What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone. It is important for reproductive and sexual development. Women also produce testosterone but levels of testosterone produced in females are lower than males. It is produced in ovaries of women and testes of men. It controls physical features in males. Low levels of testosterone can lead to infertility or hypogonadism. Testosterone regulates many processes in the male body. Testosterone levels drop down in the body as men age. Testosterone levels are controlled by pituitary gland and brain. After the production of testosterone, it moves through the blood to perform various important functions.
Role of Testosterone in male body:
The metabolic rate of the body is strongly correlated with levels of testosterone. The proper function of testosterone is that it assists the energy creation and diminishes destructive hormones. Testosterone is responsible for development and maintenance of male attributes. Testosterone plays the role of messenger, sperm production, genital transformation, behavioral traits, libido, muscle mass, beard hair and skin growth etc. Testosterone regulates fat distribution, sex drive, and red blood cell production. It assists the mature sperm development.
Most common roles of testosterone are:
Testosterone’s role in the Reproductive system
At puberty, the penis and testicles grow and the production of testosterone surges. Testicles produce a steady stream of testosterone to make a fresh supply of sperm every day. Low production of testosterone can lead to erectile dysfunction, low sperm production and infertility.
The Role of Testosterone in One’s Sexuality
Enhanced levels of testosterone during puberty encourage the growth of pubic hair, penis and testicles. The body hair and muscles grow and the voice begins to deepen. These changes come with growing sexual desires. Low level of testosterone can cause less or lost sexual desire. Sexual activity and stimulation can rise up the levels of testosterone.
The Circulatory system and the Testosterone hormone
Testosterone travels in the body through the bloodstream. Testosterone spurs the bone marrow to produce red blood cells in the body. According to some studies, testosterone may have positive effects on the heart.
Fat, bone, muscle and Testosterone
Testosterone is one of the major factors involved in the development of strength of muscle. Testosterone enhances neurotransmitter to encourage tissue growth. It increases the levels of growth hormone and bone density. Males with low testosterone levels are at higher risk of bone breaks and fractures. Testosterone plays a vital role in the metabolism of fat that helps males to burn fat more efficiently.
Testosterone & Body hair
As males reach adulthood, testosterone spurs the hair growth on armpits, face, around genitals, chest, legs and arms. Low testosterone may lead to loss of body hair.
Testosterone and the Central nervous system
The testosterone hormone is responsible for certain behaviors including dominance and aggression. It helps to boost self-esteem and spark competitiveness. Low testosterone may lead to lack of motivation, loss of confidence, and feeling of sadness, lack of energy and sleep disturbances.
Testosterone and Erectile dysfunction
Erectile function is seriously influenced by testosterone. It is necessary for development and growth of erectile tissues.
Role of Testosterone in women
In women, testosterone contributes to muscle strength, bone density and sex drive. Excess of testosterone can cause infertility and male pattern baldness in women. It is responsible for sensitivity in clitoris and nipples of women which are associated with sexual pleasure. Testosterone increases sexual mood and experience in women. For more information on the role testosterone plays in women, visit our women’s testosterone replacement therapy page.
You can also visit the Testosterone Replacement Therapy page for women at our Colorado Springs office.
