Testosterone: characteristics and functions

Testosterone It is a steroid hormone that comes from cholesterol. Specifically, it belongs to the group of hormones called androgens and is known as the main male hormone. However, this does not mean that it is not present in women.

The main function of testosterone is testicular, brain and developmental differentiation. of primary and secondary sexual characteristics. Thus, as we can see, it is present in both sexes at birth and fulfills its function in all people.

Furthermore, the social conception of testosterone as a hormone linked to aggressiveness is largely a myth. Well this one plays other important roles in health.

Let’s delve into it.

Testosterone functions in men

For a start, Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. In them, it performs a series of functions:

Promotes the development and growth of the penis, testicles, scrotum and sexual secretory glands. During puberty, it causes deepening of the voice, growth of body and facial hair, and muscle development. In short, it promotes the appearance of phenotypic characteristics of men. In adulthood, it can play a role in baldness. It develops bone growth and prevents osteoporosis.Promotes increased muscle mass and strength.Increases libido and sexual desire. Finally, is involved in the sperm production.

In men, signals from the brain to the pituitary gland control testosterone production. The pituitary gland then sends signals to the testicles to produce this hormone. Additionally, a “feedback loop” tightly regulates the amount of the hormone in the blood.

What function does testosterone have in women?

In the case of women, testosterone production is very important for:

Maintain ovarian function, Bone metabolism (bone strength)Regulate sexual function and libido.

Regarding female reproduction, it is important to maintain adequate androgen levels for the ovaries to function well. Thus, the ideal is that there be a proper balance between testosterone (along with other androgens) and estrogens (female sex hormones).

In this case, Androgens are essential for follicular development, since high levels can cause excessive growth with dysfunctional formation of antral follicles; such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

On the other hand, too low levels of androgens are associated with a low ovarian response and ovarian failure.

Testosterone values

Normally, the production of testosterone in the body is regulated by the body itself.. Since levels that are too low or high can cause health problems in both men and women.

To determine testosterone levels, a blood test is usually used.. Normally, adult men present 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL); while in adult women the value is expected to be between 15 and 70 ng/dL.

However, What happens when there is an abnormality in these values?

Abnormal testosterone levels in men

In men, low testosterone levels may indicate a genetic or chronic condition, or a problem with the pituitary gland. While high levels may be a sign of a tumor in the testicles or adrenal glands.

Now, the physiological consequences of these abnormalities in men are usually:

Low levels

Lack of sexual desire.Low sperm count.Difficulty having an erection.Fertility problems.Decreased bone mineral density and osteoporosis. Hair loss. Loss of muscle mass.Development of breast tissue.Decreased muscle strength.Lack of energy.Apathy

High levels

Low sperm countreduction of testicles and impotence. Damage to the heart and increased risk of a heart attack.Increased prostate size and difficulties urinating.Acne.Fluid retention with swelling of legs and feet. Weight gain, may be related to increased appetite.High blood pressure and cholesterol. Insomnia.Headache.Increased muscle mass. Increased risk of blood clots.Stunted growth in adolescents. Unusually aggressive behavior.Humor changeseuphoria, irritability, etc.

Given these symptoms, it is important that the man go to a specialist to perform the corresponding hormonal tests and treat the case as appropriate.

Abnormal testosterone levels in women

In the case of women, low testosterone levels are normal. However, if they are extremely low they may indicate Addison’s disease or a disorder of the pituitary gland.

For its part, High testosterone may indicate PCOS, one of the main causes of infertility in women. Although, it can also be an indicator of ovarian or adrenal gland cancer.

Women with high testosterone levels usually have:

Excess growth of body and facial hair.Menstrual irregularities.Acne.Weight gain.Baldness in the front part of the hairline.Voice deepening.

If any of these manifestations occur, the ideal is to go to a specialist to perform the necessary hormonal tests and intervene as appropriate.

To conclude, we highlight that Testosterone is a fundamental hormone in all people. For both those who develop as men and women, it is important that there is correct regulation of this hormone in the blood. Otherwise, problems like the ones we have seen may occur.

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