Testosterone
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is the main hormone found in men. It is made by the testicles and controls the male physical features. In women, ovaries also produce very small amounts of testosterone. Testosterone is an important anabolic hormone that helps build muscle, bone, and promote blood cell formation*.
How is testosterone produced?
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland, which is a small gland in the middle of the brain. The pituitary sends a signal to the testicles to produce testosterone which then moves through the body via the bloodstream to perform its functions. During puberty, the production of testosterone starts to increase considerably with peak levels during the ages of 20-30. Testosterone production starts to decline after age 40*.
What does Testosterone do?
Although testosterone is considered a male hormone, it is associated with sex drive, muscle mass, and bone density in both men and women*. It also contributes to a number of other processes in the male body.
The Physical Appearance of Men
Testosterone develops all of the physical changes that help turn a boy into a man during puberty including:
- Growth of penis and testes
- Growth of body, facial, and pubic hair
- Deepening of voice
- Muscle size and strength
- Mass of bones
- Getting taller
Testosterone also plays a vital role in the production and maturation of semen and therefore fertility.
High testosterone level
The most common cause of excess testosterone is testosterone replacement therapy*.
High testosterone levels in young boys can cause early puberty*.
In women, high levels of testosterone may cause a deep voice, acne, hirsutism (unwanted, male pattern hair growth in women), menstrual irregularities, or polycystic ovaries (PCOS)*.
Abnormally high levels of testosterone may also be a result of abnormal adrenal glands or testicular conditions*.
Low Testosterone levels
The production of testosterone naturally decreases after the age of 40, but can also be caused by injury to the testicles or chemotherapy (cancer treatment)*. Low testosterone levels are commonly referred to as Low-T or andropause.
| Symptoms of Low Testosterone |
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Other chronic health conditions can also cause a decrease in testosterone levels like AIDS, liver disease, kidney disease, or alcoholism*.
Other things that can temporarily lower the testosterone levels are an extensive workout or lack of proper nutrition*.
A healthy lifestyle with nutritious food and regular exercise can help maintain a normal level of testosterone in the body*.
Testosterone Testing
At Coast to Coast Compounding we can provide you with an at-home testing kit which will allow you to test your own hormone levels. Speak with one of our knowledgeable pharmacists or your healthcare provider for more information on using one of these testing kits. Click here for more information on how to get your hormones tested.
Disclaimers:
You should always consult your health care provider before starting any herbal supplements or products. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
