Average testosterone levels in men have decreased by 54% over the past 50 years, according to a study presented in London at the annual meeting of the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology. Scientists state that humanity is facing a serious crisis in male reproductive health.<\/p>\n
The meta-analysis combines 6 large-scale studies conducted between 1972 and 2019, involving more than 118,000 citizens from the US, Israel, Brazil, Finland, and Denmark. According to the data, the decline in the hormone averages 1% annually, with the process accelerating significantly after 2000.<\/p>\n
According to Hagai Levine, a professor at the Hebrew University, this is not a statistical error, but a very clear trend. Experts suggest that at least a quarter or a half of this drop is driven by rising rates of obesity and diabetes\u2014excess body fat promotes the conversion of testosterone into estrogen (the female hormone) in the body. Other potential causes for the decline include environmental factors, such as global warming and chemicals in household items that disrupt the endocrine system.<\/p>\n
Specialists warn the public against the self-administered use of testosterone supplements, which are popular on social media. They explain that taking synthetic testosterone often produces the opposite effect and completely shuts down sperm production in the body.<\/p>\n