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Home » Testosterone » What Is Testosterone & What Does It Do? | Testosterone Hormone Function – Healthgrades

Although testosterone is well-known for fueling male sex drive, this hormone affects far more functions in the body than just the libido. In addition, women, too, need a certain amount of testosterone to maintain specific bodily functions. Learn more about testosterone hormone production and function, the effects of too much or too little testosterone, as well as testosterone supplements and possible side effects.

While testosterone is credited with regulating male sex drive, this is not the hormones only function. In fact, testosterone affects bone growth and strength, muscle size and strength, body fat distribution, sperm production, and red blood cell production. It also affects masculinization in males, such as penis and testes development, changes in voice during puberty, and the appearance of facial and pubic hair. It also could affect balding as men age, and may help maintain a normal mood level.

Because normal testosterone production varies widely between males, its not clear at what level a testosterone deficiency becomes medically relevant. A testosterone level for one male may be too much or too little for another. In addition, studies have found that testosterone works closely with estrogen, and some effects of testosterone deficiency may actually be attributed to an estrogen deficiency. Additional clinical trials are underway to study this issue.

Although often thought otherwise, having abnormally high levels of natural testosterone is not common in men. For males who do have abnormally high levels of testosterone, they could experience a wide range of problems. These include low sperm counts, impotence, liver disease, acne, headaches, high blood pressure, insomnia, weight gain, high cholesterol, heart muscle damage, and increased risk of heart attack and blood clots. Too much testosterone also could negatively affect mood, ranging from mood swings and irritability to impaired judgment, delusions and euphoria.

Over time, males typically experience a very gradual drop in testosterone that is considered normal. However, an abnormally low testosterone level could result in a variety of symptoms. These include a loss in muscle mass, increased breast size, hot flashes, reduced or loss of body and/or facial hair, loss of bone strength, low sex drive, impotence, reduced size of testicles, reduced sperm count, and infertility. A testosterone deficiency also could lead to irritability, poor concentration, and depression.

Taking testosterone supplements for low testosterone can help reduce or eliminate symptoms of testosterone deficiency. However, its important to talk with your doctor before taking any testosterone supplement, as it may not be beneficial if you are otherwise healthy. Testosterone supplements typically are reserved for those with a medical condition that is reducing their testosterone levels, not for a natural decline over time. If your doctor does prescribe a testosterone supplement, these could include vitamin D, zinc, magnesium and D-aspartic acid, a natural amino acid.

If you embark on testosterone therapy to boost your testosterone levels, possible side effects could be relatively mild or extremely serious. On the mild side, these include acne, breast swelling or tenderness, and swelling in the ankles. More severe side effects include an increased risk of blood clots and a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. In addition, boosting testosterone levels could stimulate the prostate gland, spurring growth of undiagnosed prostate cancer. Therefore, its important to monitor your health carefully while undergoing any testosterone therapy to identify potential problems.

Men are not the only beneficiaries of the testosterone hormone. Produced in the ovaries and adrenal gland, testosterone in women affects ovarian function, boosts bone strength, and could help produce a normal libido. Although more data is needed, there is some evidence that testosterone and other androgens may affect normal brain function. High levels of testosterone in women could result in reduced breast size and deepening of the voice, while a testosterone deficiency could lead to reduced bone strength, poor concentration, depression or low sex drive.

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What Is Testosterone & What Does It Do? | Testosterone Hormone Function - Healthgrades

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Home » Testosterone » What Is Testosterone & What Does It Do? | Testosterone Hormone Function – Healthgrades