When did testosterone replacement therapy start? TRT may seem like a modern treatment, but it has deep historical roots. From ancient beliefs about male strength to the scientific breakthroughs of the 20th century, TRT has evolved into a widely accepted medical solution for men with low testosterone.
A Long History of Male Vitality and Hormones
The link between the testes and masculinity was known long before science gave it a name. Ancient civilizations, like the Egyptians and Greeks, believed testicles were the source of male strength and vitality. Historical records even show that crushed animal testicles were once used in early medical practices—long before testosterone itself was identified.
The Discovery of Testosterone
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1889 – French physiologist Charles-Édouard Brown-Séquard injected himself with animal testicle extract, claiming improved strength and energy. His methods were later dismissed, but it sparked curiosity.
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1927 – German scientists isolated key components in testicular extracts that influenced male traits.
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1935 – Testosterone was successfully isolated and synthesized by Ernst Laqueur, Adolf Butenandt, and Leopold Ruzicka, laying the foundation for modern hormone therapy.
The Start of Testosterone Therapy
Once testosterone was isolated, medical use followed quickly:
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1939 – Synthetic testosterone was first used to treat men with low testosterone (hypogonadism) and delayed puberty.
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1940s–50s – Athletes and bodybuilders began experimenting with it for performance enhancement.
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1960s–70s – TRT gained limited use for age-related testosterone decline but was not yet mainstream.
The Modern Era of TRT
Since the 1990s, testosterone therapy has become more accepted, accessible, and evidence-based:
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Advanced delivery options – Gels, injections, pellets, patches, and oral tablets made therapy easier for patients.
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Clinical studies – Research confirmed TRT’s benefits for energy, sex drive, muscle mass, and mood.
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Medical guidelines – Health authorities introduced proper protocols to ensure safe and ethical use.
TRT Today in India and Worldwide
Today, TRT is a standard treatment in many men’s health clinics across the world—including India—offering life-changing benefits to men facing symptoms of low testosterone. With growing awareness and improved diagnostics, more men now have access to safe and effective hormone therapy.