Posted on 10/27/2006 11:14:31 AM PDT by NormsRevenge
FRIDAY, Oct. 27 (HealthDay News) -- The testosterone-fueled American male may be losing his punch.
Over the past two decades, levels of the sex hormone in U.S. men have been falling steadily, a new study finds.
For example, average total testosterone levels in men aged 65 to 69 fell from 503 nanograms/decileter (ng/dL) in 1988 to 423 ng/dL in 2003.
The reasons for this trend are unclear, said researchers at the New England Research Institutes in Waterdown, Mass. They noted that neither aging nor certain other health factors, such as smoking or obesity, can fully explain the decline.
"Male serum testosterone levels appear to vary by generation, even after age is taken into account," study lead author Thomas G. Travison said in a prepared statement.
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays an important role in maintaining bone and muscle mass. Low testosterone levels have been linked to health problems, including lowered libido and diabetes.
It's normal for men's testosterone levels to peak in their late 20s and then start to gradually decline, experts say. But this study found that overall testosterone levels are lower than they were 20 years ago.
"In 1988, men who were 50 years and older had higher serum testosterone concentrations than did comparable 50-year-old men in 1996. This suggests that some factor other than age may be contributing to the observed declines in testosterone over time," Travison said.
He and his colleagues analyzed blood samples -- along with health and other information -- from about 1,500 men in the greater Boston area who took part in the Massachusetts Male Aging Study. That study collected data in 1987-89, 1995-97, and 2002-04.
"This analysis deals with men who were born between 1915 and 1945, but our baseline data were not obtained until the late 1980s, when the elder subjects were about 70 years old, and the youngest about 45," Travison said.
"Events occurring in earlier decades could certainly help explain our results, if their effects persisted into recent years," he noted.
The findings were published in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism.
More information
The U.S. National Library of Medicine has more about testosterone.
Two words: Baby Boomers
Soy! Soy is the main culprit, it's full of estrogen and it's in baby formula, lots of foods with soy. And the growth hormones in milk, cheese and etc.
This is also the reason for so many girls going into puberty way too early. This morning GMA had special of 4 year old girl starting into puberty, blood in urine and body odor. Her thyroid was messed up - probably fluride in water I'd think.
"That headline is so, like, false!"
Meanwhile, testosterone levels in male Freepers has increased. Women everywhere are grateful ;-)
Note to self: Be first in line for a grant to study this phenomena. Advertise for lab assistants!
I think Harry Reid is bringing down the average.
This is one explanation why the backward bastards in the Turd World see us as a easy mark...
Let's pray, that a "Few Good Men" will continue to be enough - cause that's all that's left!
Semper Fi
I thought there was just a "study" blaming it on cellphones. . . .
Yeah, but with both our results, the lady scientists working on the study would've swooned, so I guess it's probably for the best.
Saw him in "The Departed". OK acting, but boy...he does NOT look like that photo anymore.
I would like to see a study of Republicans vs Democrats.
I see a problem with this study right from the get go.
ROFL
Note to you: Make out reject forms for Helen Thomas, Hillary Clinton and Rosie O'Donnell.
Tofu=estrogen. How many buff Japanese men have you seen lately?
Good safety point!
I know a few Democrats that need to be studied.....LOL!
That explains the Democrats.
Declining in males to levels of females. The sissifying of American males continues.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.
