Low Testosterone In Men: Symptoms, Causes, And Treatment Low testosterone: Symptoms, causes, and treatment Low levels of testosterone that are atypical of normal aging are due to other primary or secondary causes of hypogonadism. Hypogonadism in males happens when the testicles don’t produce enough testosterone. Hypogonadism can start during fetal development, during puberty, or during adulthood. As he puts it, “most men are never educated about hormonal health in the same way women are around menopause”. “Testosterone deficiency remains one of the least discussed and most under-recognised and under-treated conditions affecting men’s health,” Dr El-Osta explains. The condition is also referred to as testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. Low testosterone can be caused by numerous things, with illness, injuries, stress and genetic conditions all playing a role in how the hormone is produced. Which is why concerns about low levels of testosterone may be a source of anxiety for men. Your doctor may also do other tests to help determine what’s causing your low testosterone. Abnormally low levels of testosterone can affect normal body functions. They may contribute to decreased muscle mass, a lowered sex drive, erectile dysfunction (ED), and mood changes such as irritability and depression. There are conflicting studies concerning the effect of smoking on testosterone levels. A 2021 study from Egypt demonstrated that serum testosterone levels among people who smoke were significantly lower compared with people who don’t smoke. Still, the associations between low testosterone and other medical conditions are interesting and worth a look. A lack of testosterone can sometimes have long-term, serious effects on the body. In men with very low levels, the bones can become weak, potentially causing a condition called osteoporosis. Low testosterone can have real and important health effects, especially on a man’s sex life. Men with low testosterone may have trouble getting and keeping an erection. The erections they do have may come less often and not as strongly as before. The doctor may also request testing to look for additional signs. Low testosterone can lead to reduced levels of energy and fatigue. People with low testosterone often experience a reduction in sex drive. However, the overall level of testosterone in your body changes throughout your lifetime as well. Studies have shown testosterone affects muscle mass, but not necessarily strength or function. Some health conditions and lifestyle habits can interfere with the production of this essential hormone. In one study, 30% of men who were overweight had low testosterone, compared to only 6% of those with weight in the normal range. In another study, 25% of men with Type 2 diabetes had low testosterone, compared to 13% of those without diabetes. LOH and low testosterone are more common in men who have Type 2 diabetes, overweight and/or obesity. As males age they have a deterioration of hypothalamic-pituitary function and Leydig cell function that decrease testosterone and/or sperm production. Testosterone helps the body produce healthy red blood cells (RBCs). Low testosterone levels could lead to anemia, a blood disorder that may occur due to