Low Testosterone (low T) is also known by the name of Male Hypogonadism.
Having low T can be distressing as it can affect mood, sleep, the size of testicles, and more. Low Testosterone can also lower sex drive and cause Erectile Dysfunction (ED).
As low T seems like the cause of all your problems, you may wonder, ‘What causes low Testosterone in men?’
This article will discuss the potential causes of low Testosterone in men.
What is Male Hypogonadism
Testosterone is an important sex hormone that is produced by males in greater amounts.
It plays a crucial role in the production of sperm and the development of bones and muscles. It is also responsible for deepening voice, hair growth, and other factors affecting appearance.
Male Hypogonadism or low T occurs when the testicles do not produce enough Testosterone.
The American Urological Association defines low T as less than 300 nanograms of the hormone per deciliter (ng/dL).
Several symptoms, such as fatigue, Depression, ED, and low libido, can help you identify low T.
Though Testosterone is an important hormone in the body, it starts to decline each year after age 30.
For this reason, Male Hypogonadism is more common in older males, with a prevalence of about 19 to 39 percent.
What Causes Low Testosterone in Men
Causes of low Testosterone or Male Hypogonadism are divided into two categories based on types of Male Hypogonadism.
There are two basic types of Hypogonadism: Primary and Secondary.
Primary Hypogonadism occurs when the testicles are underactive and do not manufacture enough Testosterone.
Secondary Hypogonadism happens when there is damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.
These parts of the brain control the production of hormones by the testicles.
Let us discuss the causes of Male Hypogonadism in detail.
Causes of Primary Hypogonadism
The under activity of testicles that results in low T levels can be inherited or acquired.
Inherited conditions that can cause Primary Hypogonadism or result in low T include:
- Hemochromatosis is a condition that causes the extra iron build up in the body to harmful levels. It can affect the functioning of testicles and pituitary glands.
People with Hemochromatosis generally have low T levels.
- The absence of testicles at birth (Anorchia) or undescended testicles can lead to low T. Undescended testicles occur when the testicles fail to descend from the abdomen before birth.
- Klinefelter’s syndrome can reduce the size of testicles by inhibiting testicular growth. Smaller testicles can result in lower production of Testosterone and cause low T.
Primary Hypogonadism can also occur when there is damage to the testicles. This damage can result from an injury, mumps infection, or cancer treatment.
- Klinefelter’s syndrome is a condition in which men or people assigned male at birth are born with three chromosomes: XXY instead of XY.
- Mumps infection or Mumps Orchitis is a contagious disease that can cause fever, headache, fatigue, etc.
Causes of Secondary Hypogonadism
Source: RyanKing999Damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus that results in Secondary Hypogonadism can be due to inherited conditions or acquired circumstances.
Inherited diseases or conditions that may result in low T are:
- Pituitary disorders can result from drug use, kidney failures, or small tumors and cause low T.
- Kallmann syndrome is linked with absent or delayed puberty. This can adversely affect testicular growth and cause low T.
- Inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis, tuberculosis, and histiocytosis can adversely affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus.
- People with HIV or AIDS generally have low T levels. HIV or AIDS can affect the pituitary gland, hypothalamus, and testicles.
Acquired factors such as aging, obesity, and medications can affect hormone production, resulting in low T.
Severe emotional or physical stress can also negatively impact the hormonal balance. This hormonal imbalance can result in Secondary Hypogonadism.
Conclusion
Low Testosterone or Male Hypogonadism is a common problem with a higher prevalence in older males.
Low T levels can disrupt your life by causing ED, low libido, and Depression. When this happens, you may wonder, ‘What causes low Testosterone in men?’
Causes of low Testosterone levels are categorized based on two types of Male Hypogonadism: Primary and Secondary.
Primary Hypogonadism can result from the under activity of testicles. Underactivity of testicles may be due to physical injury or damage to testicles.
Conditions like Hemochromatosis and Klinefelter’s syndrome can also cause underactivity of testicles.
Damage to the pituitary gland or hypothalamus can lead to Secondary Hypogonadism.
Inherited conditions like Pituitary disorders, Kallmann syndrome, and HIV can damage the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
Acquired circumstances such as aging and obesity can also result in low T.
But, it is possible to restore Testosterone levels in the body. Medical professionals usually prescribe medicines containing Testosterone, like Cernos capsules.
Consult a physician if you suspect low T levels in your body for a suitable treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can stress contribute to low testosterone levels in men?
Yes, chronic stress can lead to hormonal imbalances. This can adversely affect testosterone production, contributing to low levels.
Are there lifestyle factors that contribute to low Testosterone?
Lifestyle factors such as an unhealthy diet, lack of regular exercise, and poor sleep habits can lead to low T levels.
Can medications cause low Testosterone?
Certain medications, particularly opioids and steroids, can reduce testosterone production, leading to lower levels.
Can low Testosterone affect fertility?
Low testosterone levels can decrease sperm production and fertility issues in men. This can make it challenging for couples to conceive.
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