Low Testosterone Low T: Causes, Symptoms & Treatment

Treating low testosterone levels

Research from the American Urological Association Education and Research Inc. suggests a link between marijuana use and lower testosterone levels. Meanwhile, one Journal of Clinical Medicine study reports that regular alcohol consumption can damage the Leydig cells responsible for testosterone production. To support hormone balance, Houman recommends cutting back on these substances or discussing a reduction plan with your healthcare provider.

Research indicates that resistance exercise, such as lifting weights, is related to temporary increases in testosterone levels. A decrease in this hormone could be caused by a number of things, like an injury or infection in the testicles, which make testosterone. It could also be caused by tumors and diseases of the pituitary gland, which regulates how much of the hormone your body releases. Most doctors agree that a “normal” reading falls anywhere between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). About 40% of men over age 45 will have levels that come in below that range.

In one study, 30% of men who were overweight had low testosterone, compared to only 6% of those with weight in the normal range. In another study, 25% of men with Type 2 diabetes had low testosterone, compared to 13% of those without diabetes. LOH and low testosterone are more common in men who have Type 2 diabetes, overweight and/or obesity.

Conditions that affect how your hypothalamus and/or pituitary gland cause secondary hypogonadism. This is known as hypogonadotropic hypogonadism because there are low levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). Those low levels cause decreased testosterone and sperm production. If a person notices these symptoms, they should speak with a doctor.

Additionally, we could not use the serum estrogen level as a variable due to a lack of data. Therefore, we believe that our data provide the most concrete evidence among the studies that attempted to elucidate the relationship between testosterone carbon dioxide levels blood test and nephrolithiasis. Testosterone has been postulated to be a risk factor for urinary stones since the prevalence of stones is two to three times greater in men than in women [4, 5]. Recent laboratory data from rats also revealed that finasteride interferes with the crystal formation of calcium oxalate, the most common stone component [7]. While you’re with them, a doctor may recommend blood tests to assess hormone levels, says Houman.

If your low testosterone levels are the result of an underlying medical condition or lifestyle factor, then at least part of your treatment plan will be treating the original condition. Low testosterone may affect different body systems, resulting in symptoms that affect memory, mood, bone, muscle, sex drive, and the ability to get or maintain an erection. Males may experience low testosterone as they get older or due to some health conditions.

However, as low testosterone causes a decrease in mass, the function and strength of the muscles do not diminish, according to a 2016 review. “Men with TD often describe feeling flat or less motivated, more anxious and more fatigued,” adds Imperial College’s Dr El-Osta. “We’re now seeing growing evidence also linking TD with depression, metabolic syndrome and reduced lifespan if left untreated. Because of this delayed diagnosis and therefore treatment, men are often left struggling in silence while feeling mentally and physically lethargic. What’s more, one in four men delay seeking medical advice for five years.

Leading a sedentary lifestyle may exacerbate testosterone declines in men as they age, according to a 2024 review published in Frontiers in Aging. But on the flip side, “regular physical activity, including strength training, has been linked to supporting healthy testosterone levels,” according to Bailey. Some research suggests a potential link between higher exposure to endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) and lower testosterone levels, says Houman. This is likely because they can disrupt both endocrine function and healthy metabolism. A 2023 study in Environmental Research reports a link between EDCs and a decrease in serum testosterone. And other research has shown that these chemicals, as their name suggests, can negatively impact the endocrine (hormone) center, leading to disruptions in hormone balance. Meanwhile, a 2017 study in Current Obesity Reports found that endocrine-disrupting chemicals can promote the accumulation of adipose (fat) tissue and cause weight gain.

If you’re experiencing one or more of these symptoms and don’t believe they’re caused by something else, talk with a doctor. If your doctor thinks your symptoms are related to abnormally low testosterone levels, they can test your levels. Of course, if you’re concerned about you testosterone levels, it’s a good idea to share your concerns with a doctor. They’ll be able to verify your T levels and help build a treatment plan. Here are just a few of the most common ways to treat low testosterone levels. In addition to lifestyle changes and increased exercise, there are a few other options available to you that can help boost the amount of testosterone in your body.