Testosterone is a member of the steroid family of hormones called androgens. More and more, this family is derived through chemical conversion from the steroid ring-structure of cholesterol. This hormone plays a vital role in the bodies of both men and women.
There are only minor differences between this hormone and others such as estrogen, progesterone, DHEA, cortisone, and androstenedione. They are small molecules, which becomes important when we look at what routes of administration are available.
As commonly known, testosterone stimulates the development of the penis and testes, growth of facial and pubic hair, deepening of the voice, changes in body shape, growth of bones, and increased muscle mass and strength in males. It helps maintain sex drive and the production of sperm cells, and it may play a role in balding. Mood is also affected by testosterone, and low levels of the hormone can cause severe and prolonged depression as well as fatigue, to name a few conditions. High levels of testosterone appear to promote good health in men, for example, lowering the risks of high blood pressure and heart attacks. High testosterone levels also correlate with risky behavior, however, including increased aggressiveness and sometimes even smoking, which may cancel out these useful health benefits.
Ninety-five percent of circulating testosterone is produced in the male testicles under the influence of a hormone released from the pituitary gland called luteinizing hormone (LH). Throughout the day, LH is released in spurts that stimulate the release of testosterone from the testicles. The signals are particularly strong in the early morning, which accounts for the higher testosterone levels and spontaneous morning erections and increased libido. By the late evening the levels of testosterone can fall by 50-percent, which signals the pituitary gland to increase its production of LH to restart the cycle.
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Causes of Low Testosterone
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Testosterone is an androgenic hormone produced mainly by the testes. It is responsible for the growth of secondary sex characteristics in men. The deficiency of this hormone causes many side effects in the human body. The level of testosterone produced deceases as age advances. The...
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Testosterone Deficiency
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A testosterone deficiency (TD), also known as male hypogonadism, refers to the lack of testosterone, a male hormone responsible for sexual ability, male characteristics and normal brain function. Testosterone is essential for the development of male sex and reproductive organs such as penis, testicles, scrotum,...
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A Closer Look at Testosterone Deficiency
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Testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, is a condition in which the testes are unable to produce enough testosterone to fulfill the body’s needs. Testosterone deficiency has many possible causes, including genetic abnormalities, injury to the testes, and being on certain medications. Normal aging also...
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Testosterone Levels
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Maintaining a normal testosterone level is essential to maintaining an overall sense of fitness and happiness. Testosterone is a male steroid hormone synthesized in the testes and adrenal glands. It is responsible for the normal growth of male sex and reproductive organs as well as...
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Testosterone Side Effects
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Testosterone is an androgenic hormone produced chiefly by the testes. It is responsible for the growth of secondary sex characteristics in men. A small amount of testosterone is present in the body of women also. The deficiency or excessive amounts of this hormone causes many...
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Male Menopause
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Male menopause is the result of decreased levels of the male hormone, testosterone. Most commonly, reduced testosterone is reported by those suffering from underlying medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity or high blood pressure. These diseases are common in men over the age of 45....
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Testosterone Replacement
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Testosterone replacement is a treatment used to bring levels of testosterone back to normal in men. Testosterone is a type of male hormone secreted by the testes and the adrenal glands. It is essential for the development of male sex organs, muscle growth, sex drive,...
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The Benefits Of Using Testosterone Supplement
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Many people decide to use a testosterone supplement, especially people over the age of 30. A lot of people consider testosterone supplements controversial, too. According to recent studies conducted by researchers, testosterone supplements may help prevent Alzheimer’s disease. In fact, supplementation may be useful for...
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Testosterone Tests
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Testosterone tests are carried out to measure the testosterone level in your body. These tests are generally of two types – blood tests and saliva tests. Testosterone tests are important to diagnose and cure certain syndromes and diseases associated with testosterone deficiency. These tests are...