Cited by 263Hormonal and reproductive studiesSperm and Testicular FunctionHypothalamic control of reproductive hormones

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Population variation in age-related decline in male salivary testosterone.

Ellison, P. T.·2002·Human Reproduction

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Abstract

BACKGROUND: Age-related declines in free and bioavailable testosterone are frequently reported for Western populations, but interpopulation variation in this pattern has not previously been investigated. METHODS: Salivary testosterone was measured using a consistently applied protocol on morning samples collected from men in four populations (USA, Congo, Nepal, and Paraguay) representing different geographical, ecological, and cultural settings. RESULTS: Mean testosterone levels varied significantly between the four populations. The mean testosterone differences between populations were greatest for young men (aged 15-30 years) and insignificant for older men (aged 45-60 years). The slope of age-related decline in testosterone was significant in the USA and Congolese participants, but not in the Nepalese or Paraguayan participants. CONCLUSIONS: Age patterns of testosterone decline vary between populations primarily as a result of variation in the peak levels attained in young adulthood. The potential consequences of this variation for other aspects of male health deserve investigation.

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“However, contrary to our prediction of a steady decline with age (Beehner et al ., 2009; Ellison et al ., 2002; Sorwell & Urban-ski, 2013), testosterone levels in helpers remained broadly stable up to approximately eight years, the upper limit of the helper age range in our sample, and no clear…”

Authors: Ellison, P. T.
Affiliations: Harvard University (US)
Corresponding author: Ellison, P. T.
ORCID: Ellison, P. T.
Venue: Human Reproduction
Publisher: Oxford University Press (OUP)
Published: 2002-12-01
Volume: 17
Issue: 12
Pages: 3251-3253
ISSN: 0268-1161 (ISSN-L)
1460-2350
DOI: 10.1093/humrep/17.12.3251
OpenAlex: W2160653327
Cited by: 263
References: 38
Citations by year: 2026: 4 · 2025: 5 · 2024: 6 · 2023: 10 · 2022: 6 · 2021: 9 · 2020: 12 · 2019: 9 · 2018: 12 · 2017: 10 · 2016: 8 · 2015: 15 · 2014: 9 · 2013: 4 · 2012: 19
FWCI: 2.85
Type: journal article
Language: en
Open access: closed
Locations: Human Reproduction (publishedVersion)
PubMed (publishedVersion)
Topics: Health Sciences › Medicine › Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism › Hormonal and reproductive studies
Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Sperm and Testicular Function
Health Sciences › Medicine › Reproductive Medicine › Hypothalamic control of reproductive hormones
Keywords: salivary testosterone, age-related testosterone decline, population differences, free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, men's health, cross-cultural comparison
MeSH terms: Adolescent, Adult, Aging, Congo, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Nepal, Paraguay, Population Dynamics, Saliva, Testosterone, United States

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Population variation in age-related decline in male salivary testosterone.

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