Why Are Men's Testosterone Levels So Low Today? Dr. Josh Axe Explains

Dr. Josh Axe breaks down the many factors contributing to the decline in men's testosterone levels over recent decades including microplastics, hormones in our meat and dairy supply, soy, BPA, and endocrine disrupting phthalates.
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Links:
For tips on how to avoid these toxins and boost testosterone naturally, watch the full episode HERE → • Top 5 Things That DEST...
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ABOUT DR. JOSH AXE
Dr. Josh Axe is a leadership expert, entrepreneur, and physician. He earned his doctorate from Palmer College and his Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Johns Hopkins University. Josh is the cofounder and CVO of Ancient Nutrition and founder of DrAxe.com. His company ranked on the Inc. 500 fastest growing companies two years in a row. He is the bestselling author of Eat Dirt, Keto Diet, and Ancient Remedies. Josh is the founder of Leaders.com, an online platform that provides the latest on breaking news, leadership, business, and wealth. He regularly teaches lectures and trains entrepreneurs on leadership, mindset, and self- development. Josh is married to his wife, Chelsea, and they have two daughters. They live between Nashville, TN and Dorado, PR and enjoy cooking, staying active swimming and cycling, and prioritize time for their faith and family. His latest book, Think This Not That, is now available nationwide.
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DISCLAIMER
This content is strictly the opinion of Dr. Josh Axe and is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not intended to provide medical advice or to take the place of medical advice or treatment from a personal physician. All viewers of this content are advised to consult their doctors or qualified health professionals regarding specific health questions. Neither Dr. Axe nor the publisher of this content takes responsibility for possible health consequences of any person or persons reading or following the information in this educational content. All viewers of this content, especially those taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, should consult their physicians before beginning any nutrition, supplement or lifestyle program.

[@katm4841]

Celebrate masculinity!!!👏

[@rdallas81]

What's a man?

[@ComeAlongKay]

I mean I’d agree though I think anyone should just be left alone and not forced into a box like they’re robots just made to do what others want. Men are often used as walking atm’s and cannon fodder and I think some women just want them like that for the services they provide like slaves and society is always tryin to shame and control dudes into just existing for others so I vehemently don’t like that. And from a hormonal level women also need testosterone and men need estrogen just in different amounts. Obviously they’d need testosterone as it’s the master hormone that produces estrogen. I feel like people often shame men as not manly enough so they can make them bear the load while they have no such standards for themselves and then at the same time they’re shamed for being too masculine and toxic. Society just wrecks them from every angle possible.

[@ComeAlongKay]

I think people put men in a box and shame them into being things because it serves them. Then they at the same time shame them. They think men are and should be stronger and better and should do more but also think that’s toxic. And generally I don’t think anyone cares about men or what’s best for them just what’s best serves them if men do it. Also women also need testerosne and men need estrogen just in different amounts. Testosterone is the master hormone for estrogen and estrogen is created from it so it would definitely need testosterone.

[@ComeAlongKay]

I think people put men in a box

[@Devlin360i]

