What Does Testosterone Do? (Full Breakdown)

What does testosterone do? Testosterone is the male hormone that controls everything from physical traits and puberty to muscle mass, bone health, mood, and sexual function. Here’s how testosterone affects your body and overall health.

Quick Facts

• Testosterone is responsible for male physical characteristics, sexual health, bone density, and mental well-being.
• Testosterone levels decline with age, lifestyle, and health conditions, so they need to be monitored and, if necessary, intervened.
• Natural methods like exercise and dietary changes can sustain or boost testosterone levels and, if essential, therapy for those who are deficient.

Functions of Testosterone in the Body

Testosterone is the foundation hormone that plays many roles in the male body. Produced in the testicles, this hormone is responsible for the development and maintenance of male physical characteristics, including male pattern baldness. It regulates secondary sex characteristics, including male hair patterns, vocal changes, and deepening of the voice. It establishes a male identity influenced by male sex hormones and the ability to produce testosterone.

Testosterone’s influence goes beyond physical traits. It’s important for sexual development, including testicular descent and the initiation of spermatogenesis. This hormone is also essential for increasing libido, so it’s a key player in sexual health and function. Testosterone also maintains bone density, prevents osteoporosis, and supports skeletal health.

Now that we know these functions, we can see why normal testosterone levels are important for overall health. When testosterone is optimal, men perform better physically, have healthier bones, and have better sexual function. When testosterone is deficient, it’s a big health challenge, so it needs to be monitored and intervened with.

Testosterone in Puberty

Puberty is a transformative period with testosterone at the center. Testosterone triggers puberty, the hormonal changes that shape the male body into an adult. The testosterone surge during adolescence is essential for average masculinization and the development of secondary sex characteristics.

One of the most visible changes during puberty is facial and body hair growth. This is accompanied by a deepening of the voice, a sign of male puberty, and increased muscle mass. Testosterone also triggers growth spurts and contributes to the rapid height and strength gains during these years.

These changes mean the transition from boyhood to manhood. Testosterone’s role in this process highlights its importance in male development and the need for adequate levels during these critical years. Disruption in testosterone production during puberty can cause delayed or incomplete development and require medical intervention for healthy maturation.

Muscle Mass and Strength

Testosterone affects muscle development by promoting protein synthesis, which is needed for muscle growth and strength. This hormone controls the body’s ability to build and maintain muscle mass, so it’s a critical factor in physical performance and athleticism.

Strength training can counteract the natural decline in muscle mass associated with aging and low testosterone levels. Exercises that target big muscle groups, like squats and deadlifts, are most effective. These exercises not only build muscle but also stimulate the release of growth hormone, which further builds muscle.

You need 0.8 to 1.2 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight for muscle health.

Bone Density and Health

Testosterone is important for bone health, bone density, and prevention of osteoporosis and other bone diseases. As men age, they experience declines in both serum testosterone levels and bone mineral density, which increases fracture risk.

Testosterone affects fat distribution, muscle strength, and physical appearance, so healthy testosterone levels are essential for skeletal health.

Testosterone replacement therapy can increase bone strength and reduce fracture risk, especially in older men with low testosterone levels.

Mood and Mental Health

Testosterone affects mood and mental well-being beyond physical health. It’s essential for cognitive functions like thinking ability, mood regulation, and memory. Low testosterone can cause mood swings and emotional instability.

A deficiency can cause serious mental health issues like major depression and low self-esteem. Hormonal imbalances can exacerbate these problems over time, so we need balanced testosterone levels for mental health.

Concentration and memory problems can also occur with low testosterone levels and affect daily life.

Sexual Function and Libido

Sexual health is one of the most apparent aspects affected by luteinizing hormone. It’s essential for sexual desire and libido and affects erectile function. Men with lower testosterone levels often have low libido and erectile dysfunction, but some can still have healthy libido with low levels.

Testosterone therapy can increase libido and improve sexual function in men with low testosterone. This shows the hormone’s importance in sexual health and the benefits of treatment for those with low testosterone symptoms.

Healthy testosterone levels are essential for a healthy sexual life.

