Understanding the Secular Decline in Testosterone: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Clinical Perspectives

January 2026 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”

Óscar Fraile-Martínez, Miguel Ángel Fernández Ortega, Leonel Pekarek

testosterone endocrine disruptors pharmacological interventions nutraceutical interventions

TLDR Lifestyle changes and environmental strategies can help address declining testosterone levels.

The document discusses the secular decline in testosterone levels, which affects both males and females and is linked to reduced fertility, metabolic and cardiovascular issues, mood disturbances, and decreased quality of life. While aging and genetics contribute, modifiable factors like obesity, inactivity, poor diet, stress, inadequate sleep, and exposure to endocrine disruptors play significant roles. The review highlights the importance of lifestyle and environmental strategies, such as physical activity, nutrition, weight management, sleep, stress reduction, and sunlight exposure, alongside pharmacological and nutraceutical interventions, to address this multifaceted public health issue.

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Understanding the Secular Decline in Testosterone: Mechanisms, Consequences, and Clinical Perspectives

Research cited in this study

research Male Sex Hormones, Aging, And Inflammation

research Hyperandrogenism in Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Role of CYP Gene Variants: A Review

research Is Acne a Sign of Androgen Excess Disorder or Not?

research Physiology of the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal Axis in the Male

research On the Effects of Testosterone on Brain Behavioral Functions

research Genome-Wide Association Study Identifies a New Locus JMJD1C at 10q21 That May Influence Serum Androgen Levels in Men

research Sexual Hormones in Human Skin

research Androgen Receptor-Mediated Inhibition of Cutaneous Wound Healing

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