Most men today have suboptimal levels of testosterone - a lot less than their fathers or grandfathers had just 30-50 years ago. There are various reasons for this. One factor that is oftentimes neglected is endocrine disruptors in our environment (i.e., xenoestrogens, BPA, phthalates, triclosan, etc.), phytoestrogens in food (i.e., soy, which is in almost all processed foods), and hypothyroidism (subclinical or autoimmune Hashimoto's disease). To increase testosterone levels naturally and reduce chronic inflammation: • Get enough daily sunlight. • Supplement with vitamin D3 (especially during the winter or if you live in a northern climate). • Supplement with zinc picolinate (20 - 40 mg per day). • Supplement with magnesium glycinate or citrate. • Weight train regularly (3 - 5 times per week for 45 - 90 minutes). • Prioritize neuromuscular recovery, don't over-train. • Get adequate (quality) sleep. • Consume more healthy fats (monounsaturated and saturated fats from sources like grass-fed red meat, pasture-raised eggs, fatty fish, organic full-fat dairy, coconut fat, avocados, cocoa butter, certain nuts and seeds, etc.). • Increase your cholesterol intake through properly-sourced whole foods. Cholesterol is the building block of all steroid hormones, including testosterone. • Control stress. Do what you have to do to keep it under control (things like meditation, yoga, nature walks, relaxing music, massage/reflexology sessions, adaptogenic herbs, etc.). • Chronically elevated cortisol levels disrupt the HPT (hypothalamus-pituitary-thyroid) axis and deplete your body of the very resources it needs to produce androgens, including testosterone. • Eat enough quality calories (not all calories are the same), and avoid large caloric deficits. • Eat adequate amounts of each macronutrient (protein, carbs, fats). All of them are important in their own way and serve specific functions. Beneficial supplements: • Ashwagandha • Maca • Taurine • L-Carnitine (increases androgen receptor density) • Creatine • Tongkat ali • Fadogia agrestis • Black ginger • Pine pollen (contains natural androgens) • Boron (increases free testosterone) • DIM (natural anti-estrogen) "The Testosterone Advantage" by Timotheus Ray is a nice read on male health and hormone optimization.

[@andrewvanoort8539]

All my notes plus a few extra.. guess I'll check out the book!

[@oap851]

For a natural Weight training 5 Times a week with maximal intensity each time has been shown to decrease testosterone as their is too much oxidative stress and elevated cortisol levels. For naturals, weight training 3/Week with maximal intensity or 5/Week with intensity spread across and dimmed down'

[@entrepreneursfinest]

My brother 50s, nephew 30s, and myself in my 40s have all started taking bee royal jelly daily. I can't guarantee that it's tes levels directly but we all feel better and it's been shown to increase tes between 20% and 143% in clinical studies. You should only take a tiny amount and work up. You could be allergic and you don't want to find out with a tablespoon of it in your stomach.

[@ellisthejerk8018]

You forgot Bodyfat Percentage, the average bodyfat percentage for American men is 28% which is too high for Testosterone production. Bodyfat Percentage for high Testosterone is 10-22%

[@entrepreneursfinest]

@@ellisthejerk8018 100%. And a lot of people don't know that they're carrying that kind of BMI. Estrogenic compounds also store easily in adipose tissue. When a man does start working out and burning fat, those chemicals are released and they make the already uphill climb of getting back in shape even harder. If you're going to try to lose weight I recommend taking chrysin to counter the estrogens to some extent.

[@FoodPornNetwork]

My female Dr would not let me even get my testosterone tested, this corrupt medical field is unreal.

[@donaldkilpatrick4536]

Fire your doctor. Find another ASAP.

[@FoodPornNetwork]

@@donaldkilpatrick4536 I just got this one, but I agree

[@livingwell5892]

​@@donaldkilpatrick4536I'm in the process of doing just that and the wait list to get in to see a doctor is Insane. Hopefully this one's a little better 🙏

[@arodderz]

It's not part of the regular blood analysis, but tell them you WANT to check your testosterone levels!!

[@John-pc2yr]

Was she a 🇮🇱

[@Ziggler-ky9kv]

A book that changed my life in ways that I never could imagine is "Secret Testosterone Nexus of Evolution".Drop whatever you're doing right now and go find that book. Trust me after I implemented things from the book my testosterone levels went beast mode

[@metroid707]

Where can you find this book?

[@rdallas81]

​@@Ghost00_14I have to reject woman they approach me constantly- That makes them even more "ready". Some of my friends think I set it up and ask where the camera is, lol.

[@bills2128]

Amazon doesn't have the book

[@dwreus81]

This book never existed. This is a pathetic attempt to lure people into buying a worthless book download.

[@surferxblood]

Water, Food, Clothes, Cell Phones you name it…we are being poisoned

[@lesliethurston2151]

By. Design.

[@C.N.1]

It's a very twisted society we live in. Stay strong people! 🇺🇸

[@nevinkuser9892]

I don't live in society and that's a problem by itself. Just be grateful for what you have I suppose.

[@luffebassen]

I feel sorry for those 7 people who downvoted this video. Takes a special kind of person to not get the message.

