Testosterone is the hormone responsible for physical and sexual development in males, and it’s naturally produced in the human body. The testosterone statistics show that this hormone takes part in developing the prostate, testicles, and facial hair. It also helps build muscle and body mass.
Testosterone levels tend to reduce during the day and are known to decrease with time. Low testosterone is usually associated with erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, low sperm count, low blood count, hair loss, mood swings, fatigue, smaller testicles, increased body fat, and decreased bone mass.
This article contains relevant statistics and facts on testosterone, so dive in to learn more.
Top 10 Testosterone Statistics and Facts
- Injectable testosterone is used every 1 to 2 weeks.
- People who misuse testosterone consume doses up to 100 times higher than those prescribed to treat medical conditions.
- AndroGel is one of the best-selling FDA-approved low T treating products in the US.
- Many testosterone boosters contain high doses of vitamins and minerals.
- Less than 25% of testosterone supplements have data to support their claims of boosting testosterone.
- D-aspartate acid can be used as a testosterone booster.
- In 2016, the United States accounted for over 80% of the global testosterone prescription sales.
- The internet is an easy means of procuring illicit anabolic steroids.
- Black men have a slightly higher free testosterone level than white men.
- Cryptorchidism may lead to low testosterone levels if left untreated.
Testosterone Facts: Use, Dosing, and Misuse
What’s the main difference between males and females? It’s not only the strength, voice quality, or phenotype. It’s primarily testosterone levels!
Testosterone is a hormone secreted by the testes, providing males with distinctive masculine features. Its unique physiological role in masculinity enabled it to become a typical therapeutic regimen for various reproductive issues.
Unfortunately, since testosterone also affects physique, increasing muscle mass, the abuse among young adults is gaining traction.
Read on and find out all the facts about testosterone, its use, dosing, and misuse.
1. About 4 million individuals in the United States use anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS).
(Medscape)
An estimated 2.9–4 million people in the US use AASs, and about 1 million of them are addicted to them.
2. Injectable testosterone is used every 1 to 2 weeks.
(Medical News Today)
Injectable testosterone is usually administered in the form of testosterone cypionate or testosterone enanthate. These injections are effective and ensure that the doses are consistent.
3. Athletes use anabolic steroids but only for short periods.
(Diversion Control Division)
Testosterone use statistics show that athletes are known to take steroids for a short period to achieve a specific appearance.
However, bodybuilders, police officers, and bodyguards use these steroids for extended periods.
4. The lifetime global prevalence of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS) abuse is 6.4% in men and 1.6% in women.
(Medscape)
According to the meta-analysis, the worldwide abuse of anabolic androgenic steroids among recreational athletes is 18.4%.
5. Anabolic steroid misuse began in the 1954 Olympics.
(NIH)
Russian weightlifters first misused testosterone in 1954.
The testosterone misuse statistics revealed that by the 1980s, young men started using anabolic steroids to improve their appearance.
6. In the US, over half a million high school students use AASs for non-medical purposes.
(Medscape)
AAS abuse is not restricted to athletes and bodybuilders.
According to the FDA, approximately 375,000 males and 175,000 females in high school abuse anabolic androgenic steroids every year.
7. People who misuse testosterone consume doses up to 100 times higher than those prescribed to treat medical conditions.
(NIH)
When it comes to testosterone and its inappropriate use, the statistics show that these anabolic steroids are often injected, consumed orally, or applied on the skin as gel or cream.
8. Anabolic-androgenic steroid (AAS) abusers tend to misuse multiple drugs at the same time.
(Medscape)
A survey of weightlifters revealed that people who use AAS tend to consume multiple drugs at a 2–8 times higher dose than the prescribed range.
The testosterone drug facts show that these steroids are used cyclically for 12–16 weeks.
9. Pyramiding is a common form of AAS misuse.
(NIH)
People who abuse steroids believe in using them in a cycle for 6 to 12 weeks. They start with low doses and slowly increase the amount. In the second half of the cycle, they lower the number of drugs to zero.
10. High doses of anabolic steroids produce heightened feelings of aggression and irritability.
(NIH)
Testosterone statistics show that people who misuse steroids experience increased verbal aggression, anger, and tend to get into fights. They are also more likely to have anxiety and depression.
11. Roughly 32% of people who abuse steroids become dependent.
(NIH)
A significant indicator of dependence is tolerance, which leads to higher doses to obtain the same effects. Withdrawal symptoms like insomnia and depression are also evident.
12. AndroGel is one of the best-selling FDA-approved low T treating products in the US.
(Drug Watch)
This product is mainly used as a testosterone replacement therapy for men who don’t produce enough male hormones.
According to testosterone statistics in 2020, AndroGel is one of the US’s most used prescription testosterone gels. Other popular FDA-approved testosterone gels include Fortesta, Axiron, Vogelxo, Testim, and Bio-T-Gel.
13. The FDA approved testosterone replacement therapy only for male hypogonadism.
(Drug Watch)
In other words, the FDA approved using testosterone for treating low testosterone levels induced by testicle, brain, and pituitary gland disorders. Age-related lowering of testosterone levels isn’t included here.
However, statistics have shown that testosterone use among adults with no reproductive dysfunction continues to rise. Therefore, the FDA is still putting effort into reducing the rate of testosterone overuse and abuse in the US.
14. The FDA approved methyltestosterone for treating low testosterone levels.
(Medical News Today)
Though doctors can legally prescribe this testosterone supplement, they’re advised to avoid it. The primary concern regarding methyltestosterone is the speed at which the liver metabolizes it and its potential for causing liver toxicity.
Therefore, not everyone is suitable for this type of therapy. The only adequate candidates for methyltestosterone treatment are seniors with severe testosterone deficiency.
15. Testosterone levels decrease with age.
(Healthline)
If you try to compare testosterone levels by age, you’ll realize they attain the peak between the age of 18 and 19 before they start steadily declining.
This reduction may create changes in sex drive, issues with spontaneous erection, etc. Although lowering testosterone levels are generally a cause for concern, they aren’t seen as problematic if the change is induced by aging.
Facts About Testosterone Boosters
Testosterone boosters are anabolic steroids used to improve physical performance in males. They increase muscle mass and decrease fat levels, enabling faster results when it comes to bodybuilding.
However, supplemental testosterone may undeniably produce harmful effects.
The following testosterone boosters statistics and facts will take you through testosterone supplementation’s main features, benefits, and dangers.
16. Testosterone supplements do not contain actual testosterone.
(Healthline)
Testosterone boosters are not made up of any known hormone, including testosterone. They are typically made up of herbs and other ingredients that claim to enhance testosterone production.
However, the evidence that these boosters work is inconclusive.
17. Many testosterone boosters contain high doses of vitamins and minerals.
(Science Daily)
Testosterone supplement facts reveal that a lot of testosterone boosters contain harmful doses of vitamins and minerals. Large doses of vitamins and minerals can cause multiple health conditions such as nausea, abdominal cramps, kidney stones, iron toxicity, congenital disabilities, liver and skin disorders, etc.
18. Continual usage of testosterone boosters may lead to testicular shrinkage.
(Healthline)
Using testosterone supplements comes with a notable amount of side effects. It could lead to infertility, sleep apnea, ankle swelling, enlarged or tender breasts, and acne flares.
19. Less than 25% of testosterone supplements have data to support their claims of boosting testosterone.
(Science Daily)
A team of researchers conducted a study on 50 testosterone boosters sold online and reviewed a total of 109 unique components in them.
The testosterone booster statistics show that although 90% of the selected boosters claimed to boost testosterone, only about 24.8% of them had data to support their claims.
20. Testosterone boosters can cause problems with the heart and prostate.
(Healthline)
Using testosterone supplements can increase your chances of heart attacks and prostate growth.
A 2010 study revealed that over 65 had an increased chance of heart problems after using testosterone gel.
21. Testosterone supplements do not affect physical function.
(Plos One)
The facts on testosterone supplements reveal that although the boosters may increase muscle strength, they do not affect physical stamina and energy.
22. Testosterone supplements can cause liver toxicity.
(Medical News Today)
Doctors and other healthcare professionals tend to avoid testosterone supplements because of how fast the liver metabolizes testosterone. These boosters are only used on older adults with severe symptoms of low testosterone.
23. Using testosterone boosters without taking care of your health and well-being won’t produce results.
(Men’s Health)
This is one of the facts about testosterone to keep in mind. Having a sedentary lifestyle, eating late at night, abstaining from exercise, and having irregular sleep patterns can lower testosterone levels.
According to researchers, it’s essential to pay attention to regulating one’s health and habits before starting testosterone therapy. Taking testosterone boosters without making fundamental changes to your lifestyle is futile and likely won’t lead to improvement.
24. D-aspartic acid can be used as a testosterone booster.
(Men’s Health)
Research shows that taking this amino acid increases testosterone synthesis and sperm count significantly in men with impaired sperm production. In 90 days, the study respondents’ sperm count rose from 8.2 million sperm per ml to 16.5 million sperm per ml.
However, testosterone supplement statistics reveal that treating healthy athletic men with D-aspartic doesn’t lead to significant changes. Their muscle strength and body composition didn’t change noticeably after D-aspartic acid supplementation.
Stats and Facts on the Testosterone Market
As the awareness of the benefits of testosterone continues to increase among the general population, testosterone sales are surging.
Young adults with proper reproductive function are now beginning to take testosterone supplements due to their other benefits, such as increasing muscle mass and boosting physical performance.
The following facts and statistics will reveal what you need to know about the testosterone market growth and how it skyrocketed in the 21st century.
25. The global testosterone replacement market is expected to be worth $1,410 million by 2023.
(Market Watch)
This is a significant decrease from $1,820 million in 2017. The market is also expected to experience a CAGR of 4.2% over the next five years.
26. North America dominates the global testosterone replacement market.
(VRR)
North America accounts for approximately 84% of the global testosterone replacement market share. The United States remains a crucial player and makes up about 95% of the North American market.
27. Sales of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the United States have increased rapidly.
(Medscape)
The testosterone sales statistics reveal that the sale of testosterone replacement therapy in 2008 amounted to $1 billion.
By 2012, spending on TRT had increased to $2 billion. Between 2003–2013, TRT among men aged 18–45 had experienced a fourfold increase.
28. In 2016, the United States accounted for over 80% of the global testosterone prescription sales.
(NCBI)
In 1988, the annual sale of testosterone prescriptions was $18 million. By 2000, it had increased to $70 million, and in 2013 it skyrocketed to over $2 billion.
Dark Side of Testosterone: The Illegal Market
When testosterone replacement therapy was first recommended to men with hypogonadism, it brought a glimmer of hope in the race against infertility. However, what was supposed to bring light into low testosterone patients’ life was soon tainted by something dark.
According to statistics, more and more anabolic steroids are being sold illegally without a prescription. All taken into consideration, it seems this type of misuse of testosterone and the illegal testosterone market will be challenging to regulate.
The following paragraphs will show you all you need to know about the dark side of testosterone, the misuse, and illegal steroid sales.
29. In 1990, the United States categorized anabolic steroids as controlled substances.
(NIH)
In 2004, the Anabolic Steroid Control Act was established, and it curbed the sale of over-the-counter steroids. It also increased the penalties for manufacturing, selling, or possessing illegal steroids.
30. Mexico and some parts of the European Union are the primary sources of illegal steroids in the US.
(NIH)
The availability of over the counter steroids in these countries has made testosterone smuggling easy. Theft and production from underground laboratories also enhance the distribution of illegal steroids.
31. Anabolic steroids obtained from the black market are often mislabeled.
(PubMed)
In an evaluation of 40 illegal anabolic steroids, it was revealed that 15 contained compounds that did not match the label.
32. The internet is an easy means of procuring illicit anabolic steroids.
(Govinfo)
In an investigation by the US government, it was revealed that hundreds of websites were offering illicit steroids without a prescription.
While most steroids were shipped from foreign countries, some of them were made in clandestine US laboratories.
Interesting Facts About Testosterone Deficiency
As pointed out earlier, testosterone is the main factor contributing to masculinity and secondary sexual characteristics. This hormone supports the development of the male gonads and the male reproductive organs.
Sometimes, testosterone levels in the blood may fall under normal physiological levels, causing testosterone deficiency.
Read all about low testosterone causes and testosterone deficiency in the section below.
33. About 13 million men in the United States have low testosterone.
(Rochester Regional Health)
A study reported that while millions of men are affected by low testosterone levels, only 10% are currently receiving treatment.
34. Low testosterone is more likely to occur in men with common medical conditions.
(Rochester Regional Health)
Studies show that up to 74% of men with low testosterone are chronic opioid users, 50% have diabetes, and 52% are obese.
35. Low testosterone may be associated with age.
(Discover Magazine)
Studies show that once a man hits 30, his testosterone levels will begin to drop.
The low testosterone statistics revealed that approximately 40% of men aged over 40 are affected by low testosterone.
36. Men living in underdeveloped parts of the world are more likely to have low testosterone.
(Everyday Health)
A study was conducted on 359 men living in Bangladesh and the United Kingdom. It revealed that Bangladeshi men who grew up and lived in the UK as adults had significantly higher testosterone than men who lived in Bangladesh.
37. Black men have a slightly higher free testosterone level than white men.
(NCBI)
The facts about testosterone show that black men have 2.5–4.9% more free testosterone than white men.
38. Testosterone treatment costs anywhere between $20–$1,000 per month.
(Healthline)
Testosterone treatment costs depend on the type of medication, how it is administered, the generic version’s availability, and your location.
However, people covered with insurance may not have to pay the full cost.
39. Cryptorchidism may lead to low testosterone levels if left untreated.
(ADA, PubMed, WebMD)
Cryptorchidism is the failure of either one or both testes to descend into the scrotum before birth. In most cases, the testes descend months after birth. Infants whose testes fail to descend require surgery to prevent hypogonadism and future fertility issues.
Furthermore, genital anomaly and testosterone statistics in 2021 reveal that cryptorchidism is the most common congenital anomaly of the male genitalia, affecting 3% of full-term and 30% of premature babies.
FAQs
What does high testosterone do to a man?
The most prominent side effect of high testosterone in a man is acne or oily skin. Too much testosterone in males can lead to low sperm count, decreased testicle size, breast enlargement, sleep apnea, prostate swelling, fluid retention, and increased red blood cells. It can also induce depression, anxiety, and can cause aggressive behaviors.
What is the average testosterone level by age?
The total testosterone for healthy males aged 17–18 is between 300–1,200 ng/dL. For men aged 19 and above, it’s within a range of 240–950 ng/dL.
In healthy females aged 17–18 years, testosterone levels are within a range of 20–75 ng/dL. Women aged 19 and older have a testosterone level of around 8–60 ng/dL.
How much testosterone should a male have?
A healthy male would have a testosterone level of between 300–1,200 ng/dl. This could be lower as testosterone levels tend to decline with age.
However, the average testosterone level is 679 ng/dl.
How common is low testosterone in men?
Reports indicate that approximately 13 million men in the United States suffer from low testosterone. However, only 10% are currently receiving treatment.
Studies show that testosterone levels decline with age, as roughly 40% of men aged 40 and older suffer from low testosterone.
How to increase testosterone?
Testosterone levels can be increased naturally or with testosterone booster supplements. Engaging in physical activities like exercise and weight lifting can significantly increase testosterone.
Additionally, increasing protein, carb, and fat intake, getting appropriate rest and sleep, having adequate exposure to the sun for vitamin D, and consuming herbs like ginger can elevate testosterone levels.
How much is the testosterone market worth?
North America dominates the market and accounts for 85% of the worldwide testosterone market, with the United States making up 95%.
In 2017, the global testosterone replacement market was worth $1820 million. However, the industry is projected to decline by $1410 million in 2023.
The global testosterone market is projected to register a CAGR of 4.2% over the next five years.
Is testosterone use illegal?
In the United States, testosterone is a controlled substance that cannot be obtained without a prescription.
It can be legally prescribed by medical personnel and used as an androgen replacement therapy or pharmacological androgen therapy.
However, producing, selling, or purchasing testosterone from underground labs or other illegal means is a criminal offense with a hefty penalty.
Conclusion
Testosterone is a primary hormone that is needed for the growth and development of males. The testosterone statistics show that this hormone is affected by the environment, and its level is closely associated with age. A decline in testosterone can come with disturbing symptoms like fatigue and a decrease in body mass.
Testosterone levels can be increased through replacement therapy and testosterone supplements. It can also be boosted naturally with exercise and by eating testosterone-boosting foods like egg yolk and oysters.
It’s always advised to obtain testosterone from legal sources with a prescription as illicit testosterone has been found to contain the wrong compounds.
Furthermore, abusing testosterone heightens irritability and aggression. It could also lead to depression and anxiety.
Sources:
- ADA
- Discover Magazine
- Diversion Control Division
- Drug Watch
- Drug Watch
- Everyday Health
- Govinfo
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Healthline
- Market Watch
- Medical News Today
- Medical News Today
- Medical News Today
- Medscape
- Medscape
- Men’s Health
- NIH
- NIH
- NIH
- NIH
- NIH
- NCBI
- NCBI
- Plos One
- PubMed
- PubMed
- WebMD
- Rochester Regional Health
- Science Daily
- Vision Research Reports
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