Testosterone Levels Throughout the Day

Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Typically, they peak between 5:30 and 8:00 a.m. and drop to their lowest point by early evening. These daily fluctuations are more pronounced in younger and healthier men than in older men.

Because of these fluctuations, testing levels in the morning is recommended to avoid misdiagnosing low testosterone. Ideally, a blood test for testosterone levels is done between 7 and 10 a.m., as levels can be 2 to 3 times higher in the morning than in the evening. This timing ensures more accurate results and proper intervention if needed.

Factors that Affect Testosterone Levels

Age, weight, and lifestyle can affect testosterone levels. Men start to experience a decline in testosterone levels around 40 years old, which is accompanied by a gradual loss of muscle mass and other physical changes. This decline can start as early as 30 or 35 years old, and levels decrease by 1% every year.

Being overweight or obese is associated with lower testosterone levels, so it’s important to maintain a healthy weight for optimal hormone levels. Quality sleep is also important for testosterone production, as poor sleep can affect hormone levels. Certain medications, like anabolic steroids and synthetic progestins, can increase testosterone levels.

Medical conditions can also affect testosterone levels. Conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing’s disease, and androgen-secreting tumors can cause high testosterone levels, but these are rare. Knowing these factors can help manage and optimize testosterone levels through lifestyle changes and medical intervention when needed.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Low testosterone can manifest physically and emotionally. Fatigue, depression, and low libido are common symptoms. Physically, men may experience loss of armpit and pubic hair, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), and increased body fat.

Conditions in the testes, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus can cause low testosterone and male hypogonadism. If you have symptoms of low testosterone, see your healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment options. Early intervention can manage symptoms and improve quality of life.

High Testosterone Levels

High testosterone is rare in adult males. Common causes are adrenal gland disease, testicular cancer, and steroid use. In women, excess testosterone is common in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

High testosterone levels from steroids often used by athletes can cause many health problems. These problems are increased aggression, high blood pressure, and potential heart problems. Monitoring and managing testosterone levels is essential to avoid these side effects.

Testosterone Therapy: Benefits and Risks

Testosterone therapy can benefit older men with low testosterone. It increases bone mineral density and bone strength, especially in the spine. Therapy can also alleviate low testosterone symptoms and overall health and well-being.

But testosterone therapy has risks. It can worsen sleep apnea and is linked to heart disease. Some men may experience breast enlargement and skin problems.

Before starting therapy, testosterone levels should be measured at least twice for accuracy. Consult with a healthcare provider to weigh the risks and benefits based on your health conditions.

Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone

A balanced lifestyle supports healthy testosterone levels. Reducing exposure to xenoestrogens like BPA found in plastics can increase testosterone levels. Eating foods like onions and garlic, rich in flavonoids, can boost testosterone production.

Resistance training, such as weightlifting and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), can naturally boost testosterone. Supplements like zinc and vitamin D can support healthy testosterone, especially for those who are deficient.

These natural methods are a holistic approach to hormone health.

Conclusion

In summary, testosterone is a significant hormone that affects many aspects of health and well-being. Its roles are important from puberty to muscle mass to bone density to mental health. Knowing the factors that affect testosterone levels, recognizing the symptoms of imbalance, and exploring medical and natural interventions can help you be healthy.

Now that you know, you can take action to monitor and manage your testosterone levels and live healthier and more energetic lives. Balanced hormone levels are key to overall health, whether through lifestyle changes or medical treatment.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Symptoms of low testosterone are fatigue, depression, low libido, loss of body hair, gynecomastia, and increased body fat. See a healthcare provider if you have these symptoms.

How does testosterone therapy help men with low testosterone?

Testosterone therapy helps men with low testosterone by increasing bone mineral density and strength and alleviating symptoms and overall health and well-being.

What are the risks of testosterone therapy?

Testosterone therapy has risks of sleep apnea, heart disease, breast enlargement, and skin problems. Consult a healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Can natural methods increase testosterone?

A balanced lifestyle, reducing exposure to xenoestrogens, resistance training, high-intensity interval training, and supplementing zinc and vitamin D can increase testosterone.

Why test in the morning?

Test in the morning because that’s when testosterone levels peak, often 2-3 times higher than in the evening, to get accurate results and avoid misdiagnosis.