Causes of Low Testosterone

Testosterone is an androgenic hormone produced mainly by the testes. It is responsible for the growth of secondary sex characteristics in men. The deficiency of this hormone causes many side effects in the human body. The level of testosterone produced deceases as age advances. The level of testosterone becomes lower than that of the normal percentage in between the age of 50 and 70. This results in decreased sex drive, moodiness, and fatigue.

Low testosterone level results from the inability of testes to produce sufficient amount of the hormone. It affects the entire body system and causes many complex physiologic, chemical and hormonal changes. Low testosterone is also the outcome of decreased production of two main hormones by pituitary gland and hypothalamus. Any damage in the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and testicles will also affect the normal production of testosterone.

There are a number of reasons for low testosterone production. They include side effects of drug, testicular dysfunction, and elevations in the adrenal hormone cortisol. Testicular dysfunction results from damaged testicles. In addition, congenital problems such as decreased amount of male hormones and rare malformation syndromes can also result in low testosterone production. Acquired problems such as chronic illness, aging, starvation, head trauma, surgeries, cancers, infections, and alcoholism are also among the causes of low testosterone levels.

Low testosterone level in a man can be the result of his lifestyle too. Smoking, lack of exercise, excessive drinking, and unhealthy diet are the prime factors responsible for aforementioned gland damages. These can be easily modified by changing the person?s living habits. Other reasons for low level testosterone are poor circulation, hypertension, use of prescription or non-prescription medications, and psychological problems.

Low testosterone levels can be remedied by replacement therapy. An herb by name tribulus terrestris is believed to increase testosterone level in human body.