January 9th, 2017
Clinical study suggests that low testosterone levels in men are strongly linked to all-cause mortality due to cardiovascular dysfunction, diabetes type 2 and other related issues. It has also been statistically proved that testosterone replacement can minimize the risk of complications. Low testosterone levels can occur due to numerous reasons including certain diseases and even certain prescription and street drugs. It is imperative to mention that low testosterone levels are not always a sign of an underlying disease. For example, a fair percentage of men suffers from physiological hypogonadism i.e. declining testosterone levels caused by age related decline in the production of testosterone. This type of hypogonadism is more frequently seen in men over 40 years of age. However, this age dependent reduction does not occur at an alarming rate. Sometimes low T can be due to unknown reasons.
Following are the disease conditions or disorders that can markedly reduce testosterone in men and boys:
About 2-20% cases of hypogonadism are associated with abuse or overuse of certain drugs. Based on the results of a new study, drugs that are linked with reduction in the testosterone levels are:
Having BMI (body mass index) greater than 30 kg/m2 is termed as obesity. It is quite prevalent across the globe, including United States and is considered one of the biggest culprits of abnormally low testosterone levels in males.
A 4-5kg/m2 rise in BMI can reduce testosterone by 10%, says Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism,2007.
A year later another study published in the same journal according to which, wider waist contributes significantly to abnormal testosterone metabolism and the effects are more deleterious than advancing age. Fortunately, clinical study indicates that shedding off extra pounds can boost testosterone levels. A study published in the clinical journal Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism suggests that men who shed weight via 9-week low calorie diet and exercise regains normal testosterone levels. Undergoing bariatric surgery also reduces extra weight very efficiently, giving prompt results. Losing weight moderately is also found to be beneficial. Men who lose weight through moderate exercise and diet program also ends up increasing their testosterone levels modestly.
Low T can occur in women too! But fortunately, low testosterone is not always symptomatic and doesn’t produce serious side effects like that in men. Low T in women can be due to various reasons such as:
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