The main causes of low testosterone levels in men are often related to certain medical conditions, medications, and lifestyle factors. Testosterone is an important hormone that regulates many body functions, so maintaining healthy levels is crucial.
The most common medical reasons for low testosterone include:
- Hypogonadism: This refers to a problem with the testes resulting in lower production of testosterone. It can be caused by injury, infection, testicular cancer, medications, genetic factors, or untreated medical conditions like sleep apnea.
- Pituitary disorders: The pituitary gland controls testosterone production. Tumors or other problems in the pituitary can negatively affect testosterone.
- Inflammatory diseases: Issues like HIV/AIDS, kidney failure, sickle cell anemia and obesity can sometimes impact hormone levels and lead to low testosterone.
- Medications: Opioid pain medications, steroids, cancer drugs and treatments for prostate issues or hair loss may inadvertently reduce testosterone synthesis.
- Aging: Testosterone levels peaks in early adulthood and gradually declines with age naturally after age 30. But low T symptoms in younger men may require evaluation.
Lifestyle reasons for declines in testosterone are often controllable:
- Overweight or obesity: Being significantly overweight has been conclusively linked to decreased testosterone. Fat cells convert testosterone to estrogen, depleting testosterone. Weight loss can help reverse low T.
- Physical inactivity: Exercise and muscle development naturally boost testosterone. Sedentary men tend to have lower levels. Just 30 minutes per day of activity can make a difference.
- Poor diet: Proper nutrition with whole foods, healthy fats, minerals like zinc and magnesium, and avoidance of excessive alcohol or sugary drinks promotes healthy testosterone.
- Chronic stress: Stress hormones like cortisol signal the body to make less testosterone. Refraining from overwork, utilizing stress relief techniques, and getting enough sleep prevents drops in testosterone.
- Smoking: Tobacco use, both direct smoking and secondhand exposure, are shown to reduce testosterone production by the testes. Quitting can help restore levels.
If suffering from symptoms of low T like fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, or unexplained changes, getting evaluated by your doctor is wise, especially if under age 50. Bloodwork checks testosterone and other hormones to determine if hormone therapy is warranted for treatment.
At New Beginnings HRT Clinic, we specialize in testosterone and hormone health for men and women. Our experienced medical team offers cutting edge hormone treatments to help patients regain energy, sexual function and quality of life. If struggling with hormonal issues, we invite you to book a consultation today to see if our therapies can get you back on track with your wellbeing.
