Low testosterone in men, known medically as hypogonadism, can be caused by a variety of factors:
- Aging: Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, starting typically around the age of 30 to 40.
- Obesity: Excess body fat, particularly abdominal fat, can convert testosterone into estrogen, reducing testosterone levels.
- Chronic Medical Conditions: Diseases such as type 2 diabetes, chronic liver or kidney disease, COPD, pituitary gland disorders, and conditions that affect the hypothalamus can impair hormone production.
- Injury or Infection of the Testes: This can impact testosterone production directly. Mumps orchitis, a mumps infection that affects the testicles, is one example.
- Medications: Certain drugs, including opioids, hormones used to treat prostate cancer, and steroids (like prednisone), can affect testosterone levels.
- Metabolic Disorders: Conditions such as hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body) can damage the testes or pituitary gland.
- Genetic Conditions: Klinefelter syndrome, Kallmann syndrome, and myotonic dystrophy can cause low testosterone.
- Poor Sleep Patterns: Lack of sleep or sleep disturbances can affect hormone production, including testosterone.
- Alcohol Abuse: Chronic alcohol consumption can lead to lower testosterone levels by causing testicular damage and affecting the pituitary gland.
- Stress: High levels of stress release cortisol, a hormone that can lead to a reduction in testosterone production.
- Anabolic Steroid Use: As previously mentioned, using anabolic steroids can cause the body to reduce its own production of testosterone.
The effects of low testosterone can be wide-ranging and include decreased muscle mass and strength, reduced libido, infertility, fatigue, depression, and bone loss. Diagnosis typically involves a combination of symptom evaluation, physical examination, and blood tests to measure testosterone levels. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and may include lifestyle changes, hormone replacement therapy, or addressing specific health issues. It’s important for individuals with symptoms of low testosterone to consult healthcare professionals for accurate diagnosis and safe, effective treatment.