What Causes Low Testosterone?

As a man ages, the amount of testosterone in his body gradually declines. This natural decline starts after age 30 and continues throughout life. Other causes of low testosterone levels include:

 

Injury, infection, or loss of the testicles.

Chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.

Genetic abnormalities such as Klinefelter’s Syndrome (extra X chromosome).

Hemochromatosis (too much iron in the body).

Dysfunction of the pituitary gland (a gland in the brain that produces many important hormones).

Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis (a condition that causes inflammation of the lungs).

Medications, especially hormones used to treat prostate cancer and corticosteroid drugs.

Chronic illness.

Chronic kidney failure.

Liver cirrhosis.

Stress.

Alcoholism.

Obesity (especially abdominal).

The significance of testosterone decline is controversial and poorly understood.

 

What Are the Symptoms of Low Testosterone?

 

Without adequate testosterone, a man may lose his sex drive, experience erectile dysfunction, feel depressed, have a decreased sense of well-being, and have difficulty concentrating.

 

Testosterone Benefits For Women

 

What Changes Occur in the Body Due to Low Testosterone?

 

Low testosterone can cause the following physical changes:

 

Decrease in muscle mass, with an increase in body fat.

Changes in cholesterol levels.

Decrease in hemoglobin and possibly mild anemia.

Fragile bones (osteoporosis).

Decrease in body hair.

Changes in cholesterol and lipid levels.

How Do I Find Out If I Have Low Testosterone?

 

The only accurate way to detect the condition is to have your doctor measure the amount of testosterone in your blood. Because testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, several measurements will need to be taken to detect a deficiency. Doctors prefer, if possible, to test levels early in the morning since this is when testosterone levels are at their highest.

 

(via WebMD.com)