[@arcaderunner2188]

How do you see downvotes? I thought YT removed that a year or more ago.

[@luffebassen]

@@arcaderunner2188 I use brave browser and it was fairly easy to find and get the extension. I think i remember it had a name the had to do with the issue itself.

[@luffebassen]

@@arcaderunner2188 Brave also removes adds from YT videos.

[@luffebassen]

@@arcaderunner2188 So i just see that YT algo`s removed all 3 posts i typed for you explaining things. I will give it one more go and have to type it more cryptic. So you will have to sharpen your pencil when reading.

[@luffebassen]

@@arcaderunner2188 They did remove it. But there are ways to get it back. You will need to add extensions.

[@jefflaporte2598]

Hopefully the next video is how to increase our T levels back to normal levels.

[@brittneyrussell1766]

Do the carnivore diet. Look up Dr. Berry and watch all his videos.

[@swollencityfitness]

The answer is simple. Foods and what we consume on a daily basis

[@parzival1176]

See if you can get some raw honey from a local beekeeper.

[@thetriggerman954]

​@@brittneyrussell1766 Take advice from a woman on how to raise testosterone if you want to.

[@rdallas81]

​actually factual there. Best idea here

[@daslous89]

It's called the feminization of man. Aggression decreased. The 70's was the start. Plus, they keep lowering the minimum level. The low level is 272 now, or a few years ago. Depending on the lab.

[@kathleenking47]

Exactly Secondly, were the men piercing their ears in the ,1980s Also..no porn watching

[@HemiBurns]

BINGO!! He didn’t want to touch this FACT

[@daslous89]

They started then with the heavy metal music era, so to speak, but far from the reality of what is being seen now. ​@kathleenking47

[@debunker00]

Are we talking about the 1780s, when men wore powdered wigs and tights?

[@meowyimeow]

Black beans are also high in phytoestrogens. I know because I eat them to manage my hormones.

[@EtienneLeBoeuf]

I went from 334 to 960 in around 3 months all natural no TRT. This book should be essential reading for all men. Written by a 50s guy with natural T levels of a 20s guy Complete guide to testosterone by james Francis

[@zaccsacc5839]

I would like to see a video about increasing the T levels.

[@electricalstuff259]

Eat more meat, less plants, get out in the sun, hang out with dudes, work out.

[@starfox300]

​@@electricalstuff259incorrect, vegetables and fruits have polyphenols that have great anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects

[@TopJoo7]

Time to do TRT

[@kayn6858]

Its going to become mandatory at some point if you want to live a healthy/normal life.

[@wgsuperstar7730]

Cortisol also binds to testosterone receptors. Thus, one could have normal testosterone production, however, Cortisol steals some of those sites, resulting in decreased testosterone expression. Increased Cortisol is the result of stress, lack of sleep, poor diet such as seed oils, soy, gluten, sugar.

[@Beast777Mode]

Plastic bottles

[@jmcenterprises9591]

Great info, thanks Dr Axe! Men need to keep being men!

[@JADELAC]

Feminism, media and communist politics

[@andrewgibson5861]

Probably something added to the water

[@luffebassen]

Fluoride being one of them!

[@kathleenking47]

Porn use, video games Both need to go Get to bed by 11pm

[@luckyjs8538]

I have a theory that monogamy has a psychological effect that influences testosterone production… What do you think?

[@kayn6858]

Yes, a man’s testosterone falls when he gets into a monogamous relationship and moves in with a woman.

[@kathleenking47]

Also, guys need o stay away from porn That's a HUGE PROBLEM he's not saying

[@priscillamichelle1889]

​@@kathleenking47damn right

[@kathleenking47]

@@priscillamichelle1889 I've found that out, hearing why young men need Viagra😞😢

[@brightspacebabe]

Feminists do not help…Men need to know they are loved, respected, and needed! I salute all the Men and there’s no such thing as “toxic masculinity!”

[@kg2096]

My sentiments exactly! I deeply regret any feminist slogans I mindlessly parroted when I was younger. The more I realize how much men have contributed to society, the more my respect and appreciation for them grows.

