Are you suffering from a low sexual drive? Do you consistently have problems going “all the way?”
If any of these questions hit a little too close to home, you may have a problem with your testosterone, a seminal male hormone that regulates both sex drive and the ability to perform.
Don’t you think it’s an issue because you’re older? Low testosterone can affect younger men, too.
Don’t know what to do about it? Don’t worry. Here’s everything you need to know about what causes low testosterone in men, as well as how to fix it all.
Contents
Drug Interactions
Medical research suggests that drug interactions can negatively affect testosterone levels in men. Depending on the drugs taken, some medications can inhibit the production of testosterone or reduce the availability of this hormone in the body. Medications used to treat such diseases and disorders as HIV/AIDS and seizures can all interfere with the body’s ability to produce adequate amounts of testosterone.
Moreover, drugs to treat certain reproductive malignancies, such as prostate cancer, can likewise decrease the body’s ability to produce this hormone. In some cases, the cause of low testosterone levels is related to the interaction between two or more prescribed medications. If you have low testosterone symptoms, you can reach out to medical professionals in your location and ask for info about testosterone replacement therapy.
Age
As men age, testosterone levels tend to decrease. This is particularly true after men reach their mid- to late-thirties. After this age, men often experience a gradual decline in their testosterone levels.
This can be quite low by the time they reach their late fifties. This natural process is a result of the diminished functioning of the various hormonal organs and glands within the body.
With age, testosterone production can naturally decline, usually starting in males in their 40s. This is because the principal source of testosterone production, the testes, may not be functioning as efficiently as they once did, leading to reduced or stagnant testosterone production.
Disease
One of the most common is type 2 diabetes, which can have a profound effect on testosterone levels. Other endocrine disorders, like pituitary tumors and hyperprolactinemia, can also cause low testosterone levels. Other diseases, such as AIDS and liver or kidney disease, can also lead to deficiencies in testosterone.
In addition, certain medications, such as cancer therapies, are known to contribute to low levels of this hormone. Severe injury, poor sleep, and states of chronic illness can cause a significant drop in testosterone production as well.
Genetics
Genes can make the chance of getting a disease that lowers testosterone levels higher or lower. This is because certain gene variants and mixtures can change how cells in the body make and use hormones, like testosterone. For example, some guys with Klinefelter syndrome who have the DAX1 gene have low testosterone levels.
This is a genetic disease that happens when you have an extra X chromosome, and it can cause your testosterone levels to be low. A change in the AR gene, which can affect the growth of androgen receptors, is another genetic cause of low testosterone. To understand and treat low testosterone, it is important to find out if there is a possible genetic link.
Anabolic Steroids
One of the biggest causes of low T in men is the use of anabolic steroids. Anabolic steroids are powerful hormones that are illegally used to enhance strength, muscle mass, and physical endurance. In many cases, this helps improve athletic performance. Overuse of anabolic steroids causes the body to stop producing testosterone.
The body then needs testosterone to build muscle and maintain hormone levels. Making it more difficult for the body to grow and develop muscle mass.
This can also lead to other health issues, such as fatigue and a decrease in sperm count. Low testosterone due to anabolic steroids can also increase the risk of developing prostate cancer.
Sudden Injury
Some kinds of trauma, like sports injuries, car accidents, and serious burns, can put a lot of stress on the body. Hormone output can get out of whack because of this strain.
This can cause the amount of testosterone in the body to go down, which can affect muscle growth and energy. Other physical accidents can make it harder for the testes to release testosterone, which can cause prescription for testosterone online production to drop.
Poor Diet
A poor diet can lead to a drop in testosterone levels. This is because the body needs the necessary nutrients for testosterone production, such as zinc, magnesium, vitamin D, omega-3 fatty acids, and protein.
Also, if the diet consists of a high number of processed foods, this can impair the body’s ability to absorb the necessary nutrients. Consuming a diet of refined foods can lead to a decrease in testosterone production. And it has been linked to an increase in abdominal fat, which further reduces testosterone levels.
Testicular Injury
Low testosterone, known as male hypogonadism, can be caused by testicular injury. This can occur due to radiation therapy or other surgical procedures. Testicular injury can damage the Leydig cells, which produce testosterone in the testes.
Low testosterone due to testicular injury can cause a variety of symptoms. This symptom includes erectile dysfunction and depression.
Chronic Stress
Chronic stress is a form of stress that continually persists over a long time, usually weeks or months. This type of stress can affect hormone levels, making testosterone levels drop significantly over time.
The body naturally produces cortisol in response to stress. Cortisol can interfere with normal testosterone production. This can affect sexual drive, energy levels, metabolism, and overall health and well-being.
Learn What Causes Low Testosterone in Men Today
Low testosterone in men can result from a variety of factors. Aging, diseases, drug interactions, genetics, anabolic steroids, sudden injury, poor diet, testicular injury, and chronic stress can lead to low testosterone levels. To maintain overall health, it’s important to monitor one’s testosterone levels.
If you’re concerned about low testosterone levels, make sure to consult a doctor to receive the best advice on what causes low testosterone in men. Also, be aware of the treatment available that only doctors can discuss.
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