Testosterone
Testosterone is a vital male sex hormone that plays a key role in reproductive and sexual development. This important hormone also influences various physical and psychological processes in men.
Some key points about testosterone:
- It is mainly produced by the testes in men and to a lesser extent in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women.
- Testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood when the testes are most active. Levels start declining after age 30 by about 1% per year.
- It stimulates the development of male sexual characteristics during puberty, leading to increased muscle mass, growth of body and facial hair, and deepening of the voice.
- Testosterone plays key roles in:
- Boosting libido and regulating sexual function
- Building muscle mass and bone density
- Distributing fat tissues in the body
- Producing red blood cells
- Maintaining mood, mental ability and memory
- An imbalance in testosterone levels can cause various health issues:
- Low testosterone (low T) can cause reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, depressed mood, and difficulty concentrating.
- High testosterone from steroids or disease can lead to aggressive behavior, acne, and cardiovascular problems.
- Testosterone levels can be tested with a simple blood test. Most men have levels between 300 - 1,000 ng/dL.
- Testosterone replacement therapy can treat extremely low T levels, but treatment has some risks if not properly managed.
In summary, testosterone is an essential male hormone that plays a vital role in physical development, sexual function, muscle mass, bone health and psychological wellbeing. Getting tested and addressing abnormal testosterone levels at Harmonize Care can help improve men's overall quality of life.