Why Modern Life May Be Working Against Men’s Hormones

For years, low testosterone was seen as something that only affected older men.

Today, more men in their 30s, 40s and 50s are asking questions about their hormones after noticing changes in their energy, motivation, recovery, body composition and overall wellbeing.

At the same time, research is suggesting something remarkable.

A large international analysis presented in 2026 reported that average testosterone levels in men may have fallen by approximately 54% between 1972 and 2019, with the decline appearing to accelerate in recent decades.

If future research continues to support these findings, it could represent one of the most significant changes in men’s health seen over the past half-century.

So…

Why Are Testosterone Levels Falling?

There isn’t one simple answer.

Researchers believe the decline is likely to be caused by a combination of lifestyle, metabolic and environmental factors rather than one single cause.

Modern life places pressures on the male body that previous generations simply didn’t experience.

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1. Rising Obesity Levels

Body fat doesn’t simply store energy.

It also influences hormone production.

Fat tissue contains an enzyme called aromatase, which converts testosterone into oestrogen.

As body fat increases:

• Testosterone production may decline
• Oestrogen levels may rise
• Insulin resistance becomes more common
• The body finds it harder to maintain healthy hormone balance

This creates a cycle where lower testosterone encourages further fat gain, which can reduce testosterone even more.

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2. Less Movement, More Sitting

Many modern jobs involve sitting for eight to ten hours every day.

Compared with previous generations, today’s average man:

• Walks less
• Performs less manual work
• Exercises less frequently
• Spends more time sitting

Regular resistance training and maintaining muscle mass are associated with healthier testosterone levels and better metabolic health.

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3. Poor Sleep

Sleep is one of the most important factors for hormone production.

Much of a man’s daily testosterone production occurs during sleep.

Consistently poor sleep has been associated with:

• Lower testosterone
• Reduced recovery
• Higher cortisol levels
• Increased fatigue
• Poorer metabolic health

Even one week of restricted sleep has been shown to reduce daytime testosterone levels in healthy young men.

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4. Chronic Stress

Modern life rarely switches off.

Work.

Emails.

Financial pressure.

Family commitments.

Poor sleep.

All of these increase cortisol, often referred to as the body’s stress hormone.

Chronically elevated cortisol can interfere with the body’s normal testosterone production.

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5. Environmental Chemicals

Researchers are also investigating the role of endocrine-disrupting chemicals.

These include certain substances found in:

• Plastics
• Pesticides
• Industrial chemicals
• Some food packaging

Some studies suggest these chemicals may interfere with hormone signalling.

However, this remains an area of ongoing research and scientists continue to debate how significant their contribution is compared with lifestyle factors.

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Low Testosterone Isn’t Just About Libido

Many people assume testosterone only affects sex drive.

In reality, testosterone influences almost every major system in the male body.

Healthy testosterone supports:

• Energy levels
• Muscle mass
• Bone density
• Mood
• Motivation
• Memory
• Metabolic health
• Red blood cell production
• Sexual function

When testosterone remains low over months or years, the consequences can extend far beyond simply feeling tired.

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Should Every Man Consider TRT?

No.

Low testosterone symptoms are not unique to testosterone deficiency.

Similar symptoms can also be caused by:

• Poor sleep
• Thyroid disorders
• Sleep apnoea
• Vitamin deficiencies
• Depression
• Chronic illness
• Certain medications
• Excess body weight

This is why testosterone replacement therapy should never begin with assumptions.

It should always begin with proper testing and clinical assessment.

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The First Step Is Testing

If you’ve noticed ongoing changes in:

• Energy
• Motivation
• Recovery
• Libido
• Strength
• Mood
• General wellbeing

the only way to know whether testosterone could be contributing is through a blood test.

A properly interpreted testosterone blood test, combined with a clinical assessment, helps determine whether your symptoms are likely to be related to hormone levels or whether another cause should be investigated.

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The Bottom Line

Whether testosterone levels have truly fallen by more than 50% over the past five decades will continue to be studied.

What we do know is that modern lifestyles are placing increasing pressure on men’s metabolic and hormonal health.

The encouraging news is that many of the factors influencing testosterone can be improved through better sleep, healthier body composition, regular exercise and appropriate medical care when needed.

If you’re experiencing persistent symptoms, don’t guess.

Find out.

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Check Your Testosterone with Evernu

At Evernu, we provide doctor-led testosterone assessments combining comprehensive blood testing with clinical evaluation.

If your results suggest further investigation is appropriate, our experienced clinical team will guide you through your options.

Know your numbers. Understand your health.

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References

1. Choucair A, et al. Global trends in testosterone levels in men: A systematic review and meta-analysis (1972–2019). Presented at the European Society of Human Reproduction and Embryology (ESHRE) Annual Meeting, 2026.
2. Kelly DM, Jones TH. Testosterone: a metabolic hormone in health and disease. Endocrine Reviews.
3. Travison TG, et al. The relative contributions of aging, health and lifestyle factors to serum testosterone decline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism.
4. Leproult R, Van Cauter E. Effect of one week of sleep restriction on testosterone levels in healthy young men. Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA).
5. Grossmann M. Hypogonadism and male obesity: focus on unresolved questions. Clinical Endocrinology.

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