Testosterone is one of the most important male sex hormones. It not only influences sexual function and muscle growth, but also plays a key role in metabolism, bone health, blood formation, and overall well-being. Hormonal balance changes with age. In some men, testosterone levels decline slowly, while in others they may drop significantly. But what does a low testosterone level actually mean for health? Could it possibly also indicate other health conditions?
A recent international study provides interesting insights on this topic. It shows that low testosterone levels may be associated with an increased risk of dying from cancer later in life. The findings raise new questions about the significance of male hormone balance and highlight why testosterone should not be considered in isolation.
What Current Research Shows About Testosterone and Cancer
A study published in the journal The Lancet Healthy Longevity examined the relationship between various male sex hormones and the risk of developing cancer later in life. The analysis included data from more than 26,000 men across eleven long-term studies. Among other things, the researchers examined the concentrations of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), SHBG, and luteinizing hormone (LH) in the blood. These levels were then compared with subsequent cancer diagnoses and cancer-related deaths.
An interesting association emerged: Men with the lowest testosterone levels had an 18 percent higher relative risk of dying from cancer later in life compared to men with the highest levels. The association was particularly striking for testosterone concentrations below 8.6 nmol/l. The researchers emphasize, however, that this does not prove that low testosterone levels cause cancer. This is a statistical association, not proof of a cause-and-effect relationship.
Previous Studies Show Similar Associations
Previous scientific studies have also examined the potential significance of testosterone levels for men’s long-term health. For example, a large analysis of data from the UK Biobank in 2021 examined the link between hormone levels and mortality. In that study, the researchers also found evidence that lower testosterone levels may be associated with higher cancer-related mortality.
A study from the EPIC-Norfolk study also examined the link between endogenous testosterone and various causes of death. The results provided further evidence that hormone levels may be a factor in assessing overall men’s health. However, the results of such observational studies cannot simply be equated with one another. They show possible associations but do not prove that low testosterone levels are the cause of cancer or subsequent cancer-related death. Further research is needed to determine this.
Does a Low Testosterone Level Automatically Mean a Higher Risk of Cancer?
No. A low testosterone level is, first and foremost, a possible indication that hormonal balance has changed or that other health factors are at play. Testosterone levels can be affected by various factors. These include, for example:
- advancing age
- being overweight and having a high body fat percentage
- metabolic disorders such as type 2 diabetes
- chronic diseases
- certain medications
- lack of sleep and sleep disorders
- lack of physical activity
Being overweight and metabolic problems, in particular, can be associated with changes in hormone balance. A low testosterone level should therefore always be considered in the context of overall health.
How Do Testosterone Levels Change Over the Course of a Man’s Life?
Unlike in women during menopause, testosterone levels in men do not typically drop sharply over a short period of time. Rather, it is often a slow process that extends over many years. In this context, medical professionals refer to conditions such as age-related testosterone deficiency or late-onset hypogonadism. Not every man develops a hormone deficiency requiring treatment over the course of his life.
Possible signs of a pronounced testosterone deficiency may include:
- decreased sexual desire
- erectile dysfunction
- fatigue and reduced performance
- loss of muscle mass
- increase in body fat
- depressive moods
- decreased bone density
However, these symptoms are not specific to testosterone deficiency. Other physical or psychological causes may also be responsible.
Testosterone and Prostate Cancer: The Results Are Surprising
Another finding from the study is particularly interesting: Although low testosterone levels were associated with an increased overall cancer mortality rate, the researchers found no corresponding link between natural testosterone levels and the incidence of prostate cancer. Instead, two other hormones—sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and luteinizing hormone (LH)—were found to be associated with the risk of prostate cancer.
These findings highlight just how complex the interplay of various hormones in the male body is. Testosterone should not be viewed in isolation, as other hormonal factors can also influence metabolic processes and health. Hormone concentrations and their interactions change, particularly as men age.
For men, this means that a low testosterone level does not automatically indicate an increased risk of prostate cancer. Nor can a normal testosterone level be considered a guarantee of a healthy prostate. Rather, the results underscore how important it is to consider hormonal changes in the context of overall health. Regardless of testosterone levels, urological screenings should therefore not be neglected. If you experience symptoms or notice any unusual changes, it is advisable to seek medical evaluation. The study provides interesting new insights but also shows that further research is needed to better understand the relationships between male hormones and various types of cancer.
Why a Low Testosterone Level Should Be Evaluated by a Doctor
An unusually low testosterone level should not simply be ignored. It may be a reason to examine one’s overall health more closely. Depending on the situation, this may include, for example, assessing metabolism, monitoring blood sugar, evaluating body weight, and investigating possible hormonal disorders.
A single low lab result is usually not sufficient to diagnose testosterone deficiency. Symptoms and repeated low morning testosterone measurements are also crucial. If necessary, other hormone levels such as LH, FSH, and SHBG can be measured. It is important to note that lab results should always be interpreted in the context of age, symptoms, and possible comorbidities.
Can Testosterone Therapy Protect Against Cancer?
This question is a natural one given the results of recent studies. If men with particularly low testosterone levels statistically die from cancer more frequently, one might assume that raising hormone levels offers health benefits. However, it’s not quite that simple. The study merely shows a statistical correlation. It does not prove that low testosterone levels cause cancer, nor that testosterone therapy can reduce the risk of cancer. Hormone replacement therapy is therefore not a measure for cancer prevention. For men with a confirmed testosterone deficiency and corresponding symptoms, treatment may be appropriate under certain conditions. These symptoms include, for example, a decreased libido, persistent fatigue, muscle loss, or reduced bone density.
Before starting therapy, however, the underlying causes of the low hormone levels should be determined. Potential side effects must also be taken into account. These include, among other things, an increase in red blood cells, water retention, and impaired sperm production. Equally important are monitoring prostate health and undergoing regular medical checkups. Whether testosterone therapy is an option should therefore always be decided on an individual basis and carried out under medical supervision. The goal of such treatment is to address a confirmed hormone deficiency and improve quality of life—not to prevent a potential cancer risk.
What Men Can Do Themselves for Their Health
Even though hormonal changes cannot be completely prevented as men age, various lifestyle factors can positively influence overall health. The following are particularly important:
Regular exercise: Strength training and endurance sports support metabolism, muscle mass, and cardiovascular health.
A healthy body weight: Being overweight can negatively affect hormonal balance and, in particular, testosterone levels.
Adequate sleep: Regular and restful sleep is important for hormonal regulation.
A balanced diet: A varied diet with sufficient protein, healthy fats, vegetables, and whole grains supports metabolism.
Preventive checkups: Regular medical checkups help detect health changes early on.
Conclusion: Testosterone is More Than Just a Sex Hormone
Current research findings show that male hormone balance may reveal more about long-term health than previously assumed. A low testosterone level should therefore not be viewed solely in the context of a declining libido or age-related changes. It may also be an indication that other health factors should be examined more closely.
At the same time, it is important to interpret scientific findings correctly: A low testosterone level does not automatically mean that a man will develop cancer. Likewise, there is currently no evidence that testosterone therapy can reduce the risk of cancer. What is crucial is a holistic approach to men’s health—with attention to hormonal balance, metabolism, physical fitness, and regular medical checkups.
