Low Testosterone Could Be Genetic
You have your dad’s hair (or lack thereof), your mom’s sense of humor, and your grandpa’s quick wit. What you also have is a full set of family genes, some good, some bad, and some ugly. Your genes include a genetic variant of serum testosterone concentration, according to a study by the CHARGE Sex Hormone Consortium.
An international network of ten collaborative cohorts gathered information from 14,429 Caucasian men and discovered significant variants of the sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and the X chromosome as strong indicators of increased risk of low testosterone. (Science Daily) The study’s lead author, Professor Claes Ohlsson of the University of Gothenburg, said, “This is the first large-scale study to identify specific genes for low serum testosterone concentrations. It is very interesting that the genetic contribution of the identified genetic variants to testosterone concentrations is substantial.” Who knew your family genetics could impact even your testosterone production?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and is also a powerful anabolic steroid. Low testosterone levels can lead to decreased muscle strength and mass, increased abdominal fat, inconsistent moods and behaviors, and low libido, among other symptoms. Now that we know how much of an impact family genetics plays into individual testosterone production, physicians and researchers can better understand specific disease risks caused by low testosterone and how they may affect your future. If your father or grandfather suffered from cardiovascular complications, type 2 Diabetes, or metabolic syndrome, there’s a chance they also experienced low testosterone.
Our Low T St. Louis team created a FREE eBook available here for immediate download to help you learn more about the risk associated with low testosterone, or low T. Many of our patients have found this resource to be very helpful when starting a conversation with their doctor about low testosterone. Our hope is that this book gives you the answers you need to see if testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is right for you.