Older men with low levels of the hormone testosterone may die sooner than other men their age with normal testosterone levels, a study suggests.

Researchers found that among 794 generally healthy older men, those with the lowest testosterone levels were 40% more likely to die within the 1985-2004 study period.

The findings do not mean, however, that older men should start taking testosterone supplements to achieve a longer life, the study authors are quick to point out.

The study shows only an association between low testosterone and earlier death – not a cause-and-effect relationship, lead author Dr Gail A Laughlin said. What’s more, there was no evidence that having above-average testosterone levels gave men any longevity advantage. “We cannot recommend that any man take testosterone based on these results,” Laughlin stressed.