Is ageing the cause of testosterone reduction?

It has long been observed that a man's testosterone levels can drop over time and it is believed that this is a natural result of the ageing process.

However, a new study claims that this is not so, and in fact a drop in testosterone is more likely to be the result of behavioural and health changes.

Researchers at the University of Adelaide have found that declining testosterone is preventable by moderating behaviour and health.

Dr Gary Wittert, co-author of the study, commented: "Declining testosterone levels are not an inevitable part of the aging process, as many people think.

"Testosterone changes are largely explained by smoking behaviour and changes in health status, particularly obesity and depression."

The discovery was made when researchers analysed testosterone measurements of more than 1,500 men, between the ages of 35 to 80.

Measurements were five years apart and it was noted that lifestyle and health determined those who had lower testosterone levels.

The discovery is important for male health, as low testosterone is known to put men at risk of mortality from conditions such as diabetes.

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