[@MegaSolidninja]

There absolutely is toxic masculinity. Binge drinking, sports worshipping, etc.

[@dawnelder9046]

Go on some of the vegan sites. Eg Vegan The Epotone of Malnutrition. Starving men are toxic and scary. Unpredictable. I live around hunters. Not scary. Easy going, strong and calm. They make you feel safe. I tried veganism in the 80s. PMS. Unreasonable anger with no cause. Hungry women are also toxic. Had a friend who was vegan over 10 years. You never knew what her mood would be. Most people now are eating toxic non foods and as a result have become toxic. The extreme feminist and the incels are the prime result.

[@parzival1176]

Drizzle drizzle ​@@MegaSolidninja

[@MegaSolidninja]

@@parzival1176 ?

[@lindabueckert9559]

Soy in absolutely everything packed it seems.

[@bigthunder7002]

And plastics & glyphosate heavily mess with hormones. It’s everywhere

[@nevinkuser9892]

It sure as hell is. I got so upset looking for mayonnaise recently because I can't stand soybean oil. I thought mayo is made with eggs, not anymore! It's whipped soybean oil now, yummy! Throw it all in the trash where it belongs. It's industrial waste.

[@lindabueckert9559]

@@nevinkuser9892 I didn't know that it was in mayo. It pays to check all labels for sure. Better to make your own.

[@monicahenderson1162]

I think it's our food.

[@nevinkuser9892]

It's because we don't have enough cowboys. Cowboys naturally increase testosterone in their immediate environment.

[@kathleenking47]

I think it's porn..and being inside TOO MUCH

[@antoinettegerald4901]

Hi not on the topic, but I have a question about the organ blend. Does the efficacy of the supplements be diminished if stored in a very hot environment?

[@SweepTheLeg2023]

👊 *Only things I have been able to see some improvements with T levels has been Tongkat for Free T and a few times a week Fadogia for Total T.* I don't want to go into TRT which increases RBC's and bricks DHEA do to reverse loop axis.

[@thetriggerman954]

I found that both of those rasie mine too, but it gives me anxiety and insomnia. But they do work.

[@Lexulous123]

I’m in my mid-30s so this has always been a bit of a fear. Not sure why it’s happening across the board, but my bet is on modern stress and poor food. I’ve tried a few things to try and optimize my T levels and what I’ve found to really help is getting into effective stress-reduction activities like meditation and about 400mg of standardized hot-water Tongkat Ali root extract. Been on this increased dose for a few months now and I feel stronger, more motivated, and just a lot more energetic and optimistic in general.

[@aliefacmal]

Hey bro, thanks for the info! I've been struggling with my weight, health, and motivation lately. Had a blood checkup recently and the doctors said I have low testosterone levels. Hopefully, these supplements help me out. Thanks!

[@rjmatson3349]

Is GlySphosphate a combination of Glyphosate and Phosphorous ?

[@EImpact-zt9rg]

Can you pls mention if organic edamame is okay for women, Dr. Axe?

[@Ghanaba23]

How do you test your testosterone level

[@timlake5111]

I work 3rd shift. I'm screwed haha

[@bludog4657]

Amen Doc

[@jamessanders6788]

Soy and Chemtrials. Soy is in everything. Read the packages.

[@kathleenking47]

Get to bed, by 11pm Get up early Wear sunscreen at high noon only Get the vitamin D3 from sun Sunscreen wasn't popular until the 80s

[@tobiaslewis8285]

My Answer: Errm....because it's easier to kill us all. 😐😔😔

[@caitlin862]

Coming from allie beth stuckys channel after your interview.

[@rutgerolsen5157]

Test came back under 170. Testi injury from the Marines. 32m.

[@MarylandGuy-ey3st]

I’m 42 years old. I took two tests recently. One at 137, and the other at 143 😬. I remember around 5-6 years ago, my Test levels were at 270. I went to my primary care doc, she said “your test levels are fine”. Even though I was at the very bottom of normal range. She didn’t want to touch it. Why do doctors tell men that?

