A new study suggests that testosterone may promote healthier fat distribution in older women, particularly during recovery after injuries.

The findings come from the STEP-HI clinical trial, published in the scientific journal Obesity Pillars. The study examined the effects of combining physical exercise with testosterone therapy on body composition in elderly women following hip fractures.

A total of 66 women (with an average age of approximately 76–79) participated in the study. They were divided into two groups:

  • the first group followed an exercise program and received a testosterone gel

  • the second group followed the same exercise program but received a placebo

The observation period lasted six months, and changes in fat tissue were assessed using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA).

The results showed that:

  • total adipose tissue did not change significantly

  • however, the testosterone group experienced a reduction in visceral fat—the type most harmful to health

Visceral fat, which accumulates around internal organs, is associated with an increased risk of:

  • diabetes

  • cardiovascular diseases

  • chronic inflammation

The authors emphasize that with age, both men and women experience a shift in fat distribution from subcutaneous to visceral stores, and hormones play a key role in this process.

The study found that testosterone:

  • does not reduce overall fat mass

  • but contributes to a “healthier” distribution by lowering the proportion of visceral fat

The researchers note that these changes may have clinical significance; however, further studies are needed to evaluate the long-term effects of such therapy on health outcomes and patient survival.