Testosterone is an androgenic hormone produced primarily by testing. It is responsible for the growth of secondary sexual characteristics in men. The deficiency of this hormone causes many side effects in the human body. The level of testosterone produced decreases with advancing age. The level of testosterone becomes lower than the normal percentage between the ages of 50 and 70. This results in decreased sexual desire, mood swings, and fatigue.
Low testosterone results from the tests’ inability to produce a sufficient amount of the hormone. It affects the entire body system and causes many complex physiological, chemical, and hormonal changes. Low testosterone is also the result of decreased production of two major hormones by the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. Any damage to the hypothalamus, pituitary glans, and testicles will also affect normal testosterone production.
There are a number of reasons for low testosterone production. They include drug side effects, testicular dysfunction, and elevations of the adrenal hormone cortisol. Testicular dysfunction is the result of damaged testicles. In addition, congenital problems, such as decreased levels of male hormones and rare malformation syndromes, can also cause low testosterone production. Acquired problems such as chronic diseases, aging, starvation, head injuries, surgeries, cancers, infections, and alcoholism are also among the causes of low testosterone levels.
Low testosterone in a man can also be a result of his lifestyle. Smoking, lack of exercise, excessive alcohol consumption and an unhealthy diet are the main factors responsible for the aforementioned glans damage. These can be easily modified by changing the person’s life habits. Other reasons for low testosterone are poor circulation, high blood pressure, use of prescription or over-the-counter medications, and psychological problems.
Low testosterone levels can be remedied with replacement therapy. An herb called tribulus terrestris is believed to increase the level of testosterone in the human body.