What Causes Low Testosterone in Men: Knowing the Factors
The prevalence of low Testosterone in men is pretty common and grows with age, affecting nearly 39% of men aged 45 years and older.
The testicles of a man with this condition are unable to produce adequate Testosterone.
Knowing what causes low Testosterone in men may help to understand how to deal with the condition.
This article explores the various causes of low Testosterone in men and talks about the associated risk factors.
Causes of low Testosterone in men
A problem in the testicles and hypothalamus or pituitary gland damage are two notable conditions that lead to low Testosterone in men.
The typical causes of low Testosterone in a man can be inherited or acquired and include:
Aging
It is normal for Testosterone to drop with increasing age.
After a man turns 30, usually his Testosterone production starts to decline by approximately 1 to 2% per year.
Congenital causes
Some of the congenital or inherited factors causing TD are:
- Klinefelter’s Syndrome: This is a condition in which a man has an extra X chromosome, and his testicles may develop abnormally. This may decrease Testosterone production
- Undescended testicles: In this condition, the testicles are not found to descend from the abdomen before birth. Though usually resolved in a few years after being born, if left uncorrected otherwise, it may result in issues such as low Testosterone levels
Medical reasons
There are some health conditions and medications that can cause low testosterone in men:
- Hemochromatosis: High blood iron levels or Idiopathic Hemochromatosis (IHC) cause pituitary gland dysfunction or lead to testicular failure by disrupting the production of Testosterone
- Inflammatory diseases: Certain inflammatory diseases affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus and may cause low Testosterone production. Examples of such diseases are Histiocytosis, Sarcoidosis, and Tuberculosis
- HIV/AIDS: Anyone with HIV or AIDS usually has low Testosterone blood levels. This is because the virus affects the hypothalamus, the testes, and the pituitary gland
- Mumps orchitis: Mumps is a viral infection affecting the salivary glands. It may also cause low Testosterone in men by inflaming the testicles or damaging them
- Cancer treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy, used to treat Cancer, may hamper sperm and Testosterone production in men. Though these effects of Cancer treatment are not permanent, the chances of infertility become high
Damages and disorders
Particular physical damages and disorders affect Testosterone hormone production:
- Kallmann syndrome: This condition is connected to late or missing puberty. This syndrome can hurt testicular development and lead to low Testosterone production
- Pituitary disorders: Small tumors, kidney failure, and taking drugs can cause pituitary disorders and low Testosterone production
- Testicles injury: Because of their exterior presence, men carry the risk of injury to the testicles. Any testicle injury or damage can lead to Low T
Risk factors of Low Testosterone
There are several risk factors for low Testorestone, including:
- Obesity or Malnutrition
- Aging
- Previous chemotherapy, radiation therapy or certain medications
- Certain autoimmune disorders
- Genetic and developmental disorders
- Infection
- Liver and kidney disease
- Type 2 Diabetes
- Hormone disorders
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Stress
Men experiencing any of the above are more likely to be affected by Low T.
Conclusion
Low Testosterone is a common condition in males, especially when they are over 45.
Being aware of what causes low Testosterone in men helps in getting proper diagnosis and treatment.
Physical injury or damage to the testicles can cause underactivity of testicles, resulting in low Testosterone production.
Aging and Cancer treatment are some of the causes of the condition, too.
Pituitary disorders, Kallmann syndrome, and HIV are a few of the inherited conditions causing low Testosterone production by damaging the hypothalamus and pituitary gland.
But this is usually a treatable condition in most cases, and one must consult a doctor if they suspect themselves to have low Testosterone.
Frequently asked questions
What causes a man’s Testosterone level to be low?
Low Testosterone levels in men can be due to factors such as testicular issues, problems in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, aging, chronic illnesses, certain medications, and lifestyle choices like excessive alcohol consumption.
Can low Testosterone be prevented?
Yes, low Testosterone can be prevented by maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, therapy, etc. Consistency in following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent fluctuations in Testosterone levels.
Can stress contribute to low Testosterone levels in men?
Yes, stress can contribute to low Testosterone levels in men. Prolonged stress can disrupt hormone balance in the body, leading to a decrease in Testosterone production. This can result in low levels of Testosterone.
What happens when a man’s Testosterone is low?
Testosterone, a hormone mainly found in males, regulates various bodily functions such as sex drive, bone mass, muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, and red blood cell and sperm production. In cases where the levels of Testosterone are low, it can lead to both physical and mental effects.
Frequently asked questions
What causes a man’s Testosterone level to be low?
Low Testosterone levels in men can be due to factors such as testicular issues, problems in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, aging, chronic illnesses, certain medications, and lifestyle choices like excessive alcohol consumption.
Can low Testosterone be prevented?
Yes, low Testosterone can be prevented by maintaining a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, regular exercise, therapy, etc. Consistency in following a healthy lifestyle can help prevent fluctuations in Testosterone levels.
Can stress contribute to low Testosterone levels in men?
Yes, stress can contribute to low Testosterone levels in men. Prolonged stress can disrupt hormone balance in the body, leading to a decrease in Testosterone production. This can result in low levels of Testosterone.
What happens when a man’s Testosterone is low?
Testosterone, a hormone mainly found in males, regulates various bodily functions such as sex drive, bone mass, muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, and red blood cell and sperm production. In cases where the levels of Testosterone are low, it can lead to both physical and mental effects.
