Health

Too low testosterone in men is a worldwide problem

Testosterone in men decreases by 1% every year. In this article we will discuss in more detail the reasons and impact of low testosterone in men, and what you can do to increase your testosterone levels.

Low testosterone men

Testosterone levels in men have been declining since the 70s. Testosterone decreases by as much as 1% every year. In this article we take a closer look at the causes and consequences of low testosterone in men and what you can do yourself to increase your testosterone.

As men age, it is normal for their testosterone levels to decline. However, remarkably, a general decline in testosterone levels across the population has been observed with each generation since the 70s. This means that Generation Z and Millennials have, on average, significantly lower testosterone levels than previous generations.

The decrease in testosterone in men

n 1987, the average testosterone level of a 60-year-old man was approximately 17.5 nmol/L. A 2007 study in Massachusetts showed that this level was closer to 2002 nmol/L in 15. This shows that the average testosterone level in men decreases by approximately 1% annually. (1)

Research in Scanidnavian populations has confirmed a similar trend. More recent research among Israeli men has shown that average testosterone levels fell by more than 2006% between 2019 and 10 in almost every age category.

What is worrying, however, is that it is not just testosterone levels that are a problem. Sperm quantity decreases significantly and certain reproductive disorders, such as testicular cancer, are on the rise.

Causes of lower testosterone in men

This makes it a common problem that the testosterone level in men is low or too low. The level of testosterone decreases as one ages. This process can start as early as the age of forty and is seen as a natural part of aging. Over time, complaints may occur and it can become a problem.

Below we will discuss the possible causes of low testosterone levels

Being obese and having an inactive lifestyle lowers testosterone levels

Being overweight can disrupt hormone balance and affect the body's response to insulin, both of which can lead to lower testosterone levels. Research shows that every tIncreasing four to five BMI points can result in testosterone levels equivalent to someone ten years older.

Nowadays we often consume too much and exercise too little, partly as a result of the digital revolution. E-commerce, technology and the entertainment industry such as Netflix or gaming have developed enormously, sometimes choosing convenience over health. Ordering a hamburger or a few bags of chips online, which will be delivered to your home while you watch a series, is something that many people take for granted.

Contemporary workers also tend to be less active than those of previous generations, and people with sedentary lifestyles often have lower testosterone levels. Even when obesity is taken into consideration, most studies still show a downward trend in testosterone, indicating that obesity is not the only factor.

Plastics contain chemicals that lower testosterone

Global annual production of plastics has increased from 70 million to 50 million tons since the 300s. Scientists see a link between this increase and changes in our hormone balance. Many plastics contain chemicals and microplastics that disrupt the endocrine system, also known as EDCs.

These EDCs are substances that can be both natural and synthetic and disrupt the hormones in our body. Some EDCs break down slowly and accumulate, making them potentially dangerous over time even in small amounts.

These endocrine disruptors are found in everyday products such as plastic bottles, food storage containers, metal food can liners, and laundry detergents. Studies have shown links between exposure to hormone disruptors and effects on attention (ADHD), the immune system, metabolism, testoterone, puberty and reproduction.(2)

Ftlaten is one of the EDCs associated with reduced sperm quality and lower testosterone levels. Phthalates are found in: plastic, vinyl, cleaning products, nail polish, fabric softener, processed food and perfume. A study examined phthalate exposure and testosterone levels in 2.208 people who participated in the US National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, 2011-2012. (4)

Researchers analyzed urine samples to measure concentrations of 13 substances that remain after the body metabolizes phthalates. Each participant's testosterone level was measured from a blood sample. Researchers found an inverse relationship between phthalate exposure and testosterone levels at different stages of life.

For example, in women aged 40-60 years, increased levels of phthalates were associated with high blood pressure drop of 10,8 to 24 percent in testosterone levels.

In boys aged 6-12 years, increased levels of metabolites of a phthalate called di-(2-ethylhexyl)phthalate, or DEHP, were linked to drop of 24 to 34,1 percent in testosterone levels.

Stress and mental illness

Acute stress, such as cold shower, can lead to a spike in testosterone levels. But both physical and psychological long-term stress is likely to result in reduced testosterone levels. Some say that as a society we are more stressed than ever before.

We are constantly on! We have phones in ours that vibrate for news alerts and notifications, watches that buzz when a friend tries to make contact, and headphones that mute the real world around us. At the touch of a button we have access to all the information we want. This constant stimulation can make it difficult to relax and contribute to restlessness, prolonged stress and possibly a reduced testosterone level.

Men with diabetes have an increased risk of reduced testosterone

Men with diabetes have twice the risk of having low testosterone as a man without diabetes. (2)

According to researchers, a new study shows that testosterone replacement therapy helped men with type 2 diabetes. They said testosterone treatment may be beneficial for managing type 2 diabetes because the therapy can improve blood sugar and cholesterol levels.

The researchers reported that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) improved glycemic control in men for up to 2 years. The data came from 37 centers in the UK, Germany, Canada, New Zealand, South Africa, Malaysia and Vietnam that attended the audit carried out by the Association of British Clinical Diabetologists (ABCD). The study focused on 428 subjects with an average age of 71 years.