The Testosterone System (2024)

FAQs

The Testosterone System? ›

Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the amount of testosterone your gonads (testicl*s or ovaries) produce and release. Your hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which triggers your pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH).

In men, it's thought to regulate sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm.

Puberty — Testosterone causes changes like an increase in height; body and pubic hair growth; enlargement of the penis, testes and prostate gland; and an increase in libido. Adulthood — Testosterone is essential for sperm production, new red blood cells, bone and muscle strength, and a sense of well-being.

Signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain control the production of testosterone in men. The pituitary gland then relays signals to the testes to produce testosterone. A "feedback loop" closely regulates the amount of hormone in the blood.

Androgens. The principal androgenic steroid is testosterone, which is secreted primarily from the testes but also, in small amounts, from the adrenal glands (both in men and women) and from the ovaries. Its main function is to stimulate the development and growth of the male genital tract.

You might be thinking; higher sex drive, excess muscles, extra strength. However, that's not the case. While high testosterone levels in a man can sometimes result in increased muscle mass, it also brings with it a whole host of other side effects; acne, mood swings, stunted growth, and weight gain to name just a few.

High testosterone during development is linked to facial features such as a chiseled jaw, broad face, narrow eyes and rugged cheekbones — think young Paul Newman, or Twilight werewolf Taylor Lautner.

When a male's testosterone levels are low, it can cause a variety of symptoms. These can include low libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, irritability, and reduced lean muscle mass. It can also cause a reduction in testicl* size, lower amounts of sem*n, and difficulty sleeping.

What organ regulates testosterone? ›

Your body controls the levels of testosterone in your blood. Levels are usually highest in the morning and decline during the day. Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the amount of testosterone your gonads (testicl*s or ovaries) produce and release.

Results: Animal and preliminary human studies suggest that testosterone may facilitate erection by acting as vasodilator of the penile arterioles and cavernous sinusoids. Following castration, most, but not all, men had partial or complete loss of erection.

The vagin* appears to have an active transport mechanism which readily absorbs the hormones found in seminal plasma. The seminal secretions include estrogens, F.S.H., LH, testosterone, and at least 13 prostaglandins. Prostaglandins have a modulating effect on neurotransmitters.

Resistance training, such as weightlifting, has been shown to boost testosterone levels in the short term ( 13 ). High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can be very effective as well, although all types of exercise should work to some extent ( 14 , 15).

Male hypogonadism is a condition in which the body doesn't produce enough of the hormone that plays a key role in masculine growth and development during puberty (testosterone) or enough sperm or both. You can be born with male hypogonadism, or it can develop later in life, often from injury or infection.

Testosterone is essential for the production of sperm. It also: Signals your body to make new red blood cells. Ensures that your bones and muscles stay strong.

The functions of testosterone include the following: a. It is responsible for the development of secondary sex characteristics during puberty, for example, the deepening of the voice, appearance of facial and pubic hair, male genital development and muscle mass.

Testosterone has two main effects on the body: Helps build muscle. Causes features such as facial hair and a deeper voice.

Testosterone also maintains sex drive, promotes production of sperm, maintains healthy levels of muscle and bone mass. Often referred to as the "master gland," it greatly influences other organs in the body. Its function is vital to the overall well-being of a person.