One of the most important hormones for men, but also for women, is testosterone. Did you know that after your 30's, your testosterone levels decrease by about 1-2% per year? Or that only one week of sleep restriction to 5 hours per night resulted in a 10-15% reduction in daytime testosterone levels? While a healthy lifestyle is important, supplements might be a good way to get additional nutrients.
Here are 45 statistics about testosterone you probably didn't know!
45 Testosterone Statistics You Probably Didn't Know:
General
Around age 30, men's testosterone levels gradually drop by 1-2% each year.
2/3 of men over age 45 have levels of testosterone below what is considered normal for their age.
Testosterone treatment can decrease fat mass and increase muscle size and strength.
A successful, money-making trading day is linked to higher testosterone levels.
The testosterone levels of men in 2002 were 15% lower than in 1987.
The most common noticeable effect of low testosterone is erectile dysfunction (ED).
For females, the most common noticeable effects of low testosterone are a decreased sex drive, depression, and weakness.
The most common causes of low testosterone are obesity, diabetes, cancer, and a lack of exercise.
Testosterone testing rates increased by around 300% from 2000 to 2011.
The global testosterone replacement therapy market was projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of around 4% from 2020 to 2027.
American Testosterone Effects
About 6% of all American men suffer from testosterone deficiency. Most of them are in older age groups.
In 2002, 1.75 million descriptions were made for testosterone at $400 million.
Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure) accounts for about 95% of cases of low testosterone, while secondary hypogonadism (pituitary or hypothalamic dysfunction) is less common.
The aging population contributes to the demand for testosterone therapy. By 2030, it's estimated that over 20% of the U.S. population will be 65 years or older.
In 2018, approximately 42.4% of adults in the United States were classified as obese, which is one of the main factors of low testosterone.
About 34.2 million Americans, or 10.5% of the population, had diabetes in 2018. Diabetes is also linked to lower testosterone levels.
Testosterone & Females (Specific)
Testosterone levels in females are ~ 1/10th to 1/20th of those found in male bodies.
Women experience a gradual decline in testosterone levels with age. After the age of 30, levels may decrease by about 1-2% per year.
Testosterone has the same function in both men and women.
The testosterone levels in the female body fluctuate the most during the menstrual cycle.
In women, testosterone levels will decline after menopause, or between 45 and 55.
Ovaries are the primary source of testosterone in females, producing around 0.2 to 0.6 mg per day.
Testosterone replacement therapy for women, when necessary, typically involves much lower doses than those used for men, often starting at around 1-2 mg per day.
During pregnancy, testosterone levels in women increase. By the third trimester, levels can be two to three times higher than pre-pregnancy levels.
Muscle Growth & Testosterone
Testosterone increases muscle mass by 20%.
Generally speaking, after your 30's, you lose 3-5% of your muscle mass per decade.
Testosterone increases muscle protein synthesis by 27%.
7.5G of 1% testosterone daily for 3 years improves from 10.7 to 22.4 W for stair-climbing power and 16.3 N for chest-press strength.
Besides testosterone, protein plays a significant role in muscle mass: 0.8 to 1.2 grams of protein per kg body weight is essential.
Weight training has a bigger influence on androgen receptors than on testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels temporarily increase by exercise.
Heart Health & Testosterone
Men with normal testosterone levels (300-1.000 ng/dL) are 24% less likely to have a heart attack and 36% less likely to have a stroke.
ED is not caused by low testosterone levels, but by diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and medication side effects. Out of 1.455 who were referred for evaluation of ED, 6% had low testosterone levels.
Testosterone injections or placebo can increase walking distance by 33% in men with heart failure.
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Hypogonadism (insufficiency of testosterone) occurs in 19% of men in their 60s, 28% of men in their 70s, and 49% of men in their 80s.
The 2 most popular options for TRT are transdermal gels and intramuscular (IM) injections.
The bioavailability of testosterone gel is 30% lower when applied to the abdomen than to the arms and shoulders.
TRT Effects & Risks
TRT has side effects, which may include:
Typically, a maximum of 6 months of therapy may be prescribed per prescription. More may lead to cardiac arrest, breathing problems, or depriving energy levels.
TRT can lead to a 5-7% increase in hemoglobin, potentially contributing to conditions like erythrocytosis (thicker blood making it less able to travel through blood vessels & veins).
Testosterone supplementation has been shown to increase prostate size by 12%.
In a large meta-analysis of 18 prospective studies that included over 3500 men, there was no association between serum androgen levels and the risk of prostate cancer development.
60% of all TRT users suffer from skin reactions erythema and pruritus.
Conclusion
In simple terms, testosterone is a crucial hormone for both men and women, but its levels can drop as we get older. The facts shared here show how this hormone affects different aspects of our health, like our muscles, heart, and even mood. The numbers reveal that many older Americans may face testosterone deficiencies, especially those dealing with issues like obesity and diabetes.
For women, the hormone's role during pregnancy and menopause is highlighted. While it's essential for our well-being, using testosterone supplements comes with some risks, so it's important to talk to doctors before making decisions about hormone therapy. Understanding these facts helps us take better care of our health as we age.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Why is testosterone important for both men and women?
2. How much does testosterone decrease with age?
3. What are the common effects of low testosterone in men and women?
4. What factors contribute to low testosterone levels?
5. How prevalent is testosterone deficiency in Americans?
6. What role does testosterone play in muscle growth?
7. Are there risks associated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
8. How can individuals maintain balanced testosterone levels?
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