Roger-Luc Chayer (Image : AI / Gay Globe)
A recent study on testosterone levels in young adults concluded that levels are lower than ever: « Testosterone levels in 20-year-old men today have dropped to match those of 70-year-old men in the 1970s, raising global health concerns. Experts link this decline to junk food consumption. » That’s a headline that raises alarm.
When it comes to masculinity, Gay Globe never misses an opportunity to investigate such claims. The article goes on to say: « Experts attribute this decline to junk food, sedentary habits, exposure to plastics (such as BPA), chronic stress, and poor sleep. This hormonal decrease results in fatigue, muscle loss, low fertility, and mood disorders. Doctors recommend lifestyle changes: eat healthily, exercise regularly, sleep well, and limit plastic use to preserve hormonal health. » But the problem is that the article published by the site Fact Point mentions neither the source, nor the names of the cited experts, nor the origin of the referenced research.
What is the current situation regarding testosterone in young men?
Although it has been impossible to find any trace of a study concluding that testosterone levels in young men today are as low as those of 70-year-old men in 1970, there is nevertheless a clear consensus: the male hormone is indeed declining, and this is corroborated by numerous publications, each more serious than the last.
Testosterone is the quintessential male sex hormone, although it is also present in small amounts in women. Produced mainly by the testes and, to a lesser extent, by the adrenal glands, it plays a key role in the development of male sexual characteristics from puberty. It is responsible for body hair, deepening of the voice, muscle and bone development, but also for maintaining libido, fertility, and general vitality.
Medically, testosterone is considered a major indicator of male hormonal health, and abnormal declines can lead to fatigue, decreased sexual desire, muscle loss, and mood disorders. In a healthy adult man, normal levels generally range between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood, a range that can fluctuate depending on age, health status, and lifestyle.
After age 30, a gradual and natural decline is common, estimated at about one percent per year on average, but doctors have been concerned for several decades by a sharper and earlier decline.
International organizations sound the alarm
In 2020, the U.S. National Library of Medicine published the study « Secular trends in testosterone: findings from a large state-mandated care provider, » which concluded that the results of this large real-world data analysis confirm previous, more scattered reports that average testosterone levels in men in developed countries are decreasing, a trend unlikely to be explained solely by rising obesity rates. The biological mechanisms behind this worrying trend deserve further study.
Similarly, in 2020 the Urology Times published that « From 1999 to 2016, testosterone levels declined in adolescent and young adult men (AYA), according to results presented at the 2020 American Urological Association Virtual Experience. » The journal concluded: « We have found that lower testosterone values are associated with increased comorbidities and an increased risk of all-cause mortality. This decline, especially in young adult men, combined with rising obesity, could lead to an increase in precocious cancers, » explained Lokeshwar, adding that such decreases can also result in lower libido and a higher risk of erectile dysfunction.
« This is particularly worrying in this age group, as many young men feel stigma and are therefore less likely to seek care for low libido or erectile issues, » Lokeshwar continued. « Testosterone levels in young adults serve as the benchmark for defining normal hormone values. This is very concerning, because generally, when treatment thresholds are established, they are based on this age group. This could lead to undertreatment of testosterone deficiency, with significant repercussions and serious consequences. »
Could this low testosterone level cause hypogonadism, in other words, premature andropause (the male equivalent of menopause) in young men?
Andropause, often presented as the male equivalent of menopause in women, corresponds to a significant drop in testosterone production by the testes, leading to various physical and psychological symptoms. While this condition is generally associated with aging, some specialists are now concerned about its earlier onset, particularly in men in their twenties or thirties.
Too low testosterone levels can cause fatigue, muscle loss, mood disorders, decreased libido, and even fertility problems. If this phenomenon becomes more frequent in young men, it could have significant consequences for their quality of life and long-term health. However, it is essential to distinguish a temporary or physiological drop from true hypogonadism, which requires rigorous medical diagnosis and appropriate monitoring.
How is a marked drop in testosterone treated in young men?
The situation is worrying but not irreversible; there is reason to be reassured. A marked drop in testosterone in young men requires a precise diagnosis, made by a physician after multiple blood tests to confirm the deficiency.
Treatment depends on the underlying cause and the severity of symptoms. When hypogonadism is confirmed, replacement therapy can be considered, often involving testosterone administration via injections, gels, or patches. However, this treatment must be medically supervised because inappropriate use can cause serious side effects, including on fertility, cardiovascular health, and liver function.
At the same time, doctors recommend addressing modifiable lifestyle factors such as a balanced diet, regular physical activity, stress management, and good sleep quality. In some cases, psychological support may also be needed to help manage the emotional repercussions linked to this condition.
Which medical specialties can intervene?
The specialist who treats low testosterone, particularly in cases of hypogonadism, is generally an endocrinologist. This doctor is an expert in hormones and hormonal disorders. Depending on symptoms and causes, a urologist may also be involved, especially if there are fertility or sexual function issues. Sometimes, a general practitioner can refer the patient to these specialists after an initial assessment.
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