Testosterone is a natural hormone produced by the testes in men; it is also produced in small amounts by the ovaries in women. Having low levels of testosterone is a condition that has been described in both men and women. Low testosterone levels can be caused by problems with the testes and ovaries themselves or conditions that affect the pituitary gland and hypothalamus of the brain. Aging is also a known cause of low testosterone in men, and obesity can also lower testosterone levels.
Symptoms of low testosterone in men can include
- erectile dysfunction (ED),
- decreased libido (low sex drive), and
- infertility.
Men with low T can also show a loss of muscle mass, hair loss, and low bone density (osteoporosis). Increased body fat, depression, mood changes, lack of energy, and sleep disturbances have also been linked with low levels of testosterone. If low T occurs prior to puberty, sexual maturation can be affected. Symptoms of low testosterone in women can include
- a decrease in libido,
- hot flashes,
- irritability,
- sleep disturbances,
- loss of muscle mass,
- loss of body hair,
- osteoporosis.
Other causes of low testosterone (low t)
- Abnormal Pituitary Development
- Aging
- Certain Medications (Including Some Cancer Chemotherapy, Hormones, and Opiate Pain Medications)
- Chronic Kidney Disease
- Hormonal Disorders
- Kallmann Syndrome
- Pituitary Tumor
- Primary Hypogonadism
- Radiation Therapy
- Trauma or Injury to the Testes
- Undescended Testicles
Main Article on Low Testosterone (Low T)
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Causes of Low Testosterone (Low T)
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Brain Tumor (Symptoms, Signs, Types, Causes, Survival Rates)
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Diabetes (Type 1 and Type 2)
Diabetes is a chronic condition characterized by high levels of sugar (glucose) in the blood. The two types of diabetes are referred to as type 1 (insulin dependent) and type 2 (non-insulin dependent). Symptoms of diabetes include increased urine output, thirst, hunger, and fatigue. Treatment of diabetes depends on the type.
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Hemochromatosis (Iron Overload)
Hereditary hemochromatosis (iron overload) is an inherited disorder in which there is excessive accumulation of iron in the body. Individuals may have no symptoms or signs, or they can have severe symptoms and signs of iron overload. The most effective treatment for hemochromatosis is therapeutic phlebotomy.
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Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
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Klinefelter Syndrome
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Liver Disease
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Mumps
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Obesity
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Steroid Abuse
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Testicular Cancer
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Tuberculosis (TB)
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Examples of Medications for Low Testosterone (Low T)
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Tartavoulle, Todd M., and Demetrius J. Porche. "Low Testosterone." Journal for Nurse Practitioners 8.10 (2012): 778-786. <https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/775165>.