What Does RFK Jr. Say About TRT? The Health Secretary's Take on Testosterone

When photos of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. pumping iron at Gold's Gym went viral in 2023, the internet had questions. At 69 years old, the man was remarkably ripped. Speculation ran wild. Was he on steroids? What was his secret?

The answer turned out to be surprisingly straightforward: Kennedy openly admits to using testosterone replacement therapy.

The Gold's Gym Moment That Started the Conversation

Picture this: a 69-year-old man benching weights at the legendary Venice Beach Gold's Gym, looking like he could give guys half his age a run for their money. That was RFK Jr. in the summer of 2023, and the fitness community lost its collective mind trying to figure out how he achieved his physique.

Kennedy didn't leave people guessing for long. In multiple interviews, including appearances on Newsmax and Inside Edition, he clarified his position. Yes, he uses testosterone replacement therapy. No, he doesn't consider that the same as taking steroids (though medically speaking, testosterone is classified as an anabolic steroid under the Anabolic Steroid Control Act of 1990).

What RFK Jr. Actually Says About His TRT Use

Kennedy describes his testosterone use as part of an "anti-aging protocol" prescribed by his doctor. During a Newsmax interview, he explained: "I take testosterone replacement, which are appropriate to my age, and then I take a big fistful of nutrients."

He's been consistent in emphasizing that his TRT regimen is medically supervised and appropriate for someone his age. Starting around age 35, testosterone levels naturally decline by about one percent each year. By 70, many men have testosterone levels nearly 30 percent below their peak.

Kennedy credits his impressive physique not just to TRT, but to a combination of factors: daily 35-minute workouts, an extensive vitamin and supplement regimen, and consistent training that focuses on different muscle groups throughout the week.

The Medical Perspective

Medical experts who have weighed in on Kennedy's TRT use generally agree it's reasonable for someone his age. Dr. Jed Kaminetsky of NYU Langone noted that Kennedy is taking testosterone replacement therapy for a medical diagnosis and that this is a very controlled compound.

The distinction Kennedy makes between TRT and steroid abuse comes down to dosage and medical supervision. According to WebMD, TRT doses are designed to achieve natural levels of the hormone in the blood, while athletes who abuse steroids may use doses 10 to 100 times higher than those given medically.

For men with diagnosed testosterone deficiency, TRT can provide genuine benefits including improved energy, better mood, enhanced mental clarity, and yes, better muscle mass and body composition when combined with proper exercise and nutrition.

The Irony Worth Noting

Here's where things get interesting. Kennedy, now serving as Secretary of Health and Human Services, has been vocal about concerns regarding male fertility and declining sperm counts. Yet there's a notable irony: around 75 percent of men on TRT develop severely reduced sperm counts or become azoospermic (zero sperm) within six months of use.

This doesn't mean TRT is inherently problematic, but it does highlight the importance of understanding all the trade-offs when it comes to hormone therapy. Medical guidelines recommend that men who still want to father children should either avoid TRT or take it in combination with other medications that help maintain fertility.

What This Means for Regular Guys

Kennedy's openness about TRT has contributed to a broader conversation about testosterone therapy that's been amplified across social media. Prescriptions for testosterone have tripled over the past decade, partly driven by influencers and public figures discussing their experiences.

But here's the thing: what works for a 69-year-old former presidential candidate with medical supervision might not be right for a 35-year-old guy who just feels a bit tired. TRT is a medical treatment for a medical condition, not a general performance enhancer or fountain of youth.

The real takeaway from Kennedy's approach isn't just the TRT itself. It's the bigger picture: consistent exercise, attention to nutrition, medical oversight, and a comprehensive approach to health as we age.

Making Informed Decisions About Testosterone Therapy

RFK Jr. doesn't hide his testosterone replacement therapy use. He frames it as a medically appropriate intervention for age-related testosterone decline, combined with disciplined fitness habits and nutritional supplementation. Whether you agree with his broader health policy positions or not, his transparency about TRT has helped normalize conversations about men's hormonal health and aging.

For men considering TRT, the lesson isn't to emulate Kennedy's exact protocol. It's to have honest conversations with qualified healthcare providers about whether you actually have low testosterone, what's causing it, and whether the benefits of treatment outweigh the risks for your specific situation.

If you're experiencing symptoms that might be related to low testosterone like persistent fatigue, difficulty building or maintaining muscle, low libido, or mood changes, getting properly tested is the first step. Not everyone needs TRT, but for those who do, it can make a meaningful difference in quality of life.

At AlphaMD, we understand that hormone health is personal and complex. Our providers take the time to properly assess your individual situation, run comprehensive labs, and develop treatment plans tailored to your specific needs and health goals. Because feeling your best shouldn't be guesswork.