Testosterone hormone is present in both men and women naturally. But it is more in males and is important for their sexual health and overall wellbeing. Low testosterone levels affect between 2% to 6% men. Low T can lead to health issues, including erectile dysfunction, infertility, and even osteoporosis. But as a relief, most cases are curable.
What are the symptoms?
- Erectile dysfunction (ED)
- Low sex drive
- Increased irritability; depression
- Fatigue
- Reduced strength and muscle mass
- Bone density decrease that can result in osteoporosis
Here are the reasons that may cause a drop in your testosterone levels.
Advanced Age
All men produce decreased levels of this hormone as their age increases. Studies have shown that approximately 20 percent of men over 60 have TD, whereas half of the men over 80 may experience abnormally low testosterone levels.
Obesity
Obesity can be a major cause of low testosterone levels. According to the American Urological Association, up to 30% of overweight men have chances of low-T. It is because the excess fat cells cause testosterone to convert to estrogen, leading to an increase in estrogen levels and a decrease in testosterone levels.
Infections
While minor infections don’t typically cause TD, some viral infections can cause decreased testosterone levels later in life. If you develop mumps as a teenager or as an adult, the virus may affect your testicles, eventually causing testicular damage and low testosterone levels. In some cases, getting the mumps virus may cause you to become sterile.
Chronic Illnesses
If you have chronic kidney or liver disease, HIV or AIDS, or type 2 diabetes, your risk of TD could be higher. For example, the American Urological Association studies show that having diabetes could double your chances of developing abnormally low-T levels.
Serious Injuries
Testicular injuries and impacts to the scrotum can also lead to damage and low-T later in life. While serious injuries to one testicle don’t always have a substantial impact on your overall hormone production, a series of injuries to both testicles can cause Low-T.
Congenital Conditions
Congenital conditions like Klinefelter syndrome can be a reason of low-T. Due to this syndrome, a man gets two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome instead of one of each. The additional X chromosome becomes the reason for abnormal testicle development and thus testosterone levels are below average.
Hormonal Conditions
Hypothalamus irregularity can impact testosterone levels. Malformations, tumors, inflammation, and blood flow issues related to these glands can cause low-T.
Medications
Along with extreme medical treatments like chemotherapy and radiation treatments, some other medications can cause Low-T. Steroids, narcotics etc can all affect the normal functions.
Do you have any of these symptoms? Or anyone you know is suffering from these? Do let us know on our FB page.