Low testosterone, also known as male hypogonadism or low T, can be caused by a variety of factors. The main causes are categorized into primary hypogonadism (originating from problems in the testes themselves) and secondary hypogonadism (problems in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which signal the testes to produce testosterone).
Primary Hypogonadism Causes:
- Inherited conditions like Klinefelter syndrome (extra X chromosome).
- Undescended testicles.
- Testicular injury or damage (physical injury, mumps orchitis).
- Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation.
- Hemochromatosis (excess iron in the blood affecting the testes).
Secondary Hypogonadism Causes:
- Dysfunction or tumors in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus.
- Damage due to infections, injury, or radiation.
- Certain medications or cancer treatments affecting hormone signaling.
Other Causes:
- Natural aging (testosterone levels decline about 1% per year after age 30).
- Obesity and chronic health conditions like diabetes.
- Genetic disorders.
- Lifestyle factors such as poor diet, lack of exercise, alcohol abuse, and stress.
- Some medicines (e.g., opioids, steroids) and substance abuse.
- Autoimmune diseases.
- Sleep apnea and other medical conditions that interfere with hormone production.
Low testosterone can affect both younger and older men and may even be present in children due to congenital conditions. Symptoms and causes overlap with other health issues, so diagnosis requires careful evaluation and blood tests to confirm testosterone levels.
