Since middle age, many individuals experience a decline in sexual desire and testosterone levels, which often correlates with a decrease in their overall zest for life, hopes, and dreams. The enthusiasm for travel, adventure, business ventures, sports competitions, and ambitious goals diminishes, leading people to become accustomed to solitude and to pursue a more tranquil, low-risk lifestyle. Sometimes, they experience a sense of piety that may be attributed to their spiritual beliefs.

This shift in attitude can be attributed to various factors, including cultural and socio-economic influences; however, biological factors also play a significant role. According to the evolutionary theory of aging, a person’s physical and mental capabilities reach their peak during reproductive years. This suggests that natural selection favors traits that enhance survival and reproduction during these prime years, potentially at the expense of health and vitality in later life. It means that as long as we experience sexual desire, we maintain a stronger and healthier body, along with a greater enthusiasm and passion for life.

Testosterone Levels play a significant role in determining body shape

From middle life onward, men’s sexual potency tends to decline. Concurrently, abdominal obesity and depression often increase. A significant factor contributing to these symptoms is the decrease in testosterone levels in men. This hormone plays a crucial role in developing both primary and secondary sexual characteristics, while also exerting metabolic and psychological effects.

Abdominal obesity in elderly men is typically the predominant form of adiposity, whereas, in women, this accumulation of fat is more commonly observed in the lower limbs. Research has demonstrated that decreased testosterone levels are directly associated with the accumulation of fat in the midsection and abdomen. Sex hormones play a crucial role in regulating the distribution of adipose tissue, fat storage, and fat metabolism. While abdominal obesity is multifaceted, involving various contributing factors, such as anxiety and depression, the correlation between testosterone levels and abdominal obesity in older men remains particularly strong [1].

It is widely acknowledged that testosterone plays a crucial role in building muscle tissue and maintaining proper posture; therefore, it is an important factor in the masculine image. It stimulates muscle protein synthesis, resulting in muscle growth and strength gains, especially when combined with resistance training. Furthermore, testosterone helps preserve bone density, which is essential for maintaining good posture.

The role of testosterone in sex desire

The male hormone influences sexual desire or libido in both men and women. Testosterone binds to androgen receptors in some parts of the brain that play a role in sex desire. This binding leads to the release of neurotransmitters that drive sexual arousal. In this context, the release of dopamine is significant because it activates the reward system, generates feelings of pleasure, and enhances sexual motivation. As in peripheral function, it is associated with the production of nitric oxide, which is crucial for erectile function.

Testosterone promotes motivation and the desire for life

Studies indicate that testosterone may positively influence behavior and cognitive functions in men, especially in aspects such as spatial skills, verbal memory, and working memory.

Testosterone levels are associated with increased competitiveness and dominance. Higher levels of testosterone also correlate with increased aggressiveness in men. Some evidence suggests that these physiological levels of the hormone may lead to criminal behaviors. Conversely, reduced testosterone levels are often linked to decreased confidence and self-esteem. Individuals with higher testosterone levels may feel more assertive and capable in social situations. These individuals tend to have a greater propensity for engaging in risky activities, which can manifest in both social and financial contexts. This masculine hormone may also modulate the body’s response to stress, influencing how individuals cope with stressors and potentially affecting their resilience and vulnerability to stress-related disorders [2].

While testosterone motivates us to live purposefully and with hope at physiological levels, fluctuations in these levels—whether increases or decreases—can lead to changes in behavior. Reason: Improved clarity, vocabulary, and technical accuracy while correcting grammatical and punctuation errors.

Testosterone and longevity

The relationship between testosterone levels and longevity, or aging, is complex and is under extensive investigation. Some research suggests that higher testosterone levels in older men may be associated with increased mortality, while other studies indicate that low testosterone levels can also be linked to adverse health outcomes. A Korean study on eunuchs from the 16th to 19th centuries suggests that testosterone may shorten men’s lifespans. Researchers found that eunuchs, who were castrated during boyhood, lived considerably longer than ordinary men. This finding implies that testosterone might play a role in aging and longevity [3].

Testosterone Essential Reads

Conversely, low testosterone levels have been associated with a range of health issues, including obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease, all of which can adversely affect longevity. This is because low testosterone can contribute to inflammation, insulin resistance, unhealthy cholesterol levels, and other metabolic changes that negatively affect heart health [4].

Overall, the influence of this hormone on life span seems to be a U-shape relationship. Both low or higher than normal levels of testosterone may have adverse effects on health.

Conclusion

It is not uncommon for some men to experience fluctuations in their enthusiasm for life, physical fitness, and overall motivation during middle age and elderly. This stage can create various challenges, including career pressures, family responsibilities, and reflections on aging, which may result in feelings of emptiness or depression for some individuals. Among the various factors associated with this condition, low testosterone levels may be particularly important, as they can contribute to a lack of motivation and a sense of meaninglessness in life. It is essential to understand how to maintain healthy physiological hormone levels through methods such as regular exercise. Normal testosterone levels increase muscle mass, which enhances physical appearance and signifies high physical and sexual fitness. Additionally, testosterone helps reduce body fat, particularly abdominal obesity. It also improves mood and decreases the likelihood of developing depression and anxiety, which can lead to feelings of dissatisfaction and diminished attractiveness. To naturally boost testosterone levels, it is advisable to engage in exercises such as cycling, barbell squats, and other resistance exercises.

References

1. Han S, Jeon YJ, Lee TY, Park GM, Park S, Kim SC. Testosterone is associated with abdominal body composition derived from computed tomography: a large cross sectional study. Sci Rep. 2022 Dec 29;12(1):22528.

2. Celec P, Ostatníková D, Hodosy J. On the effects of testosterone on brain behavioral functions. Front Neurosci. 2015 Feb 17;9:12.

3. Min KJ, Lee CK, Park HN. The lifespan of Korean eunuchs. Curr Biol. 2012 Sep 25;22(18):R792-3.

4. Michos ED, Budoff MJ. Testosterone: therapeutic or toxic for the cardiovascular health of men? Lancet Healthy Longev. 2022 Jun;3(6):e368-e369. Doi: 10.1016/S2666-7568(22)00115-5. Epub 2022 Jun 9. Erratum in: Lancet Healthy Longev. 2022 Jul;3(7):e460.