Testosterone is an androgenic-anabolic hormone predominantly present in the male body. It plays an essential part in the development of sex organs. Its also responsible for the physical feature development and support the formation of secondary sexual characteristics such as body hair, muscle, and bone mass.
Quick Facts about Testosterone
Why do we consider Testosterone to be a Sex Hormone?
Testosterone is considered a sex hormone primarily because of the role it plays in developing secondary sexual features and its effect on sexual function. The hormone itself is actually an androgen. Androgens are hormones that stimulate growth and development.
Another reason why testosterone is considered a sex hormone is the fact that it supports the development of both internal and external reproductive organs in males. It's also essential in the production of healthy sperm. Testosterone largely affects everything dealing with sexual development.
How does Testosterone Correlate with Fitness?
Testosterone is considered one of the most potent naturally secreted hormones in the body. Its potency allows it to affect several body processes that go beyond sexual function. A study