You already know the symptoms—fatigue, weight gain, low libido, brain fog—but why does Low Testosterone (Low T) happen in the first place?
Understanding the root cause of your hormone imbalance is the first step toward restoring your energy, confidence, and overall health.
Low T can develop due to several factors—some are natural, others medical or lifestyle-related. Here’s a breakdown of the most common causes:
One of the primary medical causes of Low T is hypogonadism, a condition where the body produces little or no testosterone. There are two types:
Primary Hypogonadism: Caused by problems in the testicles.
Injury or trauma
Chemotherapy or radiation
Hemochromatosis (excess iron)
Rare medical conditions
Secondary Hypogonadism: Originates in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which signal the testes to produce testosterone.
Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases
Certain medications
Obesity
Natural aging
Other medical contributors include:
Type 2 Diabetes: Nearly 50% of men with diabetes also experience Low T.
Chronic Liver Disease: Liver damage from genetics, alcohol, or viral infections can affect hormone production.
Chronic Kidney Disease: Often linked with low testosterone, especially in advanced stages.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): Inflammatory lung disease that may contribute to hormone deficiencies.
Opioid Use and Addiction Recovery: Long-term use can suppress testosterone levels.
Cancer Treatments: Chemotherapy and radiation may temporarily or permanently reduce testosterone and sperm production.
Lifestyle choices play a critical role in hormone health:
Obesity: Fat cells can convert testosterone into estrogen, lowering levels in overweight men. The good news? Weight loss can naturally boost testosterone levels.
Malnutrition: A poor diet can disrupt hormone production and lead to deficiencies.
Stress and Lack of Sleep: Chronic stress and poor sleep hygiene can disrupt the body’s hormonal balance.
Testosterone levels begin to gradually decline in most men by their 30s and 40s. While this is part of the aging process, it’s important to distinguish between natural decline and clinical deficiency that may require treatment.
Some men are born with conditions that interfere with testosterone production:
Klinefelter syndrome
Kallmann syndrome
Undescended testicles (cryptorchidism)
These conditions may be detected early in life or may not surface until adulthood.
If you’re experiencing symptoms of Low T, identifying the cause is key to determining the right treatment.
At Vitalpaths Wellness, we offer comprehensive diagnostic testing to pinpoint the root of your hormone imbalance. If testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is appropriate, we design a customized plan with:
Personalized dosing
Ongoing hormone level monitoring
Supportive lifestyle guidance (including weight loss programs)
Don’t settle for feeling “off.” Let us help you get back to your vibrant, energized self.
Book a consultation today with one of our hormone specialists at Vitalpaths Wellness to begin your journey to hormonal balance and better health.