Do long-term relationships lower testosterone levels?
Testosterone is also known as the male hormone. It has been suggested that testosterone levels are associated with seeking new sexual partners. From an evolutionary standpoint, lower testosterone levels may result in men that are more loyal to their partner and more likely to care for their offspring. How do relationships affect testosterone levels?
This study investigated whether heterosexual men in new (<1 year) or long-term (>1 year) relationships have different testosterone levels compared to single men. The average age between the groups was similar and there was no difference in relationship satisfaction between the new and long-term group.
Men in long-term relationships had ~22% lower testosterone levels as compared to single men. However, new relationships did not impact testosterone levels.
It should be noted that this is an observational study and can therefore not prove cause and effect. It is possible that a long-term relationship causes lower testosterone levels. But alternative explanations are also possible. For example, men with high testosterone levels may be less likely to stay in a long-term relationship.
Go to the next infographic is the hormone series:
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