Does it seem like more men than ever before are experiencing low testosterone levels? You aren’t imagining it – and there’s plenty of research to prove it.
What you should know:
- Researchers say that men’s testosterone levels have been consistently decreasing for decades.
- Many factors contribute to low T-levels, including age, lifestyle, and overall health.
- If you’re experiencing symptoms of decreasing testosterone levels, there are effective, safe treatment options.
Multiple scientific studies have found a steady decline in men’s global testosterone level, so it makes sense that the topic of low-T is getting more and more attention. Since the 1980s, the average T-level in the U.S. has dropped about 1% every year (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, 2007).
When you do the math, that means that a 60-year-old man in 2004 could have testosterone levels that are around 17% lower than those of a 60 year-old-man in 1987. Another study rewound the clock to the early 20th century, finding double-digit decreases in Danish men born during the 1960s vs. those born during the 1920s.
But why are men’s testosterone levels decreasing? And what does it mean for you?
Keep reading to answer these and other important questions about testosterone health.
Reasons Why Testosterone Levels are Decreasing
Considering just how important it is to have healthy testosterone levels, this isn’t exactly the scientific news any of us want to hear. Testosterone plays a part in everything from your energy levels and mood to your sex life and body composition – so decades of declining T-levels can significantly impact millions of men.
Aging
Many factors can contribute to low testosterone levels. In many cases, low-T is a condition attributed to age. Once a man reaches middle age, it’s not unusual for him to begin experiencing the effects of a newly-developing testosterone deficiency.
Lifestyle and Health
But when it comes to lower testosterone levels occurring globally, researchers have said that aging isn’t the primary cause. Instead, major lifestyle shifts are likely the culprit. A study from the Endocrine Society stated that “a drop in testosterone levels over time is more likely to result from a man’s behavioral and health changes than by aging.”
The researchers suggest that dropping T-levels isn’t an inevitable part of getting older. Although some men will end up with a testosterone deficiency caused by the natural slowing of testosterone production as they age, many can attribute the decline to smoking, obesity, or depression.
Why It Matters
An article in the Urology Times quotes Soum Lokeshwar, MD, MBA, from the Yale School of Medicine, concerned about the long-term ramifications of lower testosterone levels. The decline occurs amongst young men, who tend to set the “standard” for normal testosterone levels.
As a result, Lokeshwar expressed concern that there could be an eventual underdiagnosis of cases of low-T levels. That means that countless men who are suffering from the symptoms of low testosterone could spend years without being diagnosed or treated.
What Can You Do About Declining Testosterone?
You might be feeling worried about how these research findings might affect you – but ultimately, all this information does is reinforce much of what we already know:
- A healthy lifestyle is key to looking and feeling your best.
- Being aware of the signs of low T – and being prepared to pursue diagnosis and treatment – is incredibly important.
Testosterone levels might be slowly dropping across the world’s population of men, but your top priority should be putting your hormonal health first. So, if you have reason to believe that you may have a testosterone deficiency, the time to act is now.
Some of the red flags that can be signs of low-T include:
- Low energy levels
- Difficulty focusing
- Irritability, lack of motivation, feeling depressed
- Extra fat around the midsection
- Weight gain
- Loss of stamina
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Muscle loss
Closing Thoughts
Even just one of the low-T symptoms above is reason enough to get your levels checked by a professional. Men’s T-levels might be slowly trending downward, but that only makes it more important to stay on top of your hormonal health.
At Ehormones MD, our testosterone doctors can assess your T-levels to pinpoint any issues, then provide a tailored treatment plan that addresses your needs and goals. Combined with other services, such as our HGH therapy, stress management support, and nutritional advice, you’ll have everything to get back on track to your very best self.
For more information about low testosterone and how it can affect your life, contact Ehormones MD for a free consultation appointment.
