Low testosterone is a common issue experienced by men in the United States, affecting between 4 and 5 million men. After the age of 30, the hormone starts to decrease and the loss can be substantial in some men.
Low testosterone has a number of symptoms, including low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, depressed mood, and loss of muscular strength. If you are experiencing any symptoms of low testosterone, it is recommended that you ask a doctor to test your levels.
If you are wondering what the causes of low testosterone are, this blog post is for you. Here, we will highlight the common causes, which include primary and secondary hypogonadism.
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Primary Hypogonadism
Primary hypogonadism is caused by underactive testes. This is because the testes do not manufacture sufficient levels of testosterone for optimal health and growth. There are a number of causes of primary hypogonadism, including inherited conditions and testicle damage.
Inherited conditions include here include undescended testicles, hemochromatosis, and Klinefelter’s syndrome. With regard to the types of testicle damage that can result in primary hypogonadism, these include cancer treatment, physical injury (to both testicles), and mumps orchitis.
Secondary Hypogonadism
Secondary hypogonadism is caused by damage to the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. Hormone production by the testes is controlled by these parts of the brain.
Disease or inherited conditions here include:
- Kallmann syndrome
- Pituitary disorders
- Inflammatory diseases
- HIV/AIDS
With regard to pituitary disorders, these can be caused by small tumors, kidney failure, or drug use. Another cause of secondary hypogonadism is acquired circumstances. These include:
- Obesity
- Normal aging
- Concurrent illness
- Medications
Men who suffer from low testosterone may be affected by primary, secondary, or a mixed hypogonadism. The latter is more common among people who are older.
What Is Testosterone Replacement Therapy?
One effective treatment for low testosterone is testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Many men who undergo TRT report:
- Improved sex drive
- Increased energy levels
- Better quality of erections
- Increased bone density and muscle mass
- Improved overall mood
There are a number of possible side effects of TRT and we recommend that you first speak to your doctor. Side effects can include acne, sleep apnea, enlarged prostate, testicle shrinkage, decreased sperm count, and breast enlargement.
If you are interested in learning more about this form of therapy, click here for a TRT online clinic.
The Causes of Low Testosterone in Men
In addition to TRT, there are a number of lifestyle changes that men can make to ease the symptoms and signs of low testosterone. These include maintaining a healthy diet, reducing body fat, and increasing activity levels. Avoiding glucocorticoid medications may also be helpful.
Speak to your doctor today to learn more about low testosterone in men if you are concerned. Like this blog post on causes of low testosterone? Be sure to check out our other informative articles on a wide range of interesting topics.