[@kathleenking47]

Get a male doctor

[@AlotofStuffChannel]

You should def get those numbers up

[@mor9n243]

You're JUST above the age group that's normal Under 40 are completely sexless

[@mor9n243]

​@@kathleenking47yep women want us males weaker even female doctors

[@mor9n243]

​@@kathleenking47these younger female doctors are TERRIBLE in my experience

[@CoreyShelton-bc9qp]

My endocrinologist said it's normal for a 24 year old man to have less testosterone than a 65 year old man

[@natbromden5838]

Dear Mr. Axe, im not gonna watch the video now, but in case its not included, here is my take, which im pretty sure is very true and relevant. I suspect, from my lifelong experience, that the major contributor to low T is the system conspiracy against male competition and male aggression expression. I would bet quite a bit that there is nothing, that spikes T (or more acurately, the androgenic system as a whole) more and for longer, than a victory and conquest, especially of a violent kind. Hurting someone in a confrontation (or in a sanctioned or training fight) cant be compared to any other factor influencing T. The gigantic problem is, that if the individuals aggression, and therefore potential for androgenic activity is high, and is not fully expressed, it essentily turns against the individual, and ends up doing the opposite of what it would do, would the aggression be expressed. And since in todays world, a slap can mean 37 years behind bars, if not straight up execution, and aggression and hand to hand, harmless, and until few decades ago perfectly normal violence is today strongly oppressed. So, whoever has the androgenic potential already (which is obv. Decided by other factors), needs to be free to express the aggression, otherwise that same potential will cause him harm.

[@jimnewt2138]

You are very smart that is one of the big reasons

[@rjmatson3349]

PFAS and all other forever chemicals

[@rdallas81]

Facts

[@rdallas81]

And poo tunbr

[@parzival1176]

Find a local beekeeper and see if they would be willing to sell you some raw honey.

[@tle1015]

IT'S FROM ALL THE VACKSSSSSS SEEEEEEEENSSSSSS

[@rdallas81]

Agreed

[@rdallas81]

😢

[@bills2128]

The jab doesn't help but I am unvaccinated and my T has been in the basement for the lastv10 years at least.

[@tle1015]

@@bills2128 eat alot of eggs and steaks

[@Jesus-xd5lz]

It has been declining for the last 45 years, not the last 4...

[@HisBeloved2Cor11_2]

Does high progesterone cause testosterone to drop? Women routinely have their progesterone level tested during early pregnancy nowadays. If it’s low, they are told they are at risk of losing the baby and progesterone shots are administered as a countermeasure. Unfortunately, research shows that males whose mom received that injection tend to be effeminate. Likely a major contributor to the transgender trend/lack of masculinity we see in our young nowadays.

[@EImpact-zt9rg]

Interesting. I'll keep this in mind.

[@jeffreysummers6843]

Go outside, strength train, cold shower or plunge before working out. 1060 total t at age 43 and have a desk job

[@charlo90952]

What does increased risk of death mean?

[@rdallas81]

Higher prices

[@menash41]

780 here

[@dwreus81]

But the doctor won’t prescribe testosterone. My levels are normal but very low in the large scale of “normal”

[@RKKY-mf7fe]

Pickup trucks and SUVs. Your balls shrink when your car gets bigger.

[@whizperator]

Don't even think about getting your test checked in Canada. You're left on your own. You gotta educate yourself and act accordingly. Fortunatly we got acces to so much now on the bodybuilding market.

[@timr6530]

So where can I find out what a normal or optimal level of testosterone is. I’ve been asking doctors for 30 years and all they say is your normal. A 12 year old girl has a better chance of being prescribed Androgel than a 60 year old man.

[@kevinmckernan794]

Confucius say: man take heed Protect your seed Lust will feed The reapers need

[@AS-ih2dk]

FIRST 2.5 MINUTES WERE BASED!!!!!

[@JohnnyCamaro13]

Poor lifestyle choices… The end

[@carchill7211]

510 tested today :)

[@dalestaryk4803]

Chemtrails ☠

[@rjmatson3349]

Chemicals. Yup.

