Learn how crucial testosterone is for your health and longevity. We explore the link between low testosterone and chronic diseases, as well as its impact on quality of life and life expectancy.
Testosterone is a key hormone that not only regulates male sexuality and fertility but also plays a crucial role in overall health and well-being (Harvard Health, 2023). But what happens when testosterone levels drop? How does this affect physical and mental performance? And how does low testosterone affect our longevity, or our ability to live a long and healthy life?
In this blog post, we explore the link between low testosterone and longevity. We explain why testosterone is so important for men, what causes and symptoms low testosterone can have, and how it affects life expectancy and quality of life. We base our information on scientific findings and make complex connections understandable even for laypeople. Learn how to prevent low testosterone and what you can do to promote your health and longevity.
What is longevity?
Longevity refers to the ability to live a long and healthy life. It encompasses not only lifespan but also quality of life in old age. Important factors for longevity include a balanced diet, regular physical activity, mental health, and social connections. A healthy lifestyle and preventive health measures can improve longevity and reduce the risk of age-related diseases (Fukuda et al., 2023).
Testosterone and longevity
Testosterone is an important sex hormone that is primarily produced in the testes in men. It is responsible for the development of male characteristics such as facial hair, a deep voice, and muscle mass (Nassar & Leslie, 2023). Furthermore, testosterone plays an important role in regulating mood, energy levels, and cognitive functions (Zitzmann, 2020). This hormone therefore influences not only a man's appearance but also his internal health and overall well-being.
Testosterone is crucial for longevity, or the ability to live a long and healthy life. A balanced testosterone level supports not only physical performance and muscle building but also cardiovascular health, metabolism, and bone density. A stable testosterone level can therefore contribute significantly to improving quality of life and life expectancy (Muehlenbein et al., 2022).
Why men live shorter than women
Globally, men live on average about five to six years shorter than women (Møller et al., 2009). In Germany, men live on average about five years shorter than women, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office (Destatis Deaths And Life Expectancy, n.d.). This difference in life expectancy can be attributed to a combination of biological, behavioral, and social factors. Biologically, men have a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases, partly due to differences in hormone levels, especially lower estrogen levels (Costanian et al., 2022). Behaviorally, men tend to live more riskily, seek medical help less often, and pay less attention to their health. Social factors, such as the pressure to be strong and independent, can also contribute to men taking health problems less seriously and seeking treatment later. This combination of factors leads to men having a lower life expectancy on average than women (Zhao & Crimmins, 2022).
Interestingly, the results of the so-called Monastery Study indicate that biological factors may play a smaller role than previously thought. In this study, which examined the lifespan of around 12,000 monks and nuns in monasteries, it was found that the life expectancy of men in monasteries is only about one year shorter than that of women. This suggests that behavioral and social factors have a significant impact on life expectancy, as monks and nuns lead very similar lifestyles—characterized by a structured daily routine, similar diet, low stress, and low risk of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption (German-Austrian Monastery Study, n.d.). This makes it all the more important to educate people on how crucial a conscious lifestyle and regular health check-ups are for improving men's life expectancy. Adon Health is committed to helping men improve their health and enhance their quality of life.
Causes and symptoms of low testosterone
Low testosterone in old age, also known as “age-related hypogonadism” or “functional hypogonadism,” is more common than often assumed. Studies indicate that between 10 and 40% of men suffer from it (Mulligan et al., 2008). Unfortunately, this deficiency often goes undiagnosed and untreated. From the age of 30, testosterone levels drop by an average of 1–2% per year, which means that the prevalence of this condition increases sharply with age (Stanworth & Jones, 2008). But it is not only older men who are affected—symptoms can also appear before the age of 40. In addition to the aging process, there are other factors that can lead to low testosterone, including:
- Chronic diseases (e.g., diabetes, cardiovascular diseases) (Huhtaniemi, 2014)
- Overweight and obesity (Kelly & Jones, 2015)
- Certain medications (Marudhai et al., 2020)
- Stress and lack of sleep (Agrawal et al., 2022)
Symptoms of low testosterone can vary and include:
- Fatigue and lack of energy (Wang et al., 2000)
- Reduced libido (Hintikka et al., 2009)
- Depression and irritability (Hintikka et al., 2009)
- Loss of muscle mass (Bhasin et al., 1997) and bone density (Fink et al., 2006)
Learn more in our article “Low Testosterone in Men: Causes, Symptoms, and Solutions”.
Low testosterone and its impact on longevity
A number of studies have shown that low testosterone is associated with an increased mortality rate. In particular, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, which often accompany low testosterone, can shorten longevity, or life expectancy (Muehlenbein et al., 2022).
Low testosterone levels shorten lifespan
A study published on May 14, 2024, in the Annals of Internal Medicine has shown that low testosterone levels are associated with a higher risk of death, particularly from cardiovascular diseases. The researchers combined and analyzed data from 11 studies involving more than 24,000 men aged 49 to 76 years. In each of these studies, the men's testosterone levels were measured at the beginning and then followed for at least five years to determine how many deaths occurred.
Normal testosterone levels in healthy men range from 12.1 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L) (MALE HYPOGONADISM - UROWeB, n.d.). The analysis showed that men with testosterone levels below 7.4 nmol/L had a higher risk of death during the study period than men with higher testosterone levels. Particularly striking was that men with testosterone levels below 5.3 nmol/L had an increased risk of death from heart-related causes, such as heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and stroke (Yeap et al., 2024).
