CAUSES
OF
LOW
TESTOSTERONE
By:
Kirsty
Annely
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.
