Understanding Low Testosterone in Men: Causes, Effects, and Natural Solutions

by Dr. Nick Zyrowski February 10, 2025

The Decline of Testosterone Levels in Men

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:

  • 1999-2000: 605.39 ng/dL
  • 2003-2004: 567.44 ng/dL
  • 2011-2012:424.96 ng/dL
  • 2013-2014: 431.76 ng/dL
  • 2015-2016:451.22 ng/dL 

Causes of Declining Testosterone Levels

The decline in testosterone can be attributed to two broad categories: individual factors and environmental influences.

Individual Factors

Several personal health conditions contribute to declining testosterone levels, including:

  • Overweight/obesity
  • Diabetes
  • Hypertension
  • Liver and kidney disease
  • Sleep apnea
  • Chronic stress 

Certain medications can also lower testosterone, including:

  • Opiates
  • Blood pressure medications
  • Statins
  • Antidepressants 

Environmental Influences

Widespread exposure to environmental toxins—particularly xenoestrogens—plays a significant role in hormonal disruption.

What Are Xenoestrogens and How Do They Lower Testosterone?

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:

  • Plastics (BPA, phthalates)
  • Personal care products (parabens, fragrances in shampoos and lotions)
  • Pesticides and herbicides(atrazine, glyphosate)
  • Industrial chemicals (PCBs, dioxins)
  • Processed foods and food packaging
  • Water supply contamination 

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. 

Signs and Symptoms of Low Testosterone 

Men with low testosterone may experience:

  • Reduced libido
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Poor sperm quality/infertility
  • Loss of body hair
  • Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
  • Decreased muscle mass and strength
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Mood swings and irritability 

Natural Strategies to Boost Testosterone

There are several proven lifestyle, dietary, and supplement-based strategies to improve testosterone levels naturally. 

Testosterone-Boosting Foods 

Certain foods help enhance testosterone by increasing key nutrients like zinc and vitamin D:

  • Salmon(high in vitamin D)
  • Oysters (highest source of zinc)
  • Egg yolks
  • Brazil nuts 
  • Liver Olive oil
  • Asparagus
  • Crab and lobster
  • Beans (white, kidney, black)
  • Pomegranate juice 

Scientific studies support these dietary choices:

  • Olive Oil & Testosterone:A study of 60 healthy men (ages 23-40) found that consuming extra virgin olive oil for three weeks increased testosterone levels by 17.4%.
  • Pomegranate Juice & Testosterone:A study involving 60 men and women showed that drinking 500 mL (a little over 2 cups) of pomegranate juice daily for two weeks led to a measurable increase in salivary testosterone levels. 

Mediterranean Diet & Testosterone

The Mediterranean Diet is one of the best for men with metabolic syndrome, a condition often linked to low testosterone. This diet emphasizes:

  • Vegetables and fruits (rich in antioxidants and vitamins)
  • Whole grains, beans, nuts, and seeds (great for nutrient density)
  • Healthy fats from olive oil and fish

For more information on how to start the Mediterranean diet, read this article

Exercise and Testosterone

Both aerobic and resistance training can positively impact testosterone levels:

  • Endurance Exercise:Moderate endurance exercise (interval training, circuit training, tempo runs) has been shown to increase testosterone, while excessive endurance exercise (e.g., marathon training) may decrease levels.
  • Strength Training: Resistance training, particularly weightlifting, increases testosterone. One study found that men following a ketogenic diet combined with resistance training experienced a significant testosterone boost over 10 weeks. 

Celarity’s Advanced Testosterone Support

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. 

Conclusion

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.

Dr. Nick Zyrowski
Dr. Nick Zyrowski



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