🩺 Do Statins Lower Testosterone? What You Should Know About Cholesterol, Hormones, and Energy
- Justin Meier
- Oct 27
- 3 min read
Statins help protect your heart — but do they affect testosterone levels? Learn how cholesterol-lowering medications might influence hormone balance, libido, and energy, and what you can do to support healthy testosterone naturally.
Keywords:
statins testosterone, low testosterone, hormone balance, BHRT, men’s health, med spa, functional medicine, Bella Lusso Aesthetic Medicine, Upstate SC, hormone therapy, TRT, low libido, fatigue, cholesterol medication, hormone wellness, PCOS
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What Are Statins—and Why They Matter
Statins are medications prescribed to lower cholesterol and reduce the risk of heart disease. They work by blocking the enzyme HMG-CoA reductase, which the body uses to make cholesterol.
That’s great for heart health—but since cholesterol is also the building block for testosterone, researchers have long wondered: Could lowering cholesterol lower testosterone, too?
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How Testosterone Is Made
Testosterone is a steroid hormone, produced mainly in the testes (in men) and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands (in women).
The production process starts with cholesterol → pregnenolone → testosterone.
So it’s not surprising that a medication that limits cholesterol production might slightly influence testosterone levels.
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What the Research Shows
Studies have shown mixed but consistent patterns:
Small average reduction: Most studies report a modest decrease (~3–4%) in total testosterone among men who take statins.
Larger effect in women with PCOS: Women treated with statins for PCOS often see a notable drop in androgens, which in their case can actually help with symptoms like acne and excess hair growth.
Not always symptomatic: For most men, this change is too small to cause low-T symptoms, but some may notice fatigue, lower libido, or slower muscle recovery.
📚 Sources:
BMC Medicine (2013) — Meta-analysis of 11 studies found a small but measurable reduction in testosterone.
Oxford QJM (2021) — Dose-dependent trends with high-intensity statin use.
Cochrane Review (2020) — Evidence remains “low certainty,” but effect appears biologically plausible.
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Balancing Heart Health and Hormone Health
It’s important to remember: statins save lives. The cardiovascular protection they provide generally outweighs any small hormonal effects.
However, if you’ve noticed symptoms like:
Reduced libido or performance
Unexplained fatigue
Mood changes or brain fog
Loss of muscle mass
…it might be worth testing your hormone levels, especially if you’re over 40.
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What You Can Do About It
At Bella Lusso Aesthetic Medicine, we take a functional medicine approach to help you look and feel your best from the inside out.
Here’s how you can support healthy testosterone naturally—without giving up your statin:
Optimize nutrition: Healthy fats (like olive oil, avocado, and omega-3s) support hormone production.
Lift weights: Resistance training boosts natural testosterone and metabolism.
Prioritize sleep: Most testosterone release happens at night.
Reduce stress: High cortisol competes with testosterone production.
Monitor hormone balance: Our BHRT and functional medicine programs offer personalized hormone optimization, including testosterone, thyroid, and adrenal support.
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The Bottom Line
Statins may slightly reduce testosterone levels, but for most people, the impact is minimal and can be managed through lifestyle, nutrition, and—if needed—medical hormone optimization.
If you’re experiencing fatigue, low libido, or other signs of hormone imbalance, don’t guess — test.
At Bella Lusso, we specialize in balancing beauty, wellness, and vitality so you can feel as vibrant as you look.
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Call to Action
💬 Schedule a consultation today to discuss hormone optimization, BHRT, or wellness support at Bella Lusso Aesthetic Medicine.
📍 Located in Duncan, SC — proudly serving the Upstate.
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