Testosterone is essential for male sexual development and sustenance of male genital organs as well as secondary sexual features. However, it can be described as the ‘male sex hormone’, although it is manufactured in the testes in men and ovaries in women although in lesser quantities. Moreover, it controls diverse processes in the body, such as sexual activity, muscles, bones, and formulation of blood’s red contribution. Fortunately, in this article, you will learn the understanding of testosterone, its roles, and potential benefits and drawbacks to ensure that you are well informed about this important hormone.
Furthermore, male testosterone concentration mostly rises to its highest level during the late teenage years to early adulthood and then starts to reduce gradually. However, without knowledge and understanding of testosterone and its role in the body, it would be almost impossible to consider all aspects of health and focus on all potential problems associated with it.
Understanding Testosterone
Androgens are anabolic hormones with multiple functions in the body, more specifically in males, the principal androgen is testosterone.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a steroid that is secreted largely by males’ testes and sporadically by the females’ ovaries. Because of its importance for male growth and sexual health, testosterone is sometimes called the ‘male hormone’.
Functions of Testosterone
Male Development
Muscles, deep voice during adolescence, and forehead and facial hair also owe their development to testosterone.
Reproductive Health
Testosterone controls spermatogenesis, sex drive, and erectile tissue mechanics.
Muscle Mass and Strength
The hormone known as testosterone also boosts muscle gain and strength.
Bone Density
Testosterone plays a crucial role in maintaining good bone health, hailing the onset of osteoporosis.
Red Blood Cell Production
Testosterone boosts the rate of production of red blood cells in the body.
Mood and Cognition
Some physical changes due to testosterone include mood, energy, and cognitive function.
Types of Testosterone
Free Testosterone
Testosterone is free from protein binding and can therefore enter the body cells and perform activities.
Bound Testosterone
Testosterone esters, that is hormone bound to inactive protein.
Testosterone Levels
| Normal Range | 50-325 ng/DL. (nanograms per deciliter) for adult women and 300-1,000 ng/DL for men. |
| Low Testosterone | Above 1,000 ng/DL, which can trigger symptoms such as aggression, acne, and hair loss. |
| High Testosterone | Above 1,000 ng/DL, which can trigger symptoms such as aggression, acne, and hair loss. |
Sex Drive and Testosterone
Testosterone is a very important hormone in determining and understanding sexuality in both sexes, particularly the libido. Moreover, testosterone helps influence the sex regions of the brain and therefore the overall levels of libido in a man.
- Also, it influences the synthesis of nitric oxide, the major factor for erection in man.
- Used in the maintenance of organs used in reproduction, the penis, testes, and prostate gland.
- It plays a role in preserving the Sexual Medical office, arousal, participation, and progression of the sexual response series.
- The common effects of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) include a low sex drive and sexual impotence apart from infertility.
In short, sex steroids in general and testosterone understanding in particular are vital for satisfying sexual activities and experiences for both males and females.
Testosterone and Muscle Mass
This steroid hormone was established to have a major role in the growth of muscles and the sustenance of the growth. Here’s how:
Muscle Protein Synthesis
In addition, muscle protein is an androgen-dependent product and is synthesized in response to the presence of testosterone in the body to meet muscle-building and repair needs.
Muscle Fiber Growth
The androgen hormone, testosterone, enhances both the hypertrophy (growth) and hypertrophy of muscle fibers which in turn enhances muscle bulk.
Muscle Strength
Testosterone increases muscle strength through improved neuromuscular junction and increased muscle fiber activation.
Muscle Recovery
Testosterone assists with muscle repair post-workout by decreasing muscle stress and damage.
Muscle-Building Hormones
Testosterone serves to modulate the release rates of other muscle mass-building molecules like growth hormone and IGF-1.
Muscle Wasting Prevention
Besides, testosterone maintains muscle mass and prevents muscle loss and getting thinner among elderly people and those having some types of chronic illnesses, such as diabetes.
Testosterone and Bone Density
Testosterone is important in preserving bone mass density, especially in male populations. Here’s how:
Bone Formation
Increasing testosterone levels promotes the formation of osteoblastic cells, which are charged with bone formation.
Bone Resorption
It controls the activity of undertaker cells, which are responsible for eroding old bone tissue, respectively.
Calcium Deposition
It also facilitates the deposition of calcium in bones which are strong and required for construction.
Vitamin D Regulation
Muscular tissue requires vitamin D, which is controlled by testosterone, to aid in the absorption of calcium, which is vital in bone formation.
Bone Matrix Formation
Testosterone has been shown to promote bone matrix proteins; proteins that are responsible for the framework and rigidity of bones, and these include collagens.