[@Leny1777]

You stole my words their blocking the sun

[@ApartmentReposition]

Everywhere

[@bigthunder7002]

And plastics

[@devinnorsworthy9154]

Chemtrails are far from the only reason. Those are why we're vitamin d deficient and having issues thinking clearly.

[@brittneyrussell1766]

If you have low T then switch to a carnivore diet. Even if you cant do organic meat it's better than any other way of eating to reverse health issues.

[@chucky3285]

Cancer

[@brittneyrussell1766]

@@chucky3285 yes, it even works on cancer.

[@chucky3285]

@@brittneyrussell1766 to much red meat causes colon cancer

[@JackHughes1212]

Fasted sprinting may skyrocket your t levels provided u recover with nutrition and healthy fat!

[@john83me14]

Dr. Axe, what movement took off in the 60s with screaming women on college campuses? 😳 I’ve been told my whole life to be soft, vulnerable and cry everyday and it RUINED me!

[@geo_neo9]

We all have inner masculinity and femininity. The genda they are means have dominant amount of masculinity for men.

[@kayreding2363]

Don’t blame the women’s movement of the sixties! Men were not told to cry every day. Take responsibility for yourself!

[@ivanrascon]

​@@geo_neo9❤

[@MarmaladeINFP]

@@kayreding2363 - I grew up in a new agey, liberal church. No one told me to cry every day. They simply taught equality and mutual respect. I didn't end up soft and vulnerable. But I did learn to be sensitive, kind, and compassionate toward others. I consider those to be basic human values.

[@kathleenking47]

Women tend to cry, when hormonal Eat only fermented soybeans NATTO

[@deborahgessner]

ph thalate: the ph is silent and gly pho sate...are def horrible offenders and should be avoided.

[@hanskazan7403]

Tested my levels last week i got above the max range lol

[@richardcrook2112]

Got a ball bag full of microplastics, and keep imbibing soy.

[@nevinkuser9892]

so you're telling me that if I work on trucks as a mechanic I will be more manly? 🤔

[@thetriggerman954]

Correct

[@Shalini.108]

Pakistan is green. You meant to say India! 🇮🇳

[@user-nt2pe1yy2u]

He could lve just edited the video name

[@marcusumbro]

Enclomiphene

[@mor9n243]

Women today only sleep with chads the rest of men have no shot Probably a reason too

[@arbretree5463]

Number one reason: porn and masturbation

[@slipperyj6155]

Sooooooooy!

[@carloscueva7492]

I don’t think it’s a coincidence that low Testerone is happening and At the same time toxic masculinity is the message being spread..

[@notanymore9471]

Low fat diets

[@derek1147d]

USA the healthiest food on the world. 😭

[@rjmatson3349]

Bisphenyl A

[@siyashilla6885]

640ng with me

[@tylercupp8540]

I’m about to watch the full video, but my guess is ritalin

[@luigirnotyourbusiness8127]

If this is true then why is my test levels still high?

[@islandbreeze496]

All the KZbin feminist ladies with all their toxic shows are only making it worse

[@Maz-zb9uf]

Of course you guys are never the problem

[@caitlin862]

It's both! The women who condone this feminine behavior for men, the men who knee to that, and the nutrition!

[@bigthunder7002]

@@Maz-zb9ufuh huh… right…. Cause men want to destroy themselves.

[@rdallas81]

​@@Maz-zb9ufthey are. You are right.

[@Brian36685]

Cuz of porn

[@streetmaxxer]

Get on trt

[@nopainnogain7358]

= LGBT

[@electricalstuff259]

Plant based diet.

[@kylebichler2258]

Yeah no.

[@electricalstuff259]

@@kylebichler2258 Yes yes. Learn something.

[@doctorcatnip2551]

"Feminine virtues" aren't real.

[@siyashilla6885]

Feminine vices like deception sneaki ess , evasiveness I could go on

[@peterbedford2610]

We need less people

[@kdee5931]

Need cellular detoxification

[@PrimalInsitenutrition]

Dr Pompa

[@kathleenking47]

Men need early morning sun