Could Low Testosterone be a Mirage?

Ned Kock at Health Correlator makes a strong argument against low testosterone production as the main issue in low testosterone in middle aged men.   

"Many low T cases may actually be caused by something other than tired T-secretion glands, perhaps a hormone (or set of hormones) that suppress T production; a T “antagonist”. What would be a good candidate?" 

The man inhibitory hormone is Cortisol, "The Stress Hormone".  

  – cortisol and testosterone levels are inversely related. This is a general pattern in connection with stress- induced cortisol elevations, repeating itself over and over again, whether the source of stress is mental (e.g., negative thoughts) or physical (e.g., intense exercise). 

It is interesting that even when given testosterone, middle aged men see no change to elevated cortisol levels.  This would suggest that the low levels of testosterone are not the cause of the stress and increased cortisol levels.

Isn't possible that cortisol levels go up because testosterone levels go down - reverse causality? Possible, but unlikely. Evidence that testosterone administration may reduce cortisol levels, when it is found, tends to be rather weak or inconclusive. 

 A huge factor not noted by Ned is sleep deprivation.  In 1900 the average American got 9 hours of sleep.  Today the number is down to 6 hours.  Considering that the body does the bulk of it cellular repair when in deep sleep, the lack of adequate sleep can create great stress on the body.


Another of the notorious testosterone inhibitors is elevated blood sugar and high insulin levels.  The large belly seen on some middle aged men is a sign of low testosterone levels.  Funny that we call it a beer belly.

Regardless the mechanism, the media support for synthetic testosterone use is another pseudo medical procedure.  It solves no real health issue but merely masks the true issues and delays necessary habit changes.

Work Smarter; Not Harder!

Dr. David Marcon
Marcon Chiropractic & Wellness Center
Cincinnati, Ohio 45255
www.marconchiropractic.com