Reasons for Low Testosterone

The National Institutes of Health estimate that approximately 5 million men in the United States are affected by low testosterone. In most healthy men testosterone is regulated by the body's fine-tuned systems. The hypothalamus gland triggers the pituitary gland to send a message to the testes, which then produce the right amount of testosterone. The NIH cites an expected testosterone level of 300 to 1,200 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Men may experience low testosterone for a variety of reasons.
  1. Aging

    • Aging is a major reason for low testosterone. Levels of the male hormone naturally decrease over time.

    Damage

    • Trauma to the testicles can cause low testosterone. Accidents, cancer or chemotherapy may damage the testes.

    Medications

    • Medications such as morphine and steroids may affect the production of testosterone, causing low levels.

    Diseases

    • Some diseases, particularly genetic disorders such as Klinefelter's Syndrome, cause low testosterone.

    Warning

    • While a decreased interest in sex is normal as men age and testosterone levels decline, the total absence of libido is not normal. You should seek diagnosis and treatment in this situation.

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