Testosterone controls the development of male characteristics during puberty and is secreted by the ...

1. What are the causes of low testosterone in men?
Testosterone controls the development of male characteristics during puberty and is secreted by the
testicles. Blood levels of testosterone is controlled by the pituitary gland in the brain. Low
testosterone in men, also called hypogonadism, can be caused by several factors.
Klinefelter Syndrome
Men are usually born with one X and one Y chromosome. In Klinefelter syndrome, a male child may
have more than one X chromosome. This leads to under production of testosterone and
hypogonadism in men.
Aging
As men get older, the amount of testosterone produced in their body decreases. This occurs as a
result of normal aging.
Injury
The testicles are located outside the body, so they may incur injury easily. When both testicles are
injured in an accident or by a blow, hypogonadism or low testosterone may be the outcome. If,
however, one testicle is injured, the other can take over testosterone production.
Pituitary Gland
The pituitary gland releases hormones that stimulate the testicles to secrete testosterone. Disorders
of the pituitary gland, such as a pituitary tumor, may cause low testosterone secretion in the body.
Obesity
Obesity in men may lead to low testosterone. This is because there is enhanced conversion of
testosterone to estrogen in the presence of obesity in both men and women.
Cancer Treatment
Chemotherapy and radiation therapy are used in the treatment of cancer. A man undergoing either
of these treatments may experience low testosterone levels due to the destruction of cells that
produce testosterone. This effect may be amazonaws.com temporary or permanent.
Source:
Mayo Clinic: Male hypogonadism
MedlinePlus: Hypogonadism