New publications
Testosterone can help defeat male grumpiness
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
All iLive content is medically reviewed or fact checked to ensure as much factual accuracy as possible.
We have strict sourcing guidelines and only link to reputable media sites, academic research institutions and, whenever possible, medically peer reviewed studies. Note that the numbers in parentheses ([1], [2], etc.) are clickable links to these studies.
If you feel that any of our content is inaccurate, out-of-date, or otherwise questionable, please select it and press Ctrl + Enter.
Testosterone is the main hormone in men, but with age its level decreases. And, as it turns out, it leads not only to a deterioration in libido, but also is the cause of grumpiness and nervousness in older men.
Volunteers who took part in the research conducted by scientists from the Bristol Institute of Urology were offered five injections of testosterone. Some time after the procedure, the men reported that their sex drive had increased, their concentration and attention had increased significantly, their weight had decreased, and they also felt a surge of physical strength.
Those who believed that their libido level was low before the treatment program began accounted for 64%. After the sessions ended, it turned out that the ranks of those dissatisfied with their sex life had thinned out, and only 10% remained.
Although the study was conducted on men with hypogonadism – reduced secretion of sex hormones by the testicles – the scientists believe that the results obtained may be applicable to a much larger group of men. For example, those whose testosterone levels were normal but dropped significantly in old age – a phenomenon that often occurs among men of advanced age.
Testosterone is a hormone produced by both the male sex glands - the testicles - and the cerebral cortex. It is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics, for maintaining muscle mass and bone health, helping to produce a sufficient number of red blood cells, and also improves mood.
When testosterone levels in men drop, which often happens in old age, about 40% of the stronger half of humanity may experience a condition called "male menopause."
A normal testosterone level is considered to be 12 nanomoles per liter. Men diagnosed with hypogonadism have lower testosterone levels, often not even reaching 8 nanomoles per liter of blood. The same is true for older men. One in fifty men falls into this category.
But there is a so-called gray zone, which means that in a man's body the concentration of testosterone fluctuates between 8 and 12 nanomoles per liter of blood.
Some doctors believe that men in this category can increase their testosterone levels with the help of gels, and if the gels do not work, then with the help of injections.
“Significant risk factors for low testosterone levels include long working hours, being overworked, unhealthy food and alcohol, and a sedentary lifestyle,” says Raj Persad, professor at the Bristol Institute of Urology. “Changing your bad habits and engaging in regular physical activity, as well as undergoing testosterone injection therapy, can increase your vitality, restore your sex drive and reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease.”
Scientists say they can't yet say for sure what is key to changing the patients' well-being - diet, physical activity or testosterone therapy - but they do say the results are amazing and encouraging.