New research presented at the ENDO 2025 conference on July 16 has revealed a notable hormonal benefit for men taking GLP‑1 medications: a measurable improvement in testosterone levels. While these drugs—such as semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), dulaglutide (Trulicity), and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound)—have become household names for their effectiveness in treating obesity and type 2 diabetes, this new study points to their growing relevance in men’s hormonal health.
The 18-month study followed 110 overweight or diabetic men who were not receiving any form of testosterone therapy. Researchers found that the proportion of men with testosterone levels in the normal range increased significantly—from 53% at baseline to 77% after consistent use of GLP‑1s. The men lost an average of 10% of their body weight during the same period, suggesting that the hormonal improvements were closely linked to the metabolic effects of the drugs.
According to lead author Dr. Shellsea Portillo Canales of the University Hospitals Leuven in Belgium, the testosterone normalization likely stemmed from a combination of weight reduction, improved insulin sensitivity, decreased systemic inflammation, and possible changes in aromatase activity—the enzyme that converts testosterone to estrogen. She emphasized that the hormonal boost occurred without testosterone replacement therapy, which is known to carry risks such as suppressed natural hormone production and reduced fertility.
GLP‑1 receptor agonists work by mimicking a natural gut hormone that regulates blood sugar, appetite, and insulin response. Their weight-loss benefits have been widely documented, but this study is among the first to underscore their potential impact on hormonal balance in men—a dimension of care that is increasingly prioritized in holistic health approaches.
The implications of these findings could be far-reaching. Many overweight men suffer from obesity-associated hypogonadism, a condition marked by low testosterone that affects mood, muscle mass, libido, and energy levels. Traditionally, these men might have been steered toward testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), a treatment that carries risks and often requires long-term monitoring. GLP‑1s may now offer an alternative path—improving testosterone as a secondary benefit of weight loss, without the hormonal trade-offs.
Dr. Portillo Canales noted that while sexual function and fertility markers were not directly measured in this study, related research presented at ENDO 2025 suggests that GLP‑1 therapy may positively influence sperm count and reproductive hormones. These complementary findings are contributing to growing interest in the use of GLP‑1s for men’s overall health—not just glycemic control or weight management.
The rise of GLP‑1 drugs has coincided with a broader male wellness movement, where more men are tracking hormone levels, using wearables, and seeking integrated care plans. As awareness grows around testosterone’s role in energy, metabolism, and mental clarity, physicians are increasingly discussing hormonal health as part of preventive care for men in midlife and beyond.
Still, experts urge caution. While the hormonal gains are promising, they are not universal, and GLP‑1s remain prescription medications with side effects ranging from gastrointestinal distress to more serious risks in rare cases. Moreover, these drugs are not yet FDA-approved specifically for testosterone management, and off-label use should be carefully evaluated by a physician.
Healthcare providers see potential in combining GLP‑1 therapy with broader lifestyle interventions such as strength training, sleep optimization, and reduced alcohol intake—all of which can further support healthy testosterone levels. This integrative approach reflects the evolving conversation around men’s health, which increasingly includes not just cardiovascular and metabolic outcomes, but also hormonal and reproductive wellness.
As the study gains attention in endocrinology and primary care circles, it marks a shift in how GLP‑1s are viewed—not just as weight-loss solutions or diabetes treatments, but as multifaceted tools for restoring balance in the male body. For many men, this could represent a pivotal step toward more effective, lower-risk hormonal care.
