Testosterone levels in men typically start to decline gradually after the age of 30. While it’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease with age, excessively low levels of testosterone can cause a variety of health problems, including reduced libido, decreased muscle mass, and increased risk of osteoporosis. Men who are concerned about their testosterone levels should talk to their doctor to determine if hormone replacement therapy or other treatments are necessary. This article will look at four key reasons testosterone levels typically decrease with age.
Testicular Function
As men age, the function of the testicles may decline, leading to lower testosterone levels. The decline in testicular function is a natural part of the aging process and is sometimes referred to as late-onset hypogonadism or andropause. Hypogonadism is a medical term that refers to the underproduction of hormones by the gonads, in this case, the testicles.
The decline in testicular function is believed to be caused by a combination of factors, including changes in the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis, a decrease in the number of Leydig cells in the testicles, and damage to the testicular tissue. As a result, the testicles may produce less testosterone. However, it’s important to note that not all men will experience a decline in testicular function with age. Some men may experience symptoms of low testosterone despite maintaining an average male testosterone level for someone their age. As mentioned before, there can be several factors at play when determining an age-related testosterone decrease.
Aging of the Leydig Cells
Leydig cells are located in the testicles and are responsible for producing testosterone. As men age, the Leydig cells may become less efficient at producing testosterone, leading to a decline in overall testosterone levels.
The exact mechanism behind this decline is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to changes in the Leydig cell microenvironment, including a decrease in the number of blood vessels supplying the cells and a decline in the levels of hormones that stimulate testosterone production.
Obesity
While it’s not the case that all men gain weight as they grow older, it’s undoubtedly a fact that a high amount of men (and women) do. Obesity has been linked to lower testosterone levels in men because excess body fat can cause an increase in the production of the hormone estrogen, which can inhibit the production of testosterone. Additionally, adipose tissue (fat cells) can convert testosterone to estrogen through a process called aromatization, further reducing the amount of available testosterone. This conversion occurs in both men and women, but it is more pronounced in obese men.
Overall, obesity is a complex condition that can have a negative impact on testosterone levels in men. Therefore, losing weight through a healthy diet and exercise may help improve testosterone levels and reduce the risk of related health problems, such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Chronic Illness
Unfortunately, as men grow older, their risk of developing a chronic illness increases, which can have a knock-on effect regarding testosterone levels. Chronic illness has been linked to lower testosterone levels in men. This is because certain medical conditions can affect the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal axis (HPG axis) that regulates testosterone production.
It’s important to note that the relationship between chronic illness and testosterone levels is complex and can vary depending on the specific condition and individual factors. Men with chronic illnesses who are concerned about their testosterone levels should talk to their doctor to determine if hormone replacement therapy or other treatments are necessary.
