How Testosterone Gets Depleted

Testosterone, a key hormone produced in a male's body, helps maintain overall health and ensure healthy development. Decreased testosterone levels may cause disruptions in mood, low energy, low libido, joint pain, loss of muscle mass and various other conditions and diseases.

Age

• As they grow older males experience a natural depletion of testosterone. Usually this natural decrease begins around the age of 30.

Obesity

• Obesity is a contributing factor in testosterone depletion. Males who have excess fat, especially around the abdominal region, are likely to have low testosterone production. The added weight stresses the liver and other body systems, causing an imbalance in hormone production.

Cancer Treatments

• Radiation, chemotherapy and various drug treatments involved in treating cancer frequently have a negative effect on testosterone production. The pituitary gland, sex organs and other key body functions are disrupted during cancer treatments. This often leads to depletion of testosterone.

Head Trauma

• Men who have experienced head trauma may experience testosterone depletion. Any disruptions in the hypothalamus region of the brain may cause a disruption in hormone production and hormonal balance. If symptoms related to testosterone depletion occur following head trauma, it is important to see a physician.

Illness or Infection

• In some cases the onset of an illness or infection may cause damage to the pituitary gland and result in testosterone depletion. Illness during infancy or childhood may disrupt testosterone production and cause sexual, muscular and skeletal developmental difficulties.