Testosterone naturally declines with age at a rate of about 1-2% per year, starting around age 30. The prevalence of low testosterone varies, affecting between 10-40% of men, depending on age and health factors.
However, recent decades have seen a troubling trend—testosterone levels are decreasing at an accelerated rate and at younger ages. Studies indicate that as many as 20% of younger men may now experience low testosterone.
A 2020 report presented to the American Urological Association analyzed National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys (NHANES) data from 1999-2016. It showed a steady decline in average serum testosterone levels among U.S. males aged 15-39:
The decline in testosterone can be attributed to two broad categories: individual factors and environmental influences.
Several personal health conditions contribute to declining testosterone levels, including:
Certain medications can also lower testosterone, including:
Widespread exposure to environmental toxins—particularly xenoestrogens—plays a significant role in hormonal disruption.
Xenoestrogens are synthetic or naturally occurring chemical compounds that mimic estrogen in the body. These endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) interfere with hormonal balance by binding to estrogen receptors, leading to an increase in estrogenic activity while suppressing testosterone production.
When xenoestrogens enter the body, they disrupt the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, which is responsible for regulating testosterone production.
This results in lower testosterone synthesis and higher estrogen dominance, contributing to symptoms such as reduced libido, weight gain, and muscle loss.
Xenoestrogens are found in many everyday sources, including:
Reducing exposure to xenoestrogens by choosing BPA-free plastics, organic foods, and natural personal care products can help maintain hormonal balance and support healthy testosterone levels.
Men with low testosterone may experience:
There are several proven lifestyle, dietary, and supplement-based strategies to improve testosterone levels naturally.
Certain foods help enhance testosterone by increasing key nutrients like zinc and vitamin D:
Scientific studies support these dietary choices:
The Mediterranean Diet is one of the best for men with metabolic syndrome, a condition often linked to low testosterone. This diet emphasizes:
For more information on how to start the Mediterranean diet, read this article.
Both aerobic and resistance training can positively impact testosterone levels:
Targeted supplementation can also be a fantastic way to boost testosterone naturally. One such supplement is Celarity's Testosterone Ignite. This scientifically formulated blend contains clinically relevant doses of Shilajit and Eurycoma longifolia root (Malaysian ginseng), both of which are proven to support testosterone production. These bioavailable nutrients help free bound testosterone from Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG), making more testosterone available for the body to use. By modulating SHBG's influence, Testosterone Ignite helps maintain healthy androgen biosynthesis, supporting vitality, virility, and vigor.
Low testosterone is becoming increasingly common, even in younger men. While aging is a natural factor, modern environmental toxins, poor lifestyle habits, and chronic stress are accelerating the decline. Fortunately, diet, exercise, quality sleep, stress reduction, and targeted supplements can help restore and optimize testosterone levels naturally.
By making conscious choices and utilizing targeted supplementation, men can take control of their hormonal health and maintain peak performance, energy, and well-being.