written by
Anne Truong

Why Entrepreneurs Have Lower Testosterone

podcast blog performance Hormones 5 min read

Is your success being driven, or secretly sabotaged, by your hormones? Most people assume that high-achieving entrepreneurs and executives naturally have high testosterone. But what if that’s not always the case?

In this episode, we delve into surprising new research that reveals how your testosterone levels shift throughout your business journey. Additionally, discover what this could mean for your energy, focus, and long-term performance. Whether you're building a startup, leading a team, or just curious about optimizing your edge, this episode uncovers the hidden side of success you’ve likely never considered.

Dive in now to discover what your testosterone might really be saying about you.

Episode Video


​Are you an entrepreneur, executive, or someone constantly pushing the limits of performance and productivity? You might assume that success automatically comes with high testosterone. Confidence, drive, risk-taking, it all sounds like the hallmark of someone with optimal testosterone levels. But what if the truth is a lot more complicated, and a lot more revealing?

Why Entrepreneurs Have Lower Testosterone

The Shocking Connection Between Testosterone Levels and Business Success

Recent research from Y Combinator is flipping everything we thought we knew about testosterone on its head. In a study tracking the T levels of 107 male startup founders, it was discovered that low testosterone is surprisingly common during the early stages of building a business. Yes, you read that right. Most entrepreneurs don’t start with high T, and the hormonal changes throughout their startup journey are nothing short of dramatic.

At the pre-seed funding stage, T levels tend to be in the normal range. As founders move to seed funding and Series A, their T levels begin to rise. Series B marks the peak, the level that doctors typically consider optimal. But as the business grows and the stress piles on during late-stage VC rounds, testosterone drops by a shocking 42%.

​Why High Testosterone Peaks Then Plummets

​So, why does your testosterone spike and then crash during your startup journey? It all comes down to stress and survival. Early on, the pressure, uncertainty, long work hours, and poor lifestyle habits drive up cortisol, the stress hormone that actively suppresses testosterone. As you gain traction and validation, confidence surges, and your body rewards you with a high testosterone boost.

But once you're juggling scaling, investors, and a board breathing down your neck, the stress returns. And so does the crash in testosterone. This hormonal rollercoaster isn’t just a health concern. It directly affects your business performance, motivation, focus, and even decision-making abilities.


The Ideal Hormonal Mix: High Testosterone, Low Cortisol

Here's the real secret behind top-performing executives: it’s not just high testosterone, it’s high testosterone and low cortisol. This combination fuels ambition, drive, confidence, and resilience. When you manage stress well and support your T levels, you’re not just healthier, you’re more likely to lead, inspire, and succeed.

Your body performs best when your hormones are in balance. Low T paired with high cortisol creates a vicious cycle: lower drive, more mistakes, poorer results, and even more stress. Over time, this can lead to full burnout if not addressed.

How to Raise Testosterone and Lower Cortisol Naturally

If you're feeling fatigued despite getting sleep, losing your competitive edge, or struggling with brain fog, your hormones might be out of balance. Luckily, there are practical, science-backed ways to improve your T levels and manage stress.

Start with sleep. Testosterone is produced during deep sleep, and 80% of it is made while you rest. Aim for at least seven hours a night in a cool, dark room. Next, adopt a Mediterranean diet, reduce alcohol, stop smoking, and cut out porn. Exercise regularly, but don’t overtrain. Too much can actually suppress testosterone. Incorporate meditation and mindfulness to keep cortisol low, and set boundaries to avoid mental burnout.


Are You Born With High Testosterone Or Do You Build It?

You might be wondering if successful people are simply born with high testosterone. The answer? It's probably both. High T may make you more likely to take risks and start companies. But the confidence and success you build along the way can also raise your testosterone levels. It’s a feedback loop. A positive one if you're managing your health, and a dangerous one if you're not.

That’s why tracking your health is key. Don’t guess, test. Get your T levels checked (both total and free testosterone), cortisol, thyroid, vitamin D, B12, and zinc. These can be measured through blood and saliva tests. Work with a healthcare provider to interpret your results, and if you're over 35, discuss whether testosterone replacement therapy might be right for you.


Final Thoughts

You’ve optimized your schedule, your team, your tech stack. But what about your hormones? Don’t let low testosterone quietly rob you of your edge. Warning signs like lack of motivation, difficulty making decisions, chronic fatigue, and irritability could all be tied to your hormonal health. And when your T levels drop while cortisol stays high, performance in and out of the office takes a hit, including your performance in the bedroom.

Take action now. Get tested, track your sleep, audit your energy levels, and pay attention to how you feel. Hormonal health isn’t just about physical wellness. It’s a hidden factor in your productivity, leadership, and long-term success.


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