Testosterone is the most important hormone in men. This is a male sex hormone that is useful for reproduction and sexual life. The National Institutes of Health says that testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in men compared to other hormones. The female body also produces these hormones but in fewer amounts.
Testosterone is a male hormone that is categorized as part of the hormone androgens, sometimes also called steroids or anabolic steroids. The testosterone hormone is produced in two places, the adrenal gland, and the testes, but the adrenal gland produces only a small amount of the testosterone.
Before birth, the testosterone hormone has been involved in the development of male sex organs primarily. Furthermore, secondary sex development such as sound changes, enlargement of penis size, facial hair, and testes occur during puberty.
Not only that, testosterone in the male body is also involved in the production of sperm, red blood cells, muscle mass, fat distribution. So, the presence of testosterone in a man’s body is a big capital to encourage good health and happiness for men.
While in women, the hormone testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. The amount is less compared to male testosterone, this is about 1/10 of the number of hormones in men.
So, what are the effects and benefits of testosterone on the body, here we see the explanation.
The Effects of Testosterone on the Body
This hormone was first produced in 7 weeks after conception. Then, as time goes on it reaches its peak at puberty. So, adolescence is the highest amount of testosterone in men. This level continues until someone is 30 years old. After 30 years, the hormone testosterone is reduced every year.
If the body does not produce the required amount of testosterone, a person can suffer from a health problem called hypogonadism. However, this problem can be overcome by Human Growth Hormone or HGH Therapy that carried out by the medical team. This hormonal therapy is only for those who are deficient in testosterone, so it should not be done by those who have normal amounts of hormones.
The function and effect of testosterone almost cover the entire body of a man, as we have explained above. Next, we see more details about the effect of testosterone in men.
1. Affects the reproductive system
Testosterone hormone has started working since 7 weeks after conception. This hormone works to form the reproductive system in men. Subsequent development at puberty, when testosterone rises high, the testicles begin to grow, as does the penis.
The function of testicles is to keep the flow of testosterone stable and maintain sperm flow at any time. The role of this hormone is very important, if a deficiency of testosterone, a person will experience erectile dysfunction. Indeed, those who experience a decrease in testosterone can do therapy but if done for a long time can cause decreased sperm production.
In addition, the negative effects of hormone therapy are causing prostate enlargement, shrinking the testes.
2. Affect sexuality
Testosterone has an effect on sexuality. During puberty, when hormones peak, a man will experience drastic changes in his body such as changes in voice, pubic hair, penis size, and even sound changes. Along with this development, one’s sexual desire begins to grow and emerge.
If a man loses testosterone, sexual desire will disappear from him. Sexual activity can affect the increase in testosterone levels. So, those who are not sexually active, testosterone levels can decrease because there is no stimulation for hormone production.
3. Central Nervous System
The testosterone in the body can be controlled by a sophisticated system. These are hormones and chemicals in the bloodstream. In addition, the hypothalamus that lies in the brain signals the pituitary to how much testosterone is needed. Furthermore, this message will be forwarded to the testicles and the testes are ready to produce these hormones.
However, testosterone is not the holder of all male personalities, because other biological factors also have a certain role.
4. Affects hair and skin
Furthermore, testosterone also affects the growth of one’s hair and skin. During the transition from childhood to adolescence, this hormone stimulates hair growth in the areas of the face, armpits, genitals, and hair can also grow in other places such as arms, legs, and back.
If there is a decrease in testosterone, then some hair can fall out. Furthermore, when experiencing an increase in number, a person can experience some problems with his skin such as acne or breast enlargement.
5. Affect on muscles, bones and fat
In addition to the above, testosterone is also involved in muscle development and one’s strength because it also increases growth hormone.
Not only that, testosterone also increases bone density and tells the bone marrow to produce white blood cells as needed. So, if a person’s testosterone levels are lacking, then he or she is susceptible to osteoporosis and fractures.
Another function of testosterone is to control the body’s natural fat. This hormone helps men to burn more fat. So, lack of testosterone can cause the body to experience excess fat and weight.