Testosterone plays a critical role in men’s health, influencing energy levels, muscle mass, fat distribution, bone density, mood, libido, and cognitive function. As men age, testosterone levels change. Understanding the typical rate of testosterone decline can help men make informed decisions about their health.
In most men, testosterone levels peak in late adolescence or early adulthood, typically between ages 18 and 25. During this time, testosterone supports muscle development, sexual function, and overall physical resilience.
After this peak, testosterone production begins a gradual decline that continues throughout adulthood.
What’s the Typical Rate of Testosterone Decline?
Clinical research indicates that total testosterone levels decline at an average rate of approximately 1 percent per year, starting around age 30. Free testosterone, the biologically active form, often decreases more rapidly due to age-related increases in sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG).
By age 40, many men have measurably lower testosterone levels than they did in their twenties, even if they feel generally healthy. By ages 60 to 70, testosterone levels may be 30 to 50 percent lower than peak levels, depending on genetics, lifestyle factors, and overall health.
Why Some Men Experience Faster Declines
Not all men experience testosterone decline at the same rate. Factors such as chronic stress, poor sleep, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, excessive alcohol use, certain medications, and chronic illness can accelerate hormone decline.
In the Phoenix area, additional factors such as heat-related sleep disruption, dehydration, and high stress levels may further influence how symptoms present.
Symptoms Associated With Age-Related Testosterone Decline
As testosterone levels decrease, some men experience reduced energy and stamina, decreased libido and erectile quality, loss of muscle mass and strength, increased abdominal fat, mood changes or irritability, and difficulty concentrating or maintaining mental clarity.
Because these changes often occur gradually, they are frequently attributed to normal aging rather than an underlying hormone imbalance.
Normal Aging vs. Low Testosterone
A gradual decline in testosterone is a normal part of aging. However, some men develop clinically low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, which can significantly affect quality of life and long-term health.
At Thunderbird Men’s Health, a diagnosis of low testosterone is based on both persistent symptoms and laboratory confirmation through properly timed blood testing. Symptoms alone are not sufficient for diagnosis.
Normal Aging vs. Low Testosterone
A gradual decline in testosterone is a normal part of aging. However, some men develop clinically low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, which can significantly affect quality of life and long-term health.
At Thunderbird Men’s Health, a diagnosis of low testosterone is based on both persistent symptoms and laboratory confirmation through properly timed blood testing. Symptoms alone are not sufficient for diagnosis.
Can Lifestyle Choices Influence Testosterone Decline?
While aging cannot be stopped, certain lifestyle factors can influence how quickly testosterone levels decline. Regular resistance training, adequate sleep, stress management, maintaining a healthy body weight, proper hydration, limiting excessive alcohol intake, and managing chronic health conditions can all help support healthier testosterone levels.
These factors are especially relevant for men living in Arizona’s hot climate.
Men experiencing ongoing fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass, mood changes, or cognitive difficulties may benefit from testosterone testing, regardless of age. Testing is typically performed in the morning and may be repeated to confirm accuracy.
Early evaluation allows for a clearer understanding of whether symptoms are hormone-related or due to another medical issue.
Can Statins Accelerate Testosterone Decline?
Because testosterone is synthesized from cholesterol, some men worry that statins might accelerate age-related testosterone decline. In theory, lowering cholesterol could reduce the raw material needed to produce steroid hormones. In practice, however, the effect appears modest. Studies show statins may lower total testosterone slightly, in the range of 4–10%, but most men remain within the normal reference range. For someone with already borderline levels, that small dip could be more noticeable, but statins alone rarely cause clinically significant testosterone deficiency.
It’s also important to weigh the broader health context.
Cardiovascular disease remains a leading threat to aging men, and statins significantly reduce the risk of heart attack and stroke. For most patients, the cardiovascular benefit outweighs the potential for a small hormonal shift.
If symptoms such as fatigue, low libido, or reduced muscle mass develop after starting a statin, we recommend checking total and free testosterone levels. In a majority of cases, however, statins are not the primary driver of age-related testosterone decline.
Testosterone Evaluation at Thunderbird Men’s Health
At Thunderbird Men’s Health, testosterone evaluations begin with comprehensive lab testing and a detailed clinical assessment. Our approach focuses on identifying true hormone deficiencies and providing evidence-based treatment options tailored to each patient.
Men in the Phoenix area who have concerns about testosterone levels are encouraged to schedule a confidential consultation to discuss symptoms, review testing options, and better understand what is normal—and what may require medical attention.
Accurate information, careful evaluation, and individualized care are the foundation of effective men’s health treatment.
This post has been reviewed by Dr. Jordan Glenn.