The Significance of Testosterone: An Examination and Illustration of Its Importance
Let's take a closer look at this popular hormone that plays a significant role in our bodies, particularly focusing on men. But don't worry, ladies, we've got you covered too!
The Lowdown on Testosterone
Testosterone, in a nutshell, is a steroidal hormone acting as the primary sex hormone in men and those identified as male at birth. It's produced by the testicles, though the adrenal glands pitch in a small amount too. The hormone is transported through the bloodstream, traveling throughout the body[1].
"Testosterone sparks the pubertal changes in male adolescence, including growth of the male sex organs, sperm production, and deepening of the voice," says Dr. Jeremy Choy, a seasoned male reproductive endocrinologist at University of Washington Medical Center - Roosevelt. Additionally, testosterone is the driving force behind sexual function, libido, erectile function, and fertility, not to mention maintaining muscle mass and bone density[1]."
But wait, there's more! This hormone can also cause those angry tufts of ear hair and the extra nose fuzz that men may notice as they mature, not to mention male pattern baldness[1].
When Testosterone Goes AWOL
Low testosterone levels can stem from various reasons, making it confusing for some patients. "The numerous factors contributing to low testosterone can include being overweight, aging, having health issues like diabetes, and even having issues with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus," says Dr. Bradley Anawalt, a hormone specialist and the chief of medicine at UW Medical Center[4].
Hypogonadism is the term used when there's an actual deficiency in testosterone levels. In a typical scenario, the man's hypothalamus stimulates the pituitary gland to release hormones that, in turn, encourage the testes to produce testosterone and sperm[4]. If there's a problem anywhere along that line, it can lead to testosterone deficiency, causing symptoms such as fragile bones due to osteoporosis or low bone density, muscle weakness, decreased muscle mass, decreased blood count, and decreased libido and sexual function[4].
When Testosterone Levels Soar Too High
When it comes to testosterone levels that are too high, it's essential to figure out whether the levels are elevated due to natural causes or external supplementation.
If high testosterone levels result from hormonal supplementation, there can be adverse effects, such as mood instability, acne breakouts, and overproduction of red blood cells, increasing a man's risk of thromboembolic events (dangerous blood clots)[1]. Furthermore, too much testosterone can drive the production of too much estrogen, upsetting the hormone balance and causing issues like infertility, sexual dysfunction, and even breast tissue development[1].
Testing Your Testosterone Levels
Your doctor typically won't regularly check testosterone levels, so it's crucial to share concerns about symptoms that could indicate hypogonadism, such as low libido or decreased energy. If you decide to measure your levels using a blood test, do so in the morning when testosterone levels are naturally highest. Be aware that if testosterone levels are tested in the evening, 15 to 30% of the time they'll appear low in men with normal testosterone production, potentially leading to overdiagnosis of testosterone deficiency[4]. To confirm the diagnosis, you'll need two tests showing low levels[4].
The tl;dr on Testosterone Treatments
Treatments for testosterone deficiency include approved FDA options, such as pills, injections, patches, and gels. However, it's crucial to address the root cause of the issue instead of merely throwing testosterone supplements at it. Consult with your doctor to ensure you understand the true source of the problem, and be mindful of testosterone transfer when using gels to avoid unintended side effects[4].
Testosterone in Women: A Quickie
Women also produce testosterone, primarily via the ovaries and adrenal glands. Although they produce less testosterone than men, the hormone plays a vital role in women's libido, energy, fertility, and bone and muscle health[5]. Low testosterone levels can affect women too, especially as they age[5].
Busting Testosterone Myths
- Sexual Performance Boost: Testosterone is not a magic bullet when it comes to improving sexual performance. "The biggest myth is that testosterone will make you a better sex partner," says Anawalt. "There's this notion that if my testosterone levels are low and I add more, I'll be a much better lover - and that's a myth," he explains[5].
- Increasing Fertility: Exogenous testosterone from supplements, for example, can suppress testicular testosterone production, leading to infertility[5].
In Conclusion
Testosterone is tricky, playing a significant role in both men and women, yet it's not always the straightforwardly positive force portrayed in ads. Be aware of its effects, know the symptoms of low and high testosterone, and be cautious when considering supplementation or other treatments. Consult with your healthcare professional to navigate any concerns.
- As individuals age, they may notice changes in their health caused by decreases in testosterone, such as low libido, muscle weakness, and decreased bone density, which can increase the risk of osteoporosis.
- In light of the growing number of chronic diseases and medical conditions, maintaining the optimal level of testosterone through health and wellness practices is essential for both men and women, as this hormone plays a crucial role in sexual function, fertility, and muscle mass.
- The medical community is actively engaged in ongoing research regarding testosterone and its role in men's health, including the effects on aging, as well as exploring new approaches to treating conditions linked to low testosterone levels, such as chronic diseases and hormonal imbalances.
