Testosterone and Cholesterol (Is There a Connection?)

Cholesterol is connected with testosterone in two different ways. There seems to be mutual support - cholesterol is necessary for testosterone synthesis, while testosterone may impact cholesterol levels.

Cholesterol is an essential fatty (lipid) substance produced naturally in the liver, which circulates the body.

Total cholesterol is comprised of two types:

• Low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL) - the ‘bad cholesterol’
• High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) - the ‘good cholesterol’

According to one of the books found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, this fat-like substance is necessary for many cell processes and body functions (synthesis of vitamin D, fat-dissolving bile, hormones, etc.) [1].

Cholesterol plays an important part in testosterone synthesis. According to another book found on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, it gets transferred from the blood into the part of the testicles responsible for T-production (Leydig cells - where 95% of endogenous testosterone is produced in males) and acts as the building block of the male hormone [2].

From my own experience in the gym and discussions with fellow fitness enthusiasts, I've learned the importance of consuming healthy fats. These dietary choices have been crucial for maintaining my cholesterol production and, consequently, stable testosterone levels.

Still, you should watch the amount and the different types of dietary fat you consume since they could ramp up cholesterol production beyond healthy levels, which can cause severe heart disease.

More on that later.

First, let’s talk about what most bodybuilders probably don’t know about the cholesterol-testosterone connection.

A 2013 study showed that men with testosterone deficiency on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) showed a significant decrease in previously high cholesterol (serum cholesterol levels) over the course of the 5-year study [3].

This is consistent with findings from recommended online TRT clinics. A bit older study from 1996 evaluated the effects of increasing testosterone levels on cholesterol.

The study showed that reversing low testosterone levels lead to a significant cholesterol decrease.

Male participants went from an average of 225 mg/dl of total cholesterol to 118 mg/dl [4].

Another study revealed that men undergoing low testosterone treatment experienced a decrease in their cholesterol (HDL cholesterol) [5].

In my journey to balance my testosterone levels, I've realized that the science behind how testosterone affects cholesterol is complex and still unfolding. More research is definitely needed, but my personal experience aligns with the idea that there's a significant connection between the two.

Nevertheless, you should ensure that your serum testosterone and cholesterol levels are within normal ranges, as disbalance could lead to many health problems.

I also advise my fitness clients to consider natural testosterone boosters if they are struggling with low T and the associated symptoms.

From what I've observed in my own health and that of my clients, high cholesterol levels, especially LDL, can have serious health implications. This personal observation is backed by scientific evidence linking excessive cholesterol to conditions like atherosclerosis.

Atherosclerosis is a cardiovascular disease that may lead to heart attack or stroke [6].

High LDL cholesterol, known as ‘bad’ cholesterol, may lead to the formation of plaque inside the arterial walls which slowly builds up and bulges into the artery.

When that happens, the artery narrows and blood flow decreases, elevating blood pressure.

If a plaque in the coronary artery bursts, a blood clot forms, most likely leading to a heart attack.

The counterpart of total cholesterol, HDL cholesterol, usually has a much more benign effect as it takes LDL cholesterol and other fats (like triglycerides) from your blood to the liver to be broken down.

The most important thing here is that there are ways to lower your LDL cholesterol levels and increase HDL levels, keeping the total cholesterol in the safe zone and decreasing the risk of heart disease.

To lower LDL cholesterol, you should avoid processed food since it’s usually full of trans-fats which may significantly increase its levels [7].

You should include sources of omega-3 fats (nuts and fish), and fiber-rich foods, as fiber (mostly soluble) will absorb bile acids and remove some of the cholesterol in bile.

You should also use spices like cinnamon, ginger, garlic, black pepper, coriander, or curcumin, as they may have an LDL-lowering effect [8].

Lastly, have more veggies in your diet since plant-based foods contain compounds such as sterols and stanols, which are also beneficial for reducing high cholesterol [9].