Low Testosterone

Testosterone is a sex hormone that is produced primarily in the testicles in males. Testosterone is responsible for a wide range of functions, including maintaining bone density, sex drive, muscle strength and mass and sperm production. As males age, they begin to produce less Testosterone - typically the production of Testosterone declines by 1% a year after age 30 on average.

Low Testosterone occurs in males when the testicles stop producing Testosterone due to two main reasons;

• Primary - problem with the testicles (testicular failure) or

• Secondary - problem with glands in the brain (hypothalamus and pituitary glands) that send signals to the testicles to produce Testosterone

The most common causes of low Testosterone include:

• Undescended testicles

• Mumps orchitis

• Hemochromatosis

• Damage or injury to your testicles

• Cancer treatments like chemotherapy and radiation therapy

• HIV or AIDS 

• Pituitary diseases

• Obesity

• Diabetes

• Medications

• Aging

Diagnosis

A blood test is used to determine if you have low or reduced Testosterone. If you are not suffering from any signs or symptoms, then treatment may not be necessary.

Signs and Symptoms

• Physical changes that you may notice include:

  • Weight gain and increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk and strength, body hair loss and swollen and sensitive breast tissue

• Sexual function changes

  • Reduced desire for sexual interaction, erectile dysfunction

• Sleep pattern changes

  • Increased sleepiness or insomnia

• Emotional changes

  • A decrease in motivation, feelings of sadness or hopelessness, difficulty concentrating or remembering things

Treatment

Low Testosterone is usually treated by administering Hormone Replacement Therapy through a variety of methods.