Low-normal Male Testosterone Levels Linked to a Longer Life

Original Paper: Yeap, B.B., et al. (2024). Associations of Testosterone and Related Hormones with All-Cause and Cardiovascular Mortality and Incident Cardiovascular Disease in Men: Individual Participant Data Meta-analyses. Ann Intern Med, 177, 768-781. DOI: 10.7326/M23-2781

Why It Matters

Testosterone is a hormone that has many important functions, from regulating bone mass to maintaining muscle and mood. Testosterone levels also naturally decrease in men over time. Testosterone’s known benefits have led many to believe that higher testosterone levels are ideal for health. This study explores the potential relationship between sex hormones and health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease. 

Key Findings

• The authors reviewed modern literature from 2019 to 2024 and correlated testosterone levels to general death and cardiovascular disease.
• Testosterone levels toward the middle-low of the normal reference range were ideal for living a longer life.
• Those in the lower-normal range had particularly better outcomes than those with testosterone below the reference range.

What This Means For You

Having testosterone levels toward the lower end of the normal reference range is not necessarily a bad thing. If testosterone levels become especially low, however, it is recommended to discuss these results with your doctor.

Our Perspective

This study aligns with other research we have found that indicates testosterone replacement therapy for those on the lower end of the normal range is not medically necessary. Evidence suggests that only those with very low testosterone suffering from adverse symptoms should consider testosterone replacement therapy.