Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s personal health regimen, including his use of testosterone as part of an anti-aging protocol, highlights his inconsistent views on health and healthcare regulations. While some aspects of his wellness routine, such as consuming raw milk, are rooted in debunked science, his testosterone use underscores his penchant for self-experimentation.
Testosterone therapy, typically used to treat hypogonadism, can improve mood, energy, mobility, and bone density in men with low levels of the hormone. However, its use in aging men with naturally declining testosterone remains controversial. The FDA advises against using testosterone to combat natural aging due to insufficient evidence of its safety and efficacy. Nonetheless, anti-aging clinics promoting testosterone therapy have proliferated, often prescribing it without thorough evaluations. Critics argue this approach risks side effects and perpetuates misuse, as testosterone has a history of abuse among athletes and men seeking enhanced physiques.
Kennedy’s embrace of testosterone and other unregulated wellness products reflects his distrust of traditional health oversight. He advocates deregulating numerous therapies, including psychedelics, peptides, and raw milk, framing the FDA as an obstacle to public health. While some therapies might warrant further exploration, experts caution that loosening regulatory standards could lead to dangerous self-experimentation, wasted resources, and preventable harm. The FDA was established to protect Americans from unproven treatments, a role Kennedy seems to dismiss in favor of individual experimentation.
If confirmed as Secretary of Health and Human Services, Kennedy could push for meaningful research into therapies like testosterone for aging men, potentially benefiting public health. However, his broader stance on deregulation risks undermining trust in medical oversight and shifting responsibility for safety to individuals. For true progress, Kennedy would need to align his advocacy with evidence-based policies that balance innovation and safety.