Testosterone is the hormone the quintessence of male sexuality. It is also primarily responsible for sexual development in males. This includes both the maturation process of the male sexual organs and secondary sexual characteristics in men.
Testosterone is a steroid that the body produces naturally. It originates in the testicles and adrenal glands, the latter being located on the kidneys.
The hormone is crucial both for men’s sexual and reproductive health, and for good health in general. Therefore, It must be at optimal levels for its effect to be positive.
The woman also produces testosterone in the ovaries.albeit in very small quantities. A high level of this hormone in the female organism causes androgen disorders. Basically a masculine look. It can also cause hair loss, hirsutismweight gain, emotional difficulties, among others.
Basic physiological effects
From a physiological point of view, Testosterone has two basic effects.. One is the androgenic effect and the other is the anabolic effect.
- androgenic effect. It affects the maturation of the sex organs and the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as voice, beard and hair.
- anabolic effect. Promotes the growth of muscle mass and bones.
Both effects are closely related.. In practice, they do not occur in different ways, but within the same process. Furthermore, it is important to note that the physiological effects of this male hormone vary at different stages of life.
Its role in the different stages of life
Testosterone exerts different effects, depending on age. Its incidence manifests itself from the prenatal phase and persists until old age, but it is expressed with different intensities and with dissimilar consequences.
prenatal stage
In this sentence, the hormone contributes to the formation of the male genitaliain the development of the seminal vesicles and prostate and in the definition of gender identity.
early childhood
In the first months of life, testosterone levels rise. After that, it decreases significantly. Science does not know why this initial increase occurs.
prepubescent
In this stage, the hormone influences the development of the first male sexual characteristics.
Puberty
Testosterone levels rise dramatically. Full sexual development occurs.
Adults
Hormone levels remain essentially stable and make possible good sexual and reproductive health, as well as good health in general.
after 40 years
Approximately, the levels of the hormone begin to gradually decrease. On the other hand, testosterone also manifests itself in the female organism. Under normal conditions, it allows the development and maturation of the skeletal system to be completed during puberty.
Later, in adult life, testosterone levels have been shown to increase when falling in love occurs.
Functions and levels of testosterone
As already noted, testosterone directly affects the development of the genitals and secondary sexual characteristics. The main expressions of this influence are as follows:
- Growth of the penis and scrotum, voice change and hair growth during adolescence.
- Increased libido and sexual desire, in both men and women.
- Sex differentiation in the fetus and development of the genitalia.
- Formation, maturation and regulation of seed quality.
- Maintenance and regulation of blood cells.
- Reduction of bad cholesterol in the blood.
- Bone formation and maintenance.
- Increased muscle mass.
- Increased feeling of vigor.
- Acceleration of metabolism.
How they affect testosterone levels
When the testosterone levels are lowcause:
- Heachache.
- Tachycardia.
- Erectile dysfunction.
- Difficulty urinating.
- Decreased sex drive.
- Increased muscle pain.
- Emotional and cognitive difficulties.
- Breast growth in men.
- Loss of hair and muscle mass.
- Decreased semen volume.
On the other hand, if the levels are very high, they also cause problems. The main ones would be the formation of blood clots and susceptibility to thrombosis, infertility, increased risk of cardiovascular disease, increased risk of prostate cancer, hair loss, enlarged prostate and urinary difficulties and changes in mood.
The post Testosterone: what it is and what its functions are first appeared in research-school.