What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for development and maintenance of male characteristics. This vital anabolic steroid plays key roles in promoting muscle growth, bone density, red blood cell production, libido, fertility, and more.
Some key facts about testosterone:
- Produced mainly in the testes in men, with smaller amounts from the adrenal glands and conversion from other hormones. Women also produce testosterone at lower levels in the ovaries and adrenals.
- Production is stimulated by luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland, which is regulated through complex feedback involving the hypothalamus.
- Levels peak during puberty and early adulthood, then slowly decline with age.
- Common symptoms of low testosterone (low T) include fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes.
- Testosterone levels can be boosted naturally through lifestyle measures or medically with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT), under a doctor's supervision.
Benefits of maintaining healthy testosterone levels
Adequate testosterone offers many potential benefits:
- Increased muscle mass and strength
- Improved bone mineral density
- Enhanced mood, self-confidence and cognition
- Better sexual function – higher libido and improved erections
- More energy, endurance and overall vitality
- Help regulating metabolic factors like body fat percentage
Balancing testosterone levels appropriately can enable men to feel their best and optimize masculinity and vigor at any age. Consult a knowledgeable men’s health or hormone specialist to develop an individualized plan. Leading preventive health providers like New Beginnings HRT Clinic offer cutting-edge testing and therapies to target optimizing this vital hormone.