Low Testosterone Levels Make Happier Relationships

Having little testosterone may be the key to successful relationships, according to a new study.

While it's generally assumed that more testosterone is better, new research reveals the masculine hormone may actually ruin romance, according to a new study.

Researchers at the University of Michigan found that low testosterone levels benefit men and women when it comes to romantic relationships. The latest study revealed that people with low testosterone levels report more satisfaction and commitment in their relationships.

While high testosterone levels increases the likelihood of attracting sexual partners, researchers said that it might hinder some kinds of long-term relationships that require commitment.

"The assumption is generally that high testosterone is good for sexual relationships," lead author Robin Edelstein, University of Michigan associate professor of psychology, said in a news release. "These findings suggest that once people are in a relationship, lower levels of testosterone may be beneficial-or may reflect better ongoing relationship dynamics."

Edelstein said the latest study is the first to look at how testosterone levels influence the quality of women's relationships.

The study involved 39 heterosexual couples between the ages of 18 and 31 who had relationships ranging from two months to seven years. Participants were asked to answer questions about their satisfaction ("My relationship is close to ideal"), commitment ("I want our relationship to last forever") and investment ("I have invested a great deal into our relationship that I would lose if the relationship were to end"). Researchers then took samples of participants' saliva to determine testosterone levels.

The study linked the quality of a person's relationship to his/her own and his/her partner's testosterone levels. Researchers found that testosterone was negatively correlated with their own and their partner's satisfaction and commitment. Researchers said that findings suggest that the lower the testosterone levels in couples, the better or more committed the relationship.

The findings were published in the journal Hormones and Behavior.