Reasons for low testosterone in young males

If you listen to sports radio, it seems as if every other ad is pushing a new low testosterone (low-T) treatment: More energy! Bigger muscles! Better sex! All with a simple pill, shot, or gel!

When something sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Many men and a surprising number of providers don't realize that taking exogenous (synthetic) testosterone or over-the-counter supplements may have harmful side effects if not administered properly. Tinkering with your testosterone levels without direction from a qualified specialist can cause other health issues, such as testicular atrophy, infertility, and an increased risk of prostate cancer.

An estimated 1 in 50 men have low-T and experience symptoms such as less energy, decreased libido (sex drive), erectile dysfunction, lack of concentration, or trouble sleeping. Around age 30, a man's testosterone levels may slowly begin to decline. Approximately 35% of men in their 70s have low-T, according to the American Urological Association.

But we're beginning to see more men in their 20s with low-T at the UT Southwestern male urology clinic. Sometimes low-T is caused by medical conditions, such as genetic diseases or past chemotherapy or radiation therapy. More often, symptoms can be linked to sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, anxiety, or depression.

Safe, successful low-T treatments start with personalized conversations.

So, before you call that low-T clinic or click on an outlandish ad for testosterone-boosting supplements, find out what's at stake for your health. There are safer, more cost-effective options to restore youthful energy – and potentially reverse fertility loss from previous testosterone products.

What's a normal testosterone level?

Testosterone is a natural hormone produced primarily in the testicles, and it helps men maintain everything from bone density and body hair to sex drive and sperm production. However, you don't have to hit a certain number or level to be "a real man," despite what the constant flow of ads may tell you. What matters is who you are and where you are in your life.

On average, a testosterone level of 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) of blood is normal. Hypogonadism – reduced testicular function – generally occurs when the total testosterone is less than 300 ng/dL. However, a healthy level for you depends on your age, lifestyle, and bioavailable testosterone level – the unbound testosterone your body isn't using for daily functions.

Unlike many low-T clinics, we calculate bioavailable testosterone by measuring levels of two proteins, sex hormone binding globulin and albumin, that typically bind to testosterone. It's possible to have a normal total testosterone level and experience low-T symptoms if this balance is off.

Having a normal bioavailable testosterone level tells us your body is making plenty and you likely won't benefit from testosterone replacement therapy. If your bioavailable testosterone level is low, we can discuss options.

Having low testosterone (low T) levels is usually considered a problem in older men. In fact, men over the age of 40 begin experiencing a 3 percent reduction in testosterone levels. However, younger men can also have lower testosterone levels, which can have a big impact on male fertility.

Causes of Low T Levels in Younger Men
Younger men can end up having low T levels for different reasons. Some of the possible causes of a decrease in testosterone include inadequate sleep, varicoceles (abnormally dilated veins around the testicles), chronic stress and obesity. Other factors can also cause these hormone levels to decrease, including genetic factors, medical conditions and certain types of medication. Lifestyle factors, such as poor nutrition, can also play a role in lowering younger men’s testosterone levels.
 

Low Testosterone and Male Infertility
Testosterone is a hormone that affects sperm production. Men who have low levels of this hormone in their testicles can have a lower amount of sperm production overall, which makes it more difficult to conceive. Having lower testosterone levels can cause other problems that affect fertility as well, such as erectile dysfunction and lower sex drive.

Low T Treatment
Testosterone replacement therapy can help with treating men that suffer from low T. However, this form of treatment is not recommended for men who want to father children as replacement therapy can be harmful to male fertility. Dr. Parviz Kavoussi, a world-renowned male fertility and reproductive urologist, explains that using this type of treatment can lead to problems with sperm motility and lower sperm production, which creates challenges for those who want to conceive.

There are other treatment options available for younger men who have low testosterone levels. The use of Clomi​phene Citrate is one example. Clomi​phene Citrate has been used for improving testosterone production in the testicles without adversely impacting sperm production and health. A study published in the Journal of Urology indicates that Clomid Citrate is safe to use in men for the purpose of increased testosterone levels in the testicles.

Younger men who want to have children should also make lifestyle changes that can help boost testosterone levels, which can promote healthy fertility. These changes include eating a nutritious diet, managing stress levels, improving sleep quality and maintaining a healthy weight. Combining lifestyle changes with medical treatment for low T as needed can help improve younger men’s chances of having children.

What causes low testosterone in young males?

What causes low testosterone in your 20s?

What is the main cause of low testosterone?

What are symptoms of low testosterone in young men?