Testosterone often gets billed as the hormone of bravado and biceps, but it also has a quiet hand in managing your cholesterol. When levels dip, your lipids can get a little unruly. The science is clear, and it’s more eyebrow raise than headline panic.

What is Hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism is the medical way of saying your testosterone has taken early retirement. It can sneak in with age, illness, injury, or without much fanfare at all. Tiredness, low mood, dwindling muscle, and a distinct lack of oomph are all common. It's more common than most blokes realise, especially after 40.

But there's a lesser known twist: it might also be nudging your cholesterol in the wrong direction. Subtle, but not ideal.

Testosterone and Cholesterol: The Quiet Connection

You don’t often hear testosterone and cholesterol mentioned in the same sentence, but they’ve got a working relationship. Research shows men with low testosterone levels often have higher total cholesterol, higher LDL (the not so helpful one), and lower HDL (the one we like)1,2.

Testosterone doesn’t singlehandedly cause cholesterol to go rogue, but when it's in short supply, the system that manages fats, inflammation, and metabolism doesn’t run as smoothly.

What the Research Actually Says

A 2020 meta analysis found that men with low testosterone generally have less favourable cholesterol profiles1. Other studies link low testosterone to fat gain, insulin resistance, and chronic low grade inflammation2,3. Basically, not the sort of tag alongs you want.

Some men opt for testosterone replacement therapy, which may help improve cholesterol levels, among other things. But it's not a miracle fix and it’s definitely not one size fits all. Medical decisions like that should always be done with a professional who knows your bloodwork.

Could Your Hormones Be Behind Those Cholesterol Numbers?

Potentially. Low testosterone won’t wreck your cholesterol on its own, but it could be quietly influencing it in the background.

If your cholesterol’s drifting up and you're feeling unusually sluggish, foggy, or flat, it's worth a proper check. A blood test and a GP appointment never hurt anyone.

Supporting Your Heart (and Giving Your Hormones a Hand)

  • Eat more fibre, especially oats rich in beta glucan.
  • Move your body regularly.
  • Choose olive oil, nuts, and seeds over processed fats.
  • Dial back on ultra processed food.
  • Check your cholesterol now and then so you know your numbers.

These small habits pay off for heart health and hormone balance alike. Quiet changes. Big impact.

The Takeaway

Low testosterone and high cholesterol aren’t best mates, but they often turn up at the same table. And when they do, it's worth paying attention.

The good news? Most things that help with one often help with the other. Good sleep, steady movement, less stress, a bit more oat fibre. You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need a few well placed nudges in the right direction.

If things feel off and your test results are a bit louder than usual, you’ve got options. Most of them start at the breakfast table.

References

  1. Corona, G., Monami, M., Rastrelli, G., et al. (2011). Hypogonadism as a risk factor for cardiovascular mortality in men: a meta analytic study. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 8(3), 418–426.
  2. Yeap, B. B., et al. (2009). Relationships between testosterone levels and markers of inflammation, insulin resistance, and lipid profiles in men. The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 94(5), 2090–2095.
  3. Araujo, A. B., et al. (2007). Sex steroids and lipids in relation to atherosclerosis among men. Clinical Endocrinology, 67(4), 561–568.

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute medical advice. Always consult your GP for personalised care.