A preparation claiming to support the prostate, hormones and heart combines very different expectations. For a sensible decision, first describe symptoms, diagnosis and desired benefit separately.
What TRAVERSE actually investigated
Published in 2023, TRAVERSE studied 5,246 men aged 45 to 80 with symptoms, repeatedly low testosterone measurements and existing or increased cardiovascular risk. Testosterone gel was compared with placebo. For the primary combined cardiovascular outcome, treatment met the criterion for noninferiority. [1]
This does not mean testosterone prevents heart disease. Atrial fibrillation, acute kidney injury and pulmonary embolism were observed more often with testosterone. The findings also do not automatically apply to healthy men with normal levels, arbitrary formulations or plant-based boosters. [1]
| Topic | What needs clarification |
|---|---|
| Prostate and urination | What causes the specific symptoms? |
| Testosterone | Do symptoms and repeated measurements fit together? |
| Cardiovascular risk | What individual history and treatment risks exist? |
| Combination product | Is there appropriate evidence for this exact product and goal? |
PSA and testosterone are not interchangeable measurements
PSA is produced by prostate cells. Increased levels can occur with benign enlargement, inflammation or cancer, among other causes. PSA alone therefore establishes neither the cause nor that a testosterone booster is appropriate. [2]
Likewise, improved subjective well-being does not prove improvement in the prostate or heart risk. A personal impression and a medical outcome are different observations.
One overview, separate decisions
For an appointment, record urinary symptoms, energy, sexual function, existing laboratory results and all medicines side by side. The overview helps the conversation but does not determine treatment. Include supplements as well.
Anyone unable to urinate at all, noticing blood in the urine or experiencing painful symptoms with fever and chills should seek prompt medical help. A supplement does not replace this assessment. [3]
Frequently asked questions
Does TRAVERSE prove heart protection from testosterone?
No. Noninferiority for a particular outcome is not evidence of prevention.
Do the findings also apply to plant-based boosters?
No. A specific medical treatment was investigated.
Can PSA alone explain the cause of symptoms?
No. It forms part of an individual assessment.
Is a product for three organ systems automatically better?
No. Each promised goal needs matching evidence and a safety assessment.
Read more: Diet and the prostate and Magnesium and testosterone studies.
Sources
[1] Lincoff et al., NEJM, 2023: TRAVERSE. [2] National Cancer Institute: PSA Test. [3] NIDDK: Enlarged Prostate. Sources are linked in the text. Editorial review: September 29, 2026. Not individual hormonal or heart treatment.
