How Low Testosterone Harms Men's Health

Testosterone is an important hormone in men.

It supports muscle mass, while helping protect overall health, from bones to brain to heart.

Testosterone levels typically start to drop after early adulthood, getting lower every year.^1,2

In men, low testosterone is associated with:^3-9

• Loss of muscle mass and strength,
• Cognitive decline,
• Cardiovascular disease,
• Osteoporosis,
• Metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes,
• Sexual dysfunction, and even
• Death from any cause.

In one meta-analysis, men with low testosterone were on average 48% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those with normal levels.¹⁰

Scientists have found three plant-derived nutrients that were shown to increase testosterone levels in aging men.

Why Testosterone Is So Important

Testosterone is a hormone that is produced in the testes in men. A small amount is also made in the adrenal glands.^11-13

Testosterone and its derivatives are crucial to the normal development of male bodily structures, including the reproductive system and genitals.

The impact of testosterone continues throughout male adult life, affecting the healthy function of most organ systems.

While it is best known for its ability to promote muscle growth and stimulate libido, testosterone is required for the optimal function of many other tissues throughout the body.

The Dangers of Low Testosterone

Testosterone circulates in the blood bound to plasma proteins, most importantly sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.^11,14 Only about 2% of the circulating testosterone is non-protein bound, or free.¹⁵

Free testosterone is the most biologically active form.

Beginning around age 30, testosterone drops by an average of about 1% each year.^16,17

As testosterone levels drop, men begin suffering from well-known low testosterone symptoms, including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, and loss of muscle mass and strength.

But that’s only the beginning. Depressed mood, diminished brain function, and risk for cardiovascular disease and other illnesses also increase with lower testosterone levels.^18-21

Low testosterone is associated with increased rates of all-cause mortality.²²

Following is a closer look at just some of the worrisome effects of low testosterone.

Sexual Function

Testosterone is known as the male “sex hormone.” Unsurprisingly, low levels significantly diminish sexual function.

There are two reasons for this. Low testosterone:^18-20

• Contributes to erectile dysfunction, and
• Affects the brain, which leads to loss of libido.

In other words, low testosterone reduces men’s ability to enjoy a healthy sex life physically and mentally.

This is one of the major reasons for the diminished quality of life reported in those with low levels of the hormone.^19,20

Cognitive Decline

Rates of mild cognitive impairment and dementia rise as we get older. But men with lower testosterone have an even higher risk of developing cognitive dysfunction.^10,19,23

In one study that pooled data from several previous trials, men with low testosterone were on average 48% more likely to develop Alzheimer’s disease than those with normal levels.¹⁰

A recent systematic review and meta-analysis of 27 studies with over 18,000 participants found an increased risk of all-cause dementia with decreasing total testosterone levels. Researchers also point to an increased risk for Alzheimer’s disease with lower levels of free and total testosterone.²⁴

Depression

A number of studies have reported a link between low testosterone and depression.^25,26

In depressed older men with low testosterone, raising testosterone levels can have an antidepressant effect, helping to improve mood and better control depressive symptoms.²⁷

Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity

Testosterone has a significant impact on metabolism. It increases lean muscle mass and reduces fat mass.²⁸

As a result, having low testosterone increases the risk of developing conditions tied to excess weight and metabolic dysfunction, including metabolic syndrome and type II diabetes.^29-33

Several studies show a correlation between low testosterone and the components of metabolic syndrome or diabetes:

• Men with lower testosterone are more likely to have insulin resistance, higher fat mass, and less lean muscle mass.³⁴
• Low testosterone predicts the development of abdominal obesity and the accumulation of fat tissue in the abdomen.²²
• Diabetic men are more likely to have low testosterone levels than nondiabetic men.³⁵

Cardiovascular Disease

Lower levels of testosterone are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease.^36-40

In some studies, low testosterone has been able to predict future risk of death from cardiovascular disease in men, even when controlling for different risk factors that included age, obesity, diabetes, abnormal blood lipids, and lifestyle choices like smoking.^36-38

In men with existing cardiovascular disease, there is a higher rate of death in those with lower testosterone.⁴¹ Men with low testosterone and cardiovascular disease were found to have a 75% higher chance of dying from any cause during follow-up, compared to men with normal testosterone.

In one meta-analysis, low testosterone levels were associated with an increased risk of death due to cardiovascular disease or any cause.³

When it comes to heart health, maintaining a healthy testosterone level can be lifesaving.

Osteoporosis

Low testosterone doesn’t just lead to loss of muscle mass and weakness. Bones are affected as well.

Studies show that testosterone levels are associated with bone mineral density and are predictive of fractures in older men.^42,43

At higher testosterone levels, bones tend to have higher density and remain strong. Low testosterone is correlated with thinning of the bones, which can eventually lead to the bone disease osteoporosis.⁴⁴

The combination of weak, thinned bones and poor muscle strength is a recipe for disaster, often culminating in falls and bone fractures. Severe injuries such as pelvic fractures or head injury can be fatal in the elderly.

Pomegranate and Cacao Boost Testosterone

In observational studies, it was discovered that pomegranate and cacao (the beans used to make chocolate) improve various aspects of health, including athletic performance and erectile function.^45-49

Scientists believed these benefits might be tied to higher testosterone levels. To test this possibility, researchers gave healthy adults pomegranate for two weeks.⁵⁰ Testosterone levels rose by 23%-27%, while improving mood and sense of well-being.

In mouse studies, scientists confirmed that both pomegranate and cacao seed extract boost testosterone production by the cells of the testes.⁵¹

These extracts have an even greater effect when combined. In a rat study, the combination elevated testosterone levels by over 72% in just six weeks.⁵²

In a human study, men aged 36 to 55 were given 400 mg of a pomegranate and cacao blend daily. After eight weeks, levels of bioactive free testosterone were 48% higher. Markers of stress, well-being, hand grip strength, and low testosterone symptoms all improved significantly.⁵³

Even in younger men aged 21 to 35, free testosterone was boosted by about 25%. Hand grip strength and upper arm circumference increased as well.⁵⁴

A third ingredient called luteolin has shown, in preclinical research, that it could favorably modulate testosterone in humans. Luteolin is a flavonoid found in many herbs, fruits, and vegetables. In one animal study, luteolin increased the production of a regulatory protein that is involved in the synthesis of testosterone in the testes.⁵⁵

Luteolin also inhibits the enzyme aromatase in animal models. This enzyme converts testosterone into estrogen.^56,57 By decreasing its synthesis and preventing its conversion to estrogen, luteolin might help support healthy levels of testosterone.

Scientists combined luteolin with pomegranate and cacao extracts to help support healthy free testosterone levels.

Summary

Testosterone levels in men affect many areas of health, including reproductive function and libido, mood, energy, muscle mass, cardiovascular health, metabolism, body weight, and more.

Levels of testosterone drop steadily as men age, beginning around age 30. Low testosterone is associated with loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, weak muscles and bones, obesity, and increased risk for cardiovascular disease, type II diabetes, cognitive dysfunction, and early mortality.

Scientists have found that pomegranate and cacao seed extracts can boost testosterone production in the body. Preclinical evidence supports the use of the flavonoid luteolin for the maintenance of testosterone levels.

By supporting healthy levels of testosterone, a combination of these three nutrients may help aging men to maintain healthy vigor while reducing risk for conditions that lower quality of life and contribute to disease and risk of death.

If you have any questions on the scientific content of this article, please call a Life Extension Wellness Specialist at 1-866-864-3027.

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