4 Common Causes Of Testosterone Deficiency In Men

Written By Meghan Belnap / Reviewed By Ray Spotts

Testosterone deficiency is the silent epidemic that many men are too embarrassed to talk about. Low testosterone can cause unpleasant symptoms like fatigue, reduced libido, depression, weight gain and sleep disturbances. One in four men older than 30 suffers from less than optimal testosterone levels, but what causes a deficiency of this important hormone? The root of the problem varies from poor diet to medical conditions or just plain getting older. If your hormone levels are lagging, consider these four common causes of low testosterone in men.

Diet And Lifestyle

Carrying excess body fat, especially around your midsection, increases your body's estrogen levels and decreases testosterone. One of the best ways to combat low testosterone if you're overweight, sedentary or have a poor diet is to live a healthier lifestyle. Stop smoking, cut back on alcohol, maintain a healthy body mass index and exercise for at least half an hour each day.

Aging

The most common cause of low testosterone is also the one that's most difficult to fix. Testosterone levels begin to decline after age 30, and it's all downhill from there. Although there's no way to turn back the clock and increase your body's natural hormone production, testosterone replacement therapy offers an effective solution for declining testosterone levels with age. Bioidentical hormone replacement can help restore muscle mass, increase energy and balance your mood.

Hypogonadism

Underperforming or non-functioning testes in men is called hypogonadism. When the testes are not working properly, that means little or no testosterone is being produced. Hypogonadism can be caused by a problem with the testes themselves or the pituitary or hypothalamus gland. Some men are born with hypogonadism, while others develop this condition later in life. Treatment depends on the underlying cause, but typically involves replacing or supplementing testosterone with exogenous hormone.

Hypothyroidism

The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland located in your neck, and thyroid hormone is required to make many of the body's hormones, including testosterone. Therefore, it makes sense that an underperforming thyroid leads to low testosterone. If you're diagnosed with low testosterone, the first thing you should do is have your thyroid tested. Supplementing with thyroid replacement hormone can help return your testosterone levels to normal.

Are you concerned about your testosterone levels? Don't be afraid to visit your healthcare provider and start the conversation. If you're uncomfortable discussing your low testosterone concerns with your regular doctor, consider visiting a specialist at a medical center that specializes in hormone replacement.

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Written By:
Meghan Belnap is a freelance writer who enjoys spending time with her family. She loves being in the outdoors and exploring new opportunities whenever they arise. Meghan finds happiness in researching new topics that help to expand her horizons. You can often find her buried in a good book or out looking for an adventure. You can connect with her on Facebook right here and Twitter right here.

Reviewed By:

Founder Ray Spotts has a passion for all things natural and has made a life study of nature as it relates to health and well-being. Ray became a forerunner bringing products to market that are extraordinarily effective and free from potentially harmful chemicals and additives. For this reason Ray formed Trusted Health Products, a company you can trust for clean, effective, and healthy products. Ray is an organic gardener, likes fishing, hiking, and teaching and mentoring people to start new businesses. You can get his book for free, “How To Succeed In Business Based On God’s Word,” at www.rayspotts.com.