subject: A Testosterone Primer [print this page] Testosterone is a hormone produced mainly in testes of men. Besides testes, a small amount of this hormone is also produced in a gland known as adrenal gland. It is not only crucial for sexual health but also plays a key role in growth, as well as development of the body.
Functions of Testosterone
Here is how testosterone helps in the development of a male body:
Ensures development of male sex organs in the womb
Promotes growth of sexual organs during puberty
Helps in increase in height as well as muscles
Enhances growth of hair and deepens voice
Boosts sex drive and increases sperm production in adults
Helps in development of bone strength
Likewise, testosterone plays an important role in the woman's body . It is produced in small quantities in the ovaries of a woman and helps in fueling sexual drive.
How It Works
Testosterone causes these enormous changes in human bodies by sending signals to a gland called hypothalamus in the brain. These signals then cause hypothalamus to produce the feeling of desire.
Low Testosterone Problems
Decrease in testosterone due to a medical problem or injury can lead to problems in the male body such as:
Low sexual libido
Inability to achieve erection
Low sperm count and volume
Increase in the size of the breast
Increase in aging process
In some of the cases where testosterone dips to extremely low levels, the person may suffer from brittleness of the bones.
Boosting Body Testosterone
It is possible to increase the levels of testosterone in the body with the help of medicines, injections, patches and creams. There are also several natural supplements and foods that can help in enhancing testosterone levels. Increasing the hormone level in the body may help reduce the negative symptoms of having low testosterone. However, testosterone therapy must be used with caution in patients with heart, liver or kidney disorders.
