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Study Finds Men’s Average Testosterone Levels Fell More Than 50 Percent Since 1972
A review of six long-term studies tracking nearly 118,600 men in five countries showed average testosterone levels declined more than 50 percent between 1972 and 2019. The analysis, presented at a London conference, also noted an accelerated drop after 2000.
Jul 10, 4:12 AM·1m read1 source
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A review of six long-term studies found average testosterone levels among men fell more than 50 percent between 1972 and 2019. Researchers examined data from nearly 118,600 men across Israel, the U.S., Brazil, Finland, and Denmark. The analysis showed a consistent decline in every study included.
The average reduction rate since 1979 reached 54 percent, with the pace of decline increasing after 2000.
Obesity and diabetes were identified as major potential causes. Rising body fat converts testosterone into estrogen, while insulin resistance and high blood sugar can impair signals from the brain that trigger testosterone production. Environmental exposure to hormone-disrupting substances in household products was also cited as a possible contributor.
The study has not yet undergone peer review. The findings were presented Tuesday at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology conference in London. The same research group previously reported sharp declines in sperm counts over the past 40 years.
Experts noted that testosterone supplements are not a universal solution, as they can reduce the body’s natural production.
