Testosterone is a hormone produced by either the testicles in biological males or the ovaries in biological females. Although it is mostly thought of as a male hormone, testosterone plays an important role for both the physical and mental health of male and female bodies. Here are some of the body functions for which testosterone is vital.
For Men:
- Muscle growth - During moat types of exercises muscles are actually damaged and the recovery that follows dictates the affect of the exercise on the muscles. Testosterone increases the amount of protein synthesis that occurs after exercise, which helps repair the muscle tissues and build the muscle mass and therefore strength.
- Bone density - Testosterone stimulates the formation of bones and therefore aids in the strength of them as well. It plays a critical role in BMD, or bone mineral density, which assesses the overall health of bones.
- Hair growth - The body converts testosterone into DHT (dihydrotestosterone ) which stimulates hair growth on the body. For the male side, this would be on places such as the face and chest in addition to underarms and pubic area.
- Red blood cell production – There are two ways that testosterone helps with the production of red blood cells in the body. First it stimulates erythropoiesis which is the process that creates the red blood cells. Second it aids in the production of iron in the body, which is crucial for maintaining red blood cell count.
- Sex drive and performance – This one is most well known. Not only does testosterone control sex drive, it also affects the ability to achieve erections, therefore being crucial for sexual performance as well.
- Mood and motivation – Testosterone is part of the brain's functions regarding dopamine and serotonin, which are both part of creating the mind's emotional health and mood. The correct levels help maintain overall mental health.
For Women:
- Maintaining lean muscle – Testosterone has a similar function for muscles in the female body, but since it is found in smaller amounts, it promotes a more lean muscle mass.
- Strengthening bones – While estrogen plays a bigger role in bone production and protection in women, testosterone is still important for BMD and rebuilding healing bones.
- Supporting healthy sex drive – As stated earlier, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and is considered a sex hormone. It plays a smaller role in creating and controlling sex drive in women, but is still one of the contributing hormones.
- Balancing mood and energy – The function of testosterone with the brain is the same in women as men. In woman it is also interacts with cortisol, affecting stress levels.
- Helping with mental focus – Testosterone helps counterbalance estrogen in the female body to aid in clearer mental focus.
It might seem obvious that too little can really make a person's physical and mental health decline, but it is important to note that too much can also adversely affect a person. Too much testosterone can cause prostate issues, heart trouble, irregular menstrual periods, infertility, and aggressiveness, to name a few. This is why balanced levels are key. Testosterone levels naturally lower in all of us as we age, and sometimes people need TRT, testosterone replacement therapy. Since the exact level needed is so key, it is crucial to seek TRT through a healthcare professional.
Importance of seeking TRT through a professional physician:
- Diagnosis – Getting a blood sample to determine the testosterone level is key. In addition, symptoms of low levels are the same as other medical issues, so it is important to be sure that testosterone is the issue.
- Correct dosage – Although you can buy testosterone injections online, the dosage is critical and should be determined by a medical professional.
- Monitoring – As you go through the process of TRT you need to monitor the testosterone levels as well as the symptoms to be sure you continue to be at a good balanced level for your overall health.
Clearly, testosterone plays a major role in overall health for everybody, and perhaps you were surprised to learn how many ways it does. If at any point you feel that your T levels may be low, know that TRT can help, and remember to seek professional help to properly take care of yourself.