When the testicles do not produce enough of the male hormone testosterone, the condition is called testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism. Primary hypogonadism results from a testicular disorder, while secondary hypogonadism involves a malfunction in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, parts of the brain that trigger testosterone production, explains MayoClinic.com. Treatment depends on the cause and the age of the individual.
Hereditary Conditions
Some congenital conditions can cause low testosterone in younger men. Klinefelter syndrome, for instance, results from an abnormality of the sex chromosomes, according to MayoClinic.com. Males normally have one X and one Y chromosome, but males with Klinefelter syndrome have two or more X chromosomes along with one Y chromosome. The extra X chromosomes cause abnormal development of the testicles, resulting in low testosterone production. Kallmann syndrome, in contrast, involves a defect in the hypothalamus, which controls the release of pituitary hormones and can cause low testosterone. Other hereditary conditions that can result in low testosterone include Prader-Willi syndrome, in which the genitals are underdeveloped, and adult muscular dystrophy, as noted by St. John Providence Health System.
Tumors
A pituitary tumor or a tumor that develops near the pituitary gland can cause low testosterone in younger men, according to MayoClinic.com, and so can surgery or radiation treatment for this type of disorder. In addition, treatment for testicular cancer can interfere with testosterone production.
Infectious Disease
A mumps infection usually involves the salivary glands, but it can also affect the testicles. If a man catches mumps during adolescence or adulthood, long-term testicular damage may occur that negatively impacts testosterone production. In addition, certain inflammatory diseases such as tuberculosis can impair testosterone production. MayoClinic.com notes that HIV and AIDS can cause low testosterone levels by affecting all three areas involved in testosterone production---the testicles, the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland.
Substances
When blood levels or iron are too high and it is deposited in body tissues, the condition is called hemochromatosis. This can cause testicular failure and pituitary gland dysfunction, according to St. John Providence Health System. In addition, some medications can have negative effects on testosterone production, including opiate pain relievers and some hormones.
Risk Factors
Obese men are more likely than nonobese men to have low testosterone, according to MayoClinic.com. Another risk factor is injury to the testicles. One damaged testicle may not affect testosterone production, but damage to both can cause problems.
