Dr. Hanid Audish is the Founder of Encompass Clinical Research which conducts studies on many conditions such as migraines, neuropathy, and endocrine issues. Below, Dr. Audish explains some of the common causes of a far-too-common condition in adult men.
If you or a loved one is struggling with low testosterone levels, it can be difficult to understand what's causing the problem. There's always the question of whether or not the issue is something that a person can fix on their own or if there's a more complicated solution that might involve treatment or medications.
Dr. Hanid Audish explains that low testosterone can be caused by a number of things. Here’s a list of the most common causes to help you determine what you may want to discuss with your doctor regarding treatment options.
What is Low Testosterone?
Also known as male hypogonadism, developing low testosterone means that a man's reproductive glands are not producing enough of the male sex hormone, testosterone.
Having low levels of this hormone can affect a number of things such as:
- Mood
- Muscle mass
- Physical appearance
- Bone density
- Energy level
What are the Causes of Low Testosterone?
While this condition is frustrating, it's not uncommon says Dr. Hanid Audish. Once a man passes the age of 30, there's a natural decline in testosterone and those levels continue to drop as he ages.
Many might believe that there is something fundamentally wrong with them, but really, this is a very common issue. With that being said, there are many things that might cause a man to have low hormone levels.
Here are some potential causes:
- Hemochromatosis: This condition means that there is too much iron in the blood, making it difficult for the reproductive glands to produce testosterone.
- Injury: Trauma to the testicles can cause impairment. Without the organs functioning properly, hormone levels will drop.
- Medications: Certain medications or drugs will delay or decrease hormone production.
- Cancer: Tumors will negatively affect production, and treatment such as chemotherapy or radiation could mean temporary or permanent damage to the reproductive organs.
- Inflammatory Diseases: Inflammatory diseases typically involve either the pituitary gland or the hypothalamus failing to send signals to the body to produce testosterone.
- Pituitary Disorders: There are actual conditions that the pituitary gland can develop. Brain tumors or tumors on the pituitary gland will affect hormone levels.
- Undescended Testicles: This condition will have occurred before birth when either one or both of the testicles fails to properly reposition into the scrotum. Many times, this condition can correct itself and treatment is not necessary, but in more severe cases where the man is well into adulthood, this issue could mean reduced hormone production if the problem is not corrected.
- Obesity or Anorexia: Hanid Audish says having too high a percentage of body fat can taint a man's ability to produce normal testosterone levels. Similarly, having an unhealthy amount of body fat can also lead to decreased levels. Both of these problems can negatively affect energy levels and mood, which in turn affect the brain and blood cells.
- Aging: Getting older is a natural part of life, and while there are many scientific explanations and medical conditions for why a man's testosterone levels are low, the most common one for many is simply that they are getting older. The rate is different for each individual, but this condition is something that will inevitably occur for men as they age.
Are There Ways to Manage Low Testosterone Levels?
Dr. Audish explains there is currently no known way to fully reverse the effects of low testosterone levels; however, there are ways you or a loved one can help manage the problem.
If the issue is a genetic abnormality, having the condition treated professionally might be the best option. However, if the problem is not a genetic condition, here are some ways to manage decreased hormone levels:
- Exercise: Physical activity can significantly raise hormone levels. When you are physically active, your body releases dopamine, which helps prevent stress, depression, and even low sex drive. It gives off a “feel-good” effect that's also known as “runners high.”
- Dieting: Although no one really likes to hear the word “diet,” eating right is a great way to manage hormone levels. Foods that have no nutritional value can leave your body feeling weak and tired, whereas, foods with protein, fiber, and nutrients help decrease the sluggish feeling as well as fatigue.
- Testosterone Therapy: Your doctor may also recommend testosterone-replacement therapy. There are several options for this including, gels, skin patches, pellets, and injections. Dr. Hanid Audish says all of these treatment options are designed to release small amounts of the hormone back into your system. It's best to consult your doctor before deciding to try replacement therapy.
Bottom Line
Developing low testosterone is not an uncommon problem, and there are ways to manage it, according to Dr. Hanid Audish. Hopefully this overview has given you a better understanding of what might be the cause of this issue in your own situation as well as how you might want to go about treatment.
With the right lifestyle decisions and professional treatment if necessary, you or your loved one can enjoy life with more vitality despite this condition. Please consult your personal physician for a plan best suited for your situation.
