Testosterone

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and anabolic steroid that is essential for the development and maintenance of male physical characteristics. Here's an overview:

What testosterone does

• Stimulates sperm production to enable fertilization


• Drives development of male genitals and secondary sex characteristics during puberty, like deepened voice, increased muscle mass and facial/body hair growth


• Maintains muscle mass and promotes bone density in adulthood


• Impacts sex drive, erections, mood and cognition

How testosterone works

Testosterone is mainly produced by the testes. The hypothalamus and pituitary gland work together to regulate testosterone production via a feedback loop:

• Hypothalamus secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH)


• This stimulates the pituitary gland to secrete luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)


• LH signals the testes to produce testosterone


• Testosterone levels then signal back to the hypothalamus/pituitary to lower production of GnRH/LH when high enough, completing the loop

If any part of this loop fails, low testosterone or hypogonadism can occur.

Signs of low testosterone

Some symptoms of hypogonadism include:

• Low sex drive


• Erectile dysfunction


• Fatigue, low energy


• Depressed mood


• Loss of muscle mass

Restoring healthy testosterone

If struggling with low testosterone, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may help restore normal levels. This involves supplementing testosterone directly via injections, gels or other delivery methods.

The physicians at Optimal Hormone Health Center specialize in accurately diagnosing hormone imbalances through advanced testing and creating customized treatment plans to help patients regain optimal health and an improved quality of life. Contact us today to learn more or schedule a consultation to see if TRT is right for you.

This answer was provided for informational purposes only and should not substitute medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Consult your physician before beginning any treatment program.