Osteoporosis Prevention
Since the study was done, it has been known that testosterone has a positive effect on the prevention of osteoporosis, which is bird and brittle skeletal bones.
Fracture Risk Reduction
They further determined that the hormone lowered the possibility of fractures in older male populace notably.
The Benefits of High Testosterone
High testosterone levels can bring numerous benefits, including:
- Better definition and definition of the muscle.
- Improved bone density.
- Erection of the male genitals and capacity in sexual intercourse.
- Better sleep quality.
- Better thinking ability and ability to concentrate improved these ratings.
- More energy and enthusiasm.
- It also increases one’s competitiveness and aggression levels (this is positive).
- The increased average levels of physical and mental health.
These are the rewards of a normal testosterone level which ranges from 300 to 1000 ng/dl of the natural production of this hormone in the body. However, this means if the normal rate is changed, negative consequences will follow if the levels of testosterone in the body are increased. Additionally, high testosterone can also have benefits for men with low testosterone, such as:
- Reduced level of aggression and irritation.
- Confidence and self-esteem.
- Better quality of life and the Impact on the Overall Quality of life (QOL).
- Enhancement of erectile activity and improvement of satisfaction with sexual life.
- Positive changes were observed in the subject’s physical performance and stamina.
Causes of Low Testosterone
A combination of factors can cause low testosterone, also known as hypogonadism, including:
Aging
It is an accepted fact that androgen level including testosterone levels, reduces with age.
Injury or infection
Circulatory problems to the testes or any infection to the testes will lower the levels of testosterone.
Hormonal imbalance
Estrogen and progesterone levels may also interfere as well as other hormones, including prolactin or iron.
Obesity
Obesity is a known contributor to low testosterone levels and is preventable by losing body fat.
Chronic stress
Chronic stress is an inhibitory factor to testosterone production.
Sleep deprivation
Fewer hours of sleep and sleep quality also reduce testosterone.
Medications
Certain drugs can influence testosterone levels, including opioids and steroids.
Chronic diseases
Diabetes, HIV, as well as some autoimmune diseases such as lupus, can cause low testosterone.
Testicular cancer or treatment
Testosterone levels can also be affected by cancer or some of the cancer treatments.
Pituitary gland issues
Diseases of the pituitary gland can involve hormone disturbances and, in particular, testosterone, hormones.
Inflammatory diseases
Some diseases, in particular, sarcoidosis or histiocytosis can lead to a decrease in testosterone production.
Genetic conditions
Sometimes, the genes can be attributed to imbalanced hormones, and thus conditions like Klinefelter syndrome may result in low testosterone.
Alcohol and drug abuse
Alcohol and drugs could decrease any man’s testosterone levels.
Environmental toxins
Some of the great endocrine disruptors also influence testosterone biosynthesis.
Effects of Low Testosterone
Hypogonadism can decimate a man’s quality of life because low testosterone is associated with many symptoms and health problems. Some common effects of low testosterone include:
Low Sex Drive
Reduced sex drive and sexual desire.
Erectile Dysfunction
Problems with erection, either full or sustained.
Fatigue
Lack of energy, fatigue, or sluggishness.
Weight Gain
Gaining more weight and abdominal obesity (belly fat) in particular.
Muscle Loss
Patients report some adverse outcomes, including skeletal muscle atrophy and weakness.
Bone Density Loss
Raised chances of osteoporosis and bone fractures.
Mood Changes
Agitation or aggression; anxiety or depression; or changes in mood, such as frequent irritability.
Sleep Disturbances
Difficulty sleeping or having other sleep problems, such as insomnia.
Cognitive Impairment
Problems in memory or the ability to pay attention, and any other cognitive impairment.
Reduced Beard and Body Hair
Harriers such as balding and loss of body hairline.
Reduced Semen Volume
Decreased semen production.
Osteoporosis
A higher probability of bone fracture.
Anemia
Low red blood cell count.
Immune System Weakness
Increased risk of infections because of weak immune system.
Mental Fogginess
Problems in mental health or inability to concentrate.
Conclusion
Therefore, testosterone is a hormone that any human body cannot do without, especially the male body. Moreover, these lipids support the control of sexual desire, muscle tissue, bone tissue, and cognition, among other functions. Furthermore, knowledge of the fundamentals of testosterone as well as its types and functions can enable people to make the necessary changes to enable them to have healthy hormones.
Keep in mind that testosterone, an important hormone concentrated in the male sex hormone, is necessary for good health. If you have issues related to testosterone or have certain symptoms of low testosterone, consult a medical practitioner to get suitable advice about understanding testosterone.
