5,246-man randomized trial, men with low T on testosterone had no more heart attacks, strokes or cardiac deaths than men on placebo.
How this connects to care
AZTRT serves men in Arizona with telehealth evaluation, labs, and provider-guided plans when appropriate. Plans start at $149/month or $357/quarter and include initial labs only. Medication ships three months at a time when prescribed.
Relevant pages on this site:
FAQ
What did this study actually find?
One year of testosterone increased spine bone density about 7% and estimated bone strength about 10% in older men with low T. The design was: Placebo-controlled double-blind trial (T Trials Bone Trial). Population: 211 men >=65, T <275 ng/dL.
Does this mean I should start treatment?
No. Research informs care; it does not prescribe it. A licensed provider reviews your symptoms, labs, and history before any decision. Results vary.
What are the main limits of this evidence?
Surrogate outcomes only. The larger TRAVERSE fracture substudy found NO reduction in fractures (numerically higher 3.50% vs 2.46%) - must be mentioned.
Keep reading
- Fitness vs Smoking for Longevity: Lessons From 122,007 Treadmill Tests
- One Week of Short Sleep Cut Testosterone 10–15% in Young Men
- Can Low Testosterone Cause Joint Pain? What Men Should Know
- The Risks of Leaving Low Testosterone Untreated: What to Know
Reference
Snyder PJ et al. Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Volumetric Bone Density and Strength in Older Men With Low Testosterone: A Controlled Clinical Trial. JAMA Intern Med. 2017. https://doi.org/10.1001/jamainternmed.2016.9539 · PubMed 28241231.
Next step
Book a free consult with an Arizona-licensed provider. Bring your questions — including anything this study raised for you.
Plans start at $149/month or $357/quarter and include initial labs only. Medication ships three months at a time when prescribed.
Talk to a licensed provider. Results vary. Not medical advice.
Talk to a licensed provider. Results vary. Not medical advice.