Cardiovascular Health
Testosterone has a direct impact on the cardiovascular system. It promotes the production of red blood cells, which are responsible for transporting oxygen throughout the body. This supports the performance of the heart muscle and other organs. A deficiency in testosterone can lead to anemia, resulting in fatigue and weakness (Zheng et al., 2024). Furthermore, testosterone helps regulate cholesterol levels by maintaining a balance between "good" HDL cholesterol and "bad" LDL cholesterol. Low testosterone levels can lead to elevated LDL cholesterol levels, which increases the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Testosterone also plays an important role in blood pressure regulation. A healthy testosterone level helps keep blood pressure within the normal range, while a deficiency can lead to high blood pressure, which puts additional strain on the heart and damages the arteries. A healthy testosterone level also promotes the elasticity and health of blood vessels by supporting the production of nitric oxide, which relaxes and dilates blood vessels. This improves blood flow and reduces the resistance the heart must overcome to pump blood through the body.
Overall, a healthy testosterone level is essential for a strong heart and healthy blood vessels. A deficiency can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and impaired vascular health, which significantly increases the risk of heart attacks and strokes (Yeap & Dwivedi, 2022).
Metabolism and Diabetes
Testosterone plays an important role in metabolism. A low level can lead to insulin resistance, a precursor to diabetes. Men with testosterone deficiency therefore have a higher risk of developing diabetes, which in turn can impair longevity. Insulin resistance and diabetes can additionally strain the cardiovascular system and further increase the risk of heart disease (Stellato et al., 2000).
You can find more information in our expert article “Why Diabetics Should Always Keep an Eye on Their Testosterone Levels”.
Bone Health
Testosterone is crucial for maintaining bone density. A deficiency can promote osteoporosis, which leads to an increased risk of bone fractures. Strong bones are important for staying mobile and active as you age, and help improve quality of life and longevity (Shigehara et al., 2021).
If you are interested in the topic, read our article “Bone Health in Hypogonadal Men: The Underestimated Fracture Risk”.
Mental Health
Testosterone plays an important role not only in physical health, but also in mental health. A healthy testosterone level supports mood, promotes well-being, and can counteract depression and irritability. Low testosterone levels are often associated with symptoms such as lack of motivation, anxiety, and reduced quality of life (Bhasin et al., 2024).
Stable mental health is crucial for longevity, as it promotes overall well-being and enables you to lead an active and fulfilling lifestyle. A balanced testosterone level can therefore help improve both quality of life and lifespan.
Testosterone Deficiency and Chronic Diseases
In a study published in the renowned peer-reviewed journal Nature, the world's leading multidisciplinary science journal, by Mark D. Peterson and colleagues, the connection between testosterone deficiency, physical weakness, and multimorbidity in men was investigated. The authors analyzed data from 2,161 men of different ages and found that multimorbidity (the simultaneous occurrence of multiple chronic diseases) was significantly more common in men with testosterone deficiency than in men with normal testosterone levels. Multimorbidity was defined as the presence of at least two chronic diseases, including diabetes, hypertension, arthritis, cardiovascular diseases, stroke, emphysema, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol, and clinical depression. In particular, young and older men* with testosterone deficiency had a higher number of these chronic diseases (see chart “Testosterone Deficiency and Chronic Diseases”). The study emphasizes that both low testosterone levels and physical weakness are independently associated with an increased risk of several chronic diseases, and highlights the need for early detection and treatment of testosterone deficiency to reduce the risk of such diseases (Peterson et al., 2018).
Treatment Options and Prevention
Testosterone deficiency can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). In this therapy, the hormone is administered artificially to compensate for the deficiency. However, TRT should always be carried out under medical supervision. In addition to medical treatment, there are several preventive measures that can help keep testosterone levels at a healthy level:
- Diet: A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins can support testosterone production. Foods such as fatty fish, nuts, seeds, fruit, and vegetables provide important nutrients necessary for hormone production (Abbott et al., 2020).
- Exercise: Regular physical activity, especially strength training, can increase testosterone levels. Studies show that intense strength training stimulates testosterone production and contributes to muscle mass, which in turn supports hormonal balance (Riachy et al., 2020).
- Sleep: Adequate and high-quality sleep is essential for hormone regulation. Many hormones, including testosterone, are produced during sleep. Sleep deprivation can therefore lead to a significant drop in testosterone levels (Agrawal et al., 2022b).
- Stress Management: Chronic stress can negatively affect testosterone levels (Xiong et al., 2021). Stress management techniques such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help lower cortisol levels and promote testosterone production (Gothe et al., 2016).
By combining medical treatment with a healthy lifestyle, testosterone levels can be stabilized and overall health and quality of life improved.
Our Conclusion, Your Knowledge
Testosterone plays an essential role in men's health and longevity. A deficiency can have a wide range of negative effects on the body that go far beyond the well-known sexual problems. However, a conscious lifestyle and, if necessary, medical support can do a lot to stabilize testosterone levels and improve quality of life. If you notice symptoms of a testosterone deficiency in yourself, do not hesitate to see a doctor and inform yourself about possible treatment options. Together we can embark on the path to a longer and healthier life.
