Testosterone deficiency occurs when blood levels of testosterone, a predominately male sex hormone produced by the testicles, dip below normal. This condition, which is also sometimes referred to as male hypogonadism, can cause symptoms of decreased muscle mass, breast tissue development, osteoporosis, fatigue, low libido and erectile dysfunction in adult males. Men who have questions or concerns regarding the causes of testosterone deficiency should consult a doctor.
Normal Aging
Lower testosterone levels are a natural part of the normal aging process. Men typically begin to experience a decline in testosterone beginning at age 30 to 40. Approximately 20 percent of men over the age of 70 are estimated to have testosterone deficiency, according to the Better Health Channel.
Klinefelter Syndrome
Klinefelter syndrome is a medical condition in which a man has an extra X chromosome, which makes their chromosomal pattern XXY instead of the normal XY, the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development explains. Females have the chromosomal pattern XX. Male children born with this condition have unusually low testosterone levels due to the presence of this extra chromosome. Affected boys can experience significant delays in muscle development or coordination. Typically, boys with Klinefelter syndrome are significantly taller than healthy boys within their age group. Though low testosterone levels due to this condition do not negatively impact a man's ability to have erections or ejaculate, approximately 95 to 99 percent of men with Klinefelter Syndrome are infertile, NICHD reports.
Testicular Problems
Unusually low testosterone levels can be caused by medical problems associated with a man's testicles. The testicles are involved in sperm production and storage as well as testosterone production. Testosterone deficiency can occur in men who have undescended testicles, a condition in which the testicles localize to the lower abdomen rather than the scrotum, MayoClinic.com reports. A testicular infection due to mumps or severe testicular injury can also cause testosterone deficiency in affected men.
Elevated Iron Levels
Men with unusually high levels of iron within the blood, a condition called hemochromatosis, can develop testosterone deficiency, the University of California Los Angeles explains. Iron can interfere with the normal function of the testicles, leading to low testosterone production.
Cancer Treatment
Men who undergo certain forms of cancer treatment, such as radiation or chemotherapy, can experience a decrease in their normal testosterone levels. Though normal testosterone levels are typically restored in men within a few months following the end of cancer treatment, some men experience effects of permanent testosterone deficiency, such as infertility.
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