Men’s Hormonal Terrain
Another important reason to know your testosterone levels
Loss of muscle, decreased sexual drive and function, fatigue, excess body fat, and poor sleep are classic signals of low T. Add one more reason to pay attention: immune resilience.
According to a study from Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, lower testosterone levels in men were associated with more severe COVID-19 outcomes in their cohort. It’s one data point among many, but it aligns with what I’ve seen for two decades: low testosterone is like a dashboard warning light—ignore the signal and something upstream in the system will force your attention later.
Eight common reasons men drift into hormonal imbalance
Environmental toxins (pollutants, certain pharmaceuticals, alcohol).
Metabolic/glucose dysfunction (excess body fat, poor glucose control).
Viral/immune disruption (post-infection patterns, including COVID).
Adrenal or thyroid issues that blunt anabolic signaling.
Nutrient gaps (vitamin D3, omega-3s, zinc, magnesium, boron).
Excess physical/mental stress and sleep debt.
Stalled purpose, challenge, and engagement.
Cellular aging (information-energy decline), not just calendar age.
About the study signal
In the St. Louis cohort, men admitted with more severe disease had markedly lower testosterone on admission and saw further drops over several days. The authors also noted immune-cell gene changes consistent with altered sex-hormone signaling. That doesn’t prove causation, but it does reinforce testosterone’s role as a whole-body marker that intersects with metabolism, inflammation, and recovery.
Quick, at-home check
Want a fast first pass on your status from home? You can start with an accessible screen before deeper labs.