Although low testosterone, known as hypogonadism, is common in aging males, it is not common in young men and could be a symptom of an underlying health problem, according to the Cleveland Clinic Center for Continuing Education.

Inherited Condition

In some young men, low testosterone can be an inherited condition. According to the Mayo Clinic, two examples are Klinefelter syndrome, when a male is born with abnormal development of the testicles, resulting in an underproduction of testosterone, and undescended testicles before birth, which if left untreated can result in low testosterone.

Medical Conditions

A variety of medical conditions that a young male may develop can contribute to low testosterone, according to the Mayo Clinic. Those include HIV or AIDs, obesity, inflammatory disease, pituitary gland disorder and Kallmann syndrome.

Medical Treatment Side Effects

According to the Mayo Clinic, some medications and treatments can also be responsible for low testosterone in young males. Cancer treatments, opiate pain medications and some hormones treatments can reduce testosterone production.

Puberty Disorder or Injury

The Cleveland Clinic Center notes that if a delay in sexual development or testicle growth occurs due to injury or a puberty disorder, testosterone production can be reduced or halted.

Adolescent Mumps

Mayo Clinic cautions that if an adolescent male contracts mumps and the illness involves the testicles, in addition to the saliva glands, normal testosterone production can be damaged.

Source:

Cleveland Clinic Center

Mayo Clinic