Learn how crucial testosterone is for your health and longevity. We explore the link between testosterone deficiency 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? What impact does this have on physical and mental performance? And how does a testosterone deficiency affect our longevity, that is, our ability to live a long and healthy life?
In this blog post, we explore the connection between testosterone deficiency and longevity. We explain why testosterone is so important for men, what causes and symptoms a deficiency can have, and how it affects life expectancy and quality of life. We base our explanations on scientific findings and make the complex relationships understandable even for non-experts. Learn how you can prevent testosterone deficiency 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 produced primarily in the testicles of 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 a crucial role in regulating mood, energy levels, and cognitive function ( Zitzmann, 2020 ). This hormone therefore influences not only a man's physical appearance but also his internal health and overall well-being.
Testosterone is crucial for longevity, the ability to live a long and healthy life. A balanced testosterone level not only supports physical performance and muscle growth, but also cardiovascular health, metabolism, and bone density. A stable testosterone level can therefore significantly contribute to improving quality of life and life expectancy ( Muehlenbein et al., 2022 ).
Why men live shorter lives than women
Globally, men live on average about five to six years less than women ( Møller et al., 2009 ). In Germany, men live on average about five years less than women, according to data from the Federal Statistical Office ( Destatis, Deaths and Life Expectancy , nd ). 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 disease, partly due to differences in hormone levels, particularly lower estrogen levels ( Costanian et al., 2022 ). Behaviorally, men tend to lead riskier lifestyles, seek medical help less frequently, 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 results in men having a lower life expectancy on average than women ( Zhao & Crimmins, 2022 ).
Interestingly, the results of the so-called Monastery Study suggest that biological factors may play a less significant role than previously thought. This study, which examined the lifespans of approximately 12,000 monks and nuns in monasteries, revealed that men's life expectancy in monasteries was only about a year shorter than that of women. This suggests that behavioral and social factors have a considerable influence on life expectancy, as monks and nuns lead very similar lifestyles—characterized by a structured daily routine, similar diets, low stress levels, and a low risk of unhealthy behaviors such as smoking or excessive alcohol consumption ( German-Austrian Monastery Study , nd ). Therefore, it is all the more important to raise awareness about the crucial role of a conscious lifestyle and regular health checkups in improving men's life expectancy. Adon Health is committed to supporting men in improving their health and enhancing their quality of life.
Causes and symptoms of testosterone deficiency
Testosterone deficiency 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 decline by an average of 1-2% per year, which leads to a sharp increase in the prevalence of this condition with age ( Stanworth & Jones, 2008 ). But it's 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 testosterone deficiency, 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 testosterone deficiency can be varied and include, among others:
- Fatigue and lack of energy ( Wang et al., 2000 )
- Decreased 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 )
You can find out more in our article “ Testosterone deficiency in men: causes, symptoms and solutions ”.
Testosterone deficiency and its effects on longevity
Several studies have shown that low testosterone levels are associated with an increased mortality rate. In particular, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, and obesity, which are often accompanied by testosterone deficiency, can shorten longevity ( Muehlenbein et al., 2022 ).
Low testosterone levels shorten lifespan
A study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine on May 14, 2024, has shown that low testosterone levels in men are associated with a higher risk of death , particularly from cardiovascular disease. Researchers combined and analyzed data from 11 studies, encompassing more than 24,000 men aged 49 to 76. In each of these studies, men's testosterone levels were measured at the start of the study and then tracked for at least five years to determine the number of deaths.
Normal testosterone levels in healthy men range between 12.1 and 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 the finding that men with testosterone levels below 5.3 nmol/L had an increased risk of cardiac-related deaths, such as heart attack, cardiac arrest, heart failure, and stroke ( Yeap et al., 2024 ).
Cardiovascular health
Testosterone has direct effects 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, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis, heart attacks, and strokes.
Testosterone also plays a vital role in blood pressure regulation. Healthy testosterone levels help maintain normal blood pressure, while a deficiency can lead to hypertension, which puts additional strain on the heart and damages the arteries. Furthermore, healthy testosterone levels promote 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 throughout the body.
Overall, healthy testosterone levels are essential for a strong heart and healthy blood vessels. A deficiency can lead to elevated cholesterol levels, high blood pressure, and reduced vascular health, significantly increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes ( Yeap & Dwivedi, 2022 ).
Metabolism and Diabetes
Testosterone plays an important role in metabolism. Low levels 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 place additional strain on 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 definitely keep an eye on their testosterone levels ”.
Bone health
Testosterone is crucial for maintaining bone density. A deficiency can promote osteoporosis, leading to an increased risk of fractures. Strong bones are important for staying mobile and active in old age and help improve quality of life and longevity ( Shigehara et al., 2021 ).
If you are interested in this topic, feel free to 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. Healthy testosterone levels support mood, promote 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 an active and fulfilling lifestyle. Balanced testosterone levels can therefore contribute to improving both quality of life and lifespan.
Testosterone deficiency and chronic diseases
In a study published in the prestigious journal Nature , the world's leading multidisciplinary scientific journal, Mark D. Peterson and colleagues investigated the relationship between testosterone deficiency, physical weakness, and multimorbidity in men. The authors analyzed data from 2,161 men of varying ages and found that multimorbidity (the simultaneous occurrence of several chronic diseases) is 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 disease, stroke, emphysema, hypertriglyceridemia, low HDL cholesterol, and clinical depression. Younger and older men with testosterone deficiency, in particular, exhibited a higher number of these chronic diseases (see graph "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) . This therapy involves administering the hormone artificially to compensate for the deficiency. However, TRT should always be performed under medical supervision. In addition to medical treatment, there are several preventative measures that can help maintain healthy testosterone levels:
- Nutrition: A balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and vitamins can support testosterone production. Foods such as oily fish, nuts, seeds, fruits, 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: Sufficient and high-quality sleep is essential for hormone regulation. Many hormones, including testosterone, are produced during sleep. Therefore, sleep deprivation can 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 a vital role in men's health and longevity. A deficiency can have a variety of negative effects on the body, extending far beyond the well-known sexual problems. However, a conscious lifestyle and, if necessary, medical support can do much to stabilize testosterone levels and improve quality of life. If you notice symptoms of testosterone deficiency, don't hesitate to consult a doctor and learn about possible treatment options. Together, we can embark on the path to a longer and healthier life.
