Causes of Low Testosterone?
What Is Testosterone & What Causes Low Testosterone?
Testosterone is an essential naturally produced hormone. It is the primary male sex hormone in male development, maintenance of his masculine characteristics and the driving force behind his sex drive. What can lead to or cause low testosterone?
Through puberty and development, testosterone aids in the creating of a man's muscles, makes his voice deeper and increases the size of his penis and testicles. As an adult, this same hormone helps maintain the man's muscle mass, keeps his bones strong and his interest in sex alive. Physically, testosterone is what makes a man a man.
At the age of 30, many men begin to see their testosterone levels gradually decline. As they continue to age, this decline often becomes worse. A loss in sex drive often accompanies a decrease in testosterone, which leads many men to inaccurately assume their loss of libido is simply a part of getting older.
Aging is a common cause of low testosterone but testicular trauma can also cause low testosterone. Various medications can also cause a man's levels to fall, medications used to treat high blood pressure and high cholesterol often lower testosterone levels. Medications used to treat insomnia or other sleeping disorders, anxiety or stress can all lower a man's testosterone levels.
Low T Physical Symptoms
- Decreased Libido
- Decreased Energy
- Increases in Body Fat
- Night Sweats
- Insomnia
- Weakening of the Bones
- Loss of Physical Strength
- Thinning Hair
- Erectile Dysfunction
- Anxiety or Nervous Behavior
- Depression
- Loss of Memory
- Increased Shyness
- Lacking Desire for Social Interaction
- Irritability
- Lethargy
- Difficulty Focusing
Andropause Symptoms
Hormonal Deficiencies in Men - At approximately 50 years of age, hormonal deficiencies will greatly and negatively affect a man's life. Most men will notice a gradual but increasing decline in energy, strength and in their libido. Many often find they lack enthusiasm in areas of life that used to excite them. A lack of enthusiasm may negatively affect the man's work; he may lose his competitive edge and lose the ability or desire to compete in sporting activities. With declining hormone levels, normally both testosterone and growth hormone, body fat gain, a softer physique, depression and insomnia and frequent bouts with erectile dysfunction all become commonplace.
Symptoms of Low Hormone Levels - Low testosterone and growth hormone levels may produce depression, irritability and anxiety. Most will find sexual function and desire to be in decline while prostate issues are often amplified. Urinary issues may also occur. Muscle mass will be in decline, while belly and breast tissue all increase as the waistline enlarges in an uncontrollable manner. Sleep disorder, fatigue, and memory and mental decline are all common. Aging prematurely is also common, thinning skin, wrinkles and saggy skin are all common. Increased thinning or graying hair may occur. Concentration may be lessened, as is desire or drive, memory declines and fatigue and sleep disorders often set in. These are all common symptoms of men suffering from low testosterone or Andropause due to low testosterone and low growth hormone levels.
Traumatic Effects
Trauma to the testicles, undescended testicles or testicular operations can all cause low testosterone. Vasectomy's, Hydrocele, head trauma, mumps and Varicocele can all lead to low testosterone.
Type of Medicines:
- Blood Pressure Medications - Atenolol and most medications used to lower blood pressure
- Cholesterol Medications - Crestor or Lipitor
- Sleeping Aids - Lunesta or Ambien
- Muscle Relaxers - Flexeril or Soma
- Antidepressants - Cymbalta, Zoloft, Paxil
- General - Clonopin, Valium, Xanax
- Antacids - Tagamet
- Pain Medications - Benadryls, Claritin, Antihistamine, Suboxone, Morphine, Oxycodone
- Each and every drug listed above may lower your testosterone levels.
Depression & Low Testosterone
Those who are depressed after taking the mentioned medications or who has had any of the aforementioned surgeries or conditions and is now depressed should have his testosterone levels checked. Depression is very common in those 50-60 years old following such treatments or medications and they should check to see if they have low testosterone