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Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone is an important hormone. As an androgen, it plays a vital role in developing male physical characteristics, but it can also be found in lower levels in women. It is involved in a wide range of bodily processes without which the human body would not function properly. Let’s find out how some of these processes work!
Development of the male sex organs, including the growth of the penis and testes, begins in the womb and is primarily driven by testosterone levels. Testosterone also causes growth of the prostate gland. The development of male sex characteristics becomes more prominent during puberty. Testosterone is also responsible for continuously producing sperm and controlling sperm levels throughout adult life. As such, a lack of testosterone can cause reduced libido, impotence, and even infertility.
In addition to male reproductive organs, testosterone is a key factor in the development of secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. Indeed, too much testosterone can cause puberty to begin early. Secondary sexual characteristics include the growth of the Adam’s Apple, deepening of the voice, as well as increased height and muscle mass (in turn leading to greater physical strength). By contrast, lower testosterone can lead to increased body fat.
Testosterone also has an effect on the sex drive, starting during puberty and continuing throughout adulthood. It increases sexual arousal, with higher levels of testosterone in men being associated with higher levels of sexual activity and more frequent erections. Testosterone can impact the female libido as well.
Higher levels of testosterone are associated with more and thicker hair, including facial hair such as beards and moustaches. Hair may also grow in other parts of the body, such as in the armpits and the chest. Women with higher levels of testosterone may also see increased facial hair growth. Conversely, testosterone can also contribute to baldness and the loss of hair on the scalp in women. Similarly, low testosterone levels in men can cause baldness and hair loss.
Changing testosterone levels can cause skin issues. This is particularly prominent during puberty, where it contributes to oily skin and acne.
Increased competitiveness, aggression and confidence are associated with higher levels of testosterone but are not always direct causes. What we know for sure is that testosterone levels can have an impact on memory, mood and attention span. These changes can become apparent with puberty and continue into adult life. A lack of testosterone can lead to depression and fatigue.
Testosterone can help maintain higher bone density throughout life, which in turn lowers the possibility of developing osteoporosis or fracturing/breaking a bone. As testosterone levels decrease with age, this is one reason why older people may have lower bone density.
Another effect of testosterone is that it indicates to the rest of the body (particularly the bone marrow) when new red blood cells need to be produced. Red blood cells are vital to transport oxygen around the body. They are the most common type of cell in humans.
Some medical conditions, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic disease, are associated with lower levels of testosterone. As testosterone levels fall naturally with ageing, these conditions become more common. Research into the relationship between testosterone and heart health is ongoing.
Testosterone works with several other hormones and can, therefore, help control their levels just as they regulate testosterone levels. This includes gonadotropin-releasing hormone, luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
There are many processes that testosterone regulates. that’s why the symptoms that arise when you’re not producing enough testosterone are so noticeable. Luckily, there are treatments available to help keep those symptoms at bay. If you feel you may have low testosterone, get in contact with one of our specialist doctors to discuss your options today!
This article has been researched and written based on scientific evidence and fact sheets that have then been crossed checked by our team of doctors and subject matter experts.
References, sources and studies used alongside our own in-house research have been cited below, most of which contain external clickable links to reviewed scientific paper that contain date stamped evidence.
Our team of healthcare experts and GMC registered doctors are licensed to UK GMC standards. We strive to provide you with the latest evidence based, researched articles that are unbiased, honest and provide you with accurate insights, statistics and helpful information on the discussed topic to ensure you gain a better understanding of the subject.
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If you know your total testosterone reading from a previous blood test input the results to the left above to see if your testosterone levels are normal.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
The Total Testosterone Level You Entered Is Incorrect. Figure Must be in nmol/L you can use our converter here.
Your testosterone levels appear to be in the normal range.
You must be over 38, have had your ovaries removed or have suffered with premature menopause to warrant further hormone tests.
Please contact us to discuss your hormones, we need your total testosterone levels to validate your hormone deficiency. You can order a blood test here.
You may have low testosterone depending on the symptoms you have, please contact us to find out how we can help.
You appear to have higher than normal testosterone levels, please contact us for further investigation.
You appear to have normal testosterone levels. Contact us if you have any concerns.
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones Ltd which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
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