LOW TESTOSTERONE (Low-T) Low testosterone is a condition characterized by an underproduction of the male hormone testosterone. • Testosterone is a sex hormone made in the testicles. It is often associated with males, although females can have small amounts • In men, this hormone helps maintain and develop sexual features, bone density, adequate levels of red blood cells, muscle mass, sexual and reproductive function, and a sense of well being • Testosterone level generally decreases with age, so older men tend to have more low testosterone levels – once a male reaches 30, testosterone levels slowly decrease by approximately 1% a year • About 2 out of 10 men older than 60 years have low testosterone. This increases to 3 out of 10 men in their 70s to 80s • The American Urology Association define low testosterone as less than 300nanograms(ng) of the hormone per deciliter (dl) of blood. CAUSES • Normal aging process Some of the conditions that can lead to a low level of testosterone include: • Diabetes • Obesity • Hormonal disorder • Chronic medical conditions, especially liver or kidney disease • Infections • Medication, such as narcotics • Chemotherapy or Radiation therapy for cancer • Tumors • Testicle injuries