Testosterone is a crucial hormone that’s plays a variety of significant roles in the human body acknowledges Tennessee Men’s Clinic. In males, it is required for the development of sex organs, and serves as a decisive factor in the formation of male characteristics. This is what brings masculinity and strength to men. It also promotes the development of sexual male characteristics during puberty, such as voice thickening, and the growth of armpits, chest, and pubic hair. Moreover, testosterone is important for improving sex drive, sperm production, muscle density, and bone mass.
As testosterone is required for so many bodily functions it has been described by The National Institute of Health as the most important hormone in men. The following are the important functions of the testosterone hormone:
- Testosterone is important for continued bone strength and lean muscle mass – it plays a crucial role in restoring muscle protein synthesis, which can increase muscle mass and strength. This helps to improve physical ability and flexibility and leads to a better quality of life, states Tennessee Men’s Clinic.
- Signals the body to make new blood cells
It increases the red bed cell production for proper oxygen support. This leads to overall vitality and improvement in long-term physical and mental health.
- Ensures that the bones and muscles stay strong
This hormone helps maintain bone mass and bone mineral density. It also prevents the risk of osteoporosis in men with low testosterone levels.
- Instrumental in fetal development
Testosterone is also essential for proper fetal growth and reduces the chances of complications at different stages of its growth.
Secretion
In males, the majority of testosterone is secreted from the testes. The hormone is also produced in small amounts by the adrenal gland and its production is controlled by the hypothalamus and pituitary gland in the brain. The pituitary gland receives instructions from the hypothalamus on how much testosterone it needs to produce. It then sends this information to the testicles via chemicals and hormones circulating in the bloodstream.
In females, half of the testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands. The remainder is produced through the conversion of adrenal androgens in other parts of the body, mentions Tennessee Men’s Clinic.
Declining testosterone
In males, testosterone levels peak during adolescence and early adulthood and start to fall after the age of 30. This can lead to a gradual decline in physical energy and libido as a man ages. The testosterone level is thought to decrease by approximately 1% every year after a man has reached 30 years of age.
However, in older men, it is better to examine whether any fall in overall function is due to a normal age-related decline in testosterone. It is advisable to check for abnormally low testosterone level, a condition termed to as hypogonadism.
Effects of Low Testosterone
In men with hypogonadism, a low level of testosterone is produced due to a problem in the testicles or the pituitary gland. Its levels fluctuate rapidly and even vary according to the time of day. However, general physicians only decide to treat a patient for hypogonadism if the blood testosterone is below 300 ng/dL.
To sum up, testosterone plays a vital role in male health, supporting muscle growth, bone density, libido, and controlling mood swings. It helps in reducing osteoporosis in older adults too. Normal testosterone levels can help men who suffer from other deficiencies or age-related illnesses and improve their emotional and mental health. Testosterone supports the improvement of overall quality of life by restoring bodily functions and reduce the risk of other medical complications.
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