What Are the Causes of Low Testostrone in Males?

Testosterone is the most important sex hormone in the male body. It is responsible for body and facial hair, strength, muscle growth and a deep voice. Testosterone influences sperm production as well as sex drive and function. Some men's bodies do not make enough testosterone. They may experience discomfort and distress. According to the FDA, about 4 to 5 million American men suffer from low testosterone; only 5 percent of these men are treated.

Hypogonadism

• Hypogonadism is a condition where the male body doesn't produce enough testosterone. Some men are born with male hypogonadism or it can develop later in life either from infection or from injury. Some types of male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy. Symptoms may include: underdeveloped male genitals or even female genitals; decreased muscle mass; impaired growth of hair, penis and testicles; infertility; penile dysfunction and others.

Injury

• If the scrotum is injured and testes are damaged, they may not be able to produce enough testosterone. If only one testicle is damaged, other testis may remain normal.

Andropause

• Andropause is to men as menopause is to women. The gradual decline of testosterone levels are a result of normal aging. Levels will vary throughout the life of men and certain hormones such as testosterone decline gradually.

Mumps Orchitis

• Inflammation to the testes can be caused by the mumps virus. If the illness occurs during a boy's puberty or into adulthood, low testosterone production may result. Immunization significantly decreases the incidence of this illness.

Klinefelter's Syndrome

• Klinefelter's Syndrome occurs in men who have an extra X chromosome in most of their cells. This can affect physical, language and speech development. Men normally suffer from infertility because they don't make as much testosterone as other males. Also known as XXY syndrome.

Cancer Therapy

• Cancer patients will suffer from low testosterone levels. Therapy including chemo and radiation can damage the interstitial cells in the testes. The decrease in testosterone is normally temporary as the cells recover. However, sometimes the damage is permanent.

Other Congenital Hormonal Disorders

• LHRH (leutenizing hormone-releasing hormone) and GnRH (Gonadotropine-releasing hormone) deficiency may cause a decrease in testosterone production.