Risk Factors for Testosterone Deficiency

Testosterone deficiency, or male hypogonadism, occurs when the male body does not produce enough of the male sex hormone testosterone. Testosterone deficiency can occur at birth, called “congenital”, during puberty or during adulthood. Millions of American men experience this condition, often after age 50, when testosterone production declines. Testosterone is produced by the testes and regulated by hormones in the hypothalamus and pituitary gland. This hormone is a key player in male sexual health, male physical development and testosterone also provides better energy levels, fertility, sex drive and denser bone health in adult men. Male gonads are the organs of sexual health, located in the testes. They are controlled by the pituitary gland and gonads also direct the adolescent maturation of sex organs into their adult form. They also maintain the health of other sexual organs and their function throughout the reproductive years. Gonad fuel comes from estrogen and testosterone which helps men to maintain bone mass and strength and may protect the cardiovascular system. 

Risk Factors

Respectfully below are some risk factors for primary and secondary testosterone deficiency, which includes: Injury to the testicle: Injuries can result from trauma, testicular cancer, radiation or chemotherapy to treat testicular cancer.

•  Klinefelter Syndrom:
  
  Klinefelter syndrome: Men should have one X chromosome and one Y chromosomes, which are sex chromosomes that determine gender. In Klinefelter syndrome, there are 2 or more X chromosomes in addition to the Y chromosome, which can lead to abnormal testicle development and that also affects testosterone cell production.
  
  
• Pituitary or Hypothalamus Glands:
  
  These glands gives signals to the testicles to make testosterone. Therefore when conditions affects the glands, then testosterone production can be affected. Certain conditions that can cause secondary hypogonadism include pituitary disorders.
  
  
• Osteoporosis:
  
  The most common cause of male osteoporosis is testosterone deficiency. Men also need a small amount of estrogen. Estrogen helps to preserve male and female bone density.
  
  
• Diseases:
  
  Risk factors for testosterone deficiency can be caused by obesity, type 2 diabetes, sarcopenia, mobility limitations, cognitive impairment, depression, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, dyslipidemia, various bone and muscle inflammations, endothelial dysfunction, and hypertension.
  
  
• Sleep Apnea:
  
  There are many dangers of sleep disorders for men, that includes an increased risk for heart attack, stroke, diabetes, and psychological problems, can all decrease a man's testosterone levels. If you don't get at least 7 to 8 hours of sleep, men are at risk for a 10% reduction in testosterone levels.
  
  
•  Endocrine Disruptors:
  
  There are certain foods, chemicals, and environmental contaminants that can cause testosterone deficiency in men. Harmful chemicals are found in food packaging, plastic, soaps, shampoos, and lawn insecticides. Phthalates, bisphenol-A (BPA), fluoride, unfermented soy, Teflon pots/pans, canned foods and others, are also factors in low testosterone levels. Eating organic produce, dairy, meat, drinking from plastic containers that contain BPA, and avoiding food additives can help men avoid conditions that can decrease testosterone levels.
  
  
• Drugs:
  
  Clinical studies have proven that long-term use of marijuana or any opiates, can cause decreased interest in sex and can even lower testosterone levels. However, when people stop using certain anabolic steriods, it results in low testosterone, which might be irreversible.
  
  
• Stress:
  
  Clinical researchers are testing the theory that continued anxiety or stress can cause low testosterone or hypogonadism. Stress and testosterone deficiency shares the same symptoms and are linked to the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol has been proven to reduce testosterone cells. Symptoms that are common to stress and hypogonadism are fatigue, lack of interest in sex, mood swings, lack of energy and interest in sex, and plain irritability. Stress and low testosterone share many symptoms and may be linked by the stress hormone cortisol. There is some reported evidence that high levels of cortisol depress testosterone, but not much evidence that taking testosterone will reduce stress or that reducing stress will elevate testosterone. But reducing stress with healthy lifestyle changes is always a good idea, and it may even improve your sex life.

Conclusion

Testosterone deficiency was once thought to be mainly caused by sexual dysfunctions, however, testosterone has been found to play a larger role in hypogonadism. Research has established a link between low testosterone levels and multiple risk factors for testosterone deficiency. Seeing a doctor can prevent or reverse testosterone deficiency symptoms. Testosterone replacement therapy can be applied to young boys, young men, and older males to decrease the chance of social or emotional problems. Also, there are many medical and social help if you are having trouble realizing that you have testosterone deficiency, just remember that thanks to research, physicians have a number of solutions in their arsenal to help men of all ages.