Testosterone is a sex hormone that both men and women have. It is formed in the body itself (in men, for example, in the testes). Concentration and tasks in the organism depend on the sex of the same. Among other things, the sex drive and sperm production are regulated by the hormone.
What is testosterone?
A blood test of testosterone levels is used by doctors to further diagnose various diseases. Under the term testosterone, experts understand a sex hormone that is present in the human organism and also formed there. Although men and women both have a certain level of testosterone in their bodies, the hormone fulfills different functions and is also produced in different organs. In the male body, most of the testosterone is formed in the testes. In women, the ovaries and, to a lesser extent, the adrenal cortex are responsible for testosterone production. Among other things, functions such as male fertility, the growth of body hair and the intensity of the sex drive depend on the concentration of testosterone. In bodybuilding, additionally supplied testosterone is sometimes used to achieve faster muscle growth, but this is not without risks.
Measure and examine testosterone
To determine the level of testosterone in the body, a blood test is usually performed. The blood sample should be taken in the morning, as the concentration of the hormone fluctuates throughout the day. Which normal values are estimated depends, among other things, on the age of the person examined. In principle, physicians speak of an average value when the testosterone concentration is between 13 and 23 nmol/l. In young men, an average value is used. For young men, an average value of 18 nmol/l, and for older men 16 nmol/l is given for orientation. A concentration of the hormone up to 40 nmol/l is considered the normal range for men. From a measured occurrence of less than 12 nmol/l, therapy is usually recommended in which the patient is additionally supplied with testosterone.
Function, effect, and tasks
Testosterone fulfills different tasks in the human body. Known as the male sex hormone, it is responsible, among other things, for forming the penis, scrotum and secondary sex organs during male puberty. In this process, it is also responsible for the formation of sperm and thus determines the fertility of the male. If fertilization occurs, the hormone determines the male phenotype. Body hair and beard growth are also determined by the amount of testosterone in the body. Women who have elevated testosterone levels are therefore often more hairy than their female counterparts and also exhibit other more masculine characteristics such as a deeper voice or harder facial features (see also masculinization (androgenization)). During the ¢¢menopause[[, it is not uncommon for hormone fluctuations to occur, which can lead to depressive moods in affected women. The sex drive (libido) is also regulated by testosterone occurrence is aggressive and dominant behavior. Last but not least, the hormone causes an increased formation of red blood cells.
Diseases
Disturbances in testosterone levels can have different effects. Especially in men, too low a concentration can affect the formation of the sex organs. If there is already too little testosterone before or during puberty, the hormone may have to be supplied artificially to trigger regular puberty. In adulthood, an insufficient testosterone concentration can lead to infertility. Here, too, additional administration of the hormone is conceivable to stimulate sperm production and make fatherhood possible in a normal way. If testosterone is artificially added to the body, for example as part of doping, this can have serious side effects in the long term. Especially too high dosages (for example, to build up a lot of muscle mass quickly or to significantly increase one’s own training performance) can cause consequential damage such as liver cancer, cardiac muscle weakness, hyperthyroidism or strokes. In the long term, irreparable damage to sperm production can occur. The psyche can also suffer from the unnaturally high testosterone concentration. For example, concentration disorders, mood swings, depression or memory disorders are possible.If a disturbed hormone balance and a too high or too low testosterone concentration is suspected, a doctor should be consulted in any case. This can make a diagnosis and, if necessary, initiate a controlled and professional therapy.
Typical and common disorders
- Testosterone deficiency in men as they age (andropause).
- Hormonal hereditary hair loss (alopecia androgenetica).
- Steroid acne
- Gynecomastia (enlargement of the mammary glands in men).
