The primary male hormone is testosterone, which plays a major role in the development of secondary male characteristics, reproductive health, and many other functions in the body.

Several factors can affect testosterone levels in the body, including:

1. Genetics: The ideal level of testosterone varies from one person to another. Genetic abnormalities and conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome, can cause low testosterone levels in men.

2. Age: Testosterone levels peak during adolescence, driving the physical changes that occur during puberty in males. Then testosterone levels in men begin to decline with age. This decline usually begins in middle age (30s–40s) and continues at varying rates from one person to another.

3. Physical activity: Active and vigorous exercise can increase testosterone levels, especially resistance training exercises, and weight lifting can positively affect male hormone levels.

4. Obesity: Excessive obesity and a lack of physical activity can negatively affect testosterone levels. Excess subcutaneous fat converts testosterone into estrogen (female hormone), which causes low testosterone levels. Losing weight, on the other hand, can significantly increase testosterone levels. Therefore, weight loss methods help increase testosterone, such as a healthy diet, physical activity, or bariatric surgery.

5. Psychological stress: Chronic stress leads to increased cortisol levels, which inhibits hormonal pathways and leads to imbalance. Long-term chronic stress also suppresses hormone production, especially testosterone production in men, and can prevent existing testosterone from functioning normally.

6. Medications and treatments: Some medications, such as steroids, antibiotics, and antifungals, can affect the levels of testosterone that the testicles naturally produce. Additionally, prostate cancer treatment can affect testosterone levels.

7. Health diseases: Some health conditions, such as thyroid disorders, pituitary disorders, liver diseases, and kidney disorders, can affect testosterone levels.

There is also a strong relationship between diabetes and testosterone. Men with diabetes are more prone to low testosterone, and men with low testosterone are more susceptible to developing diabetes later on. Type 2 diabetes can be prevented or delayed by maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in physical activity, and following a healthy diet.

Symptoms of low testosterone:

1. Decreased libido and erectile dysfunction.
2. Mood changes such as depression, anxiety, and mood swings.
3. Fatigue and low energy.
4. Hair loss.
5. Weight gain and increased body fat accumulation.
6. Muscle weakness and low muscle mass.
7. Sleep disturbances such as insomnia.

If you suffer from these symptoms and suspect low testosterone levels, it is recommended that you visit Dr. Adham Zaazaa, an MD consultant in andrology, for an accurate diagnosis and to determine the appropriate treatment.

Methods of treating low testosterone:

1. Hormone therapy: Testosterone is given to compensate for low testosterone levels. This treatment must be prescribed and followed by andrologist Dr. Adham Zaazaa, a consultant in andrology and ICSI and professor of andrology and fertility surgery at Cairo University.

2. Lifestyle changes: Some lifestyle changes help increase testosterone levels naturally, such as regular exercise, maintaining a healthy weight, sleeping well, and reducing stress.

3. Proper nutrition: Eating a healthy, balanced diet plays an important role in hormonal health, including testosterone levels. It is recommended to eat foods rich in protein, healthy fats, fiber, vitamins, and minerals.