“Masculinity” at Risk for Married Men, Study Finds
A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Western Australia has revealed that fatherhood and family life could pose a risk to men’s testosterone levels. The study found that married men have lower testosterone levels on average compared to those who remain single. The analysis, which involved 11 scientific studies and over 25,000 men, showed that men who are married or in a relationship generally have lower average testosterone levels, particularly middle-aged men.
The researchers suggest that the stress of family life, including having children at home, could be the cause of this decrease in testosterone levels. Other studies have also found that stress can reduce the production of testosterone in men. However, it should be noted that this link between lower testosterone levels and family life is only a possibility, as the study was not designed to test this hypothesis. Furthermore, the impact of the modest drop in testosterone levels seen in married men, who still have normal amounts of the hormone, is not clear.
Dr. Bu Yeap, who led the analysis, stated that the slight decrease in testosterone levels among married men could be explained by the increased stress they experience. However, he acknowledges that further research is needed to investigate this finding. In recent years, there has been growing attention on the concept of “male menopause,” which refers to the decrease in testosterone levels as men age.
The study, published in the journal Annals of Internal Medicine, found no significant difference in testosterone levels in men aged 17 to 70. However, after the age of 70, testosterone levels tended to decline on average. The researchers also examined other lifestyle factors, such as marital status and physical activity levels, which could affect testosterone in addition to age. They found that men who did minimal physical activity and those with higher body mass indexes (BMI) had lower testosterone levels.
Lower testosterone levels have previously been associated with a higher risk of developing diabetes, dementia, and early mortality. The study also found that testosterone concentrations were slightly lower in former smokers and men with high blood pressure and a history of certain health conditions, including cardiovascular disease.
While the study offers valuable insights into the relationship between family life and testosterone levels, further research is needed to understand the full extent of this connection. Understanding the impact of these hormonal changes on men’s health and well-being is essential in providing appropriate support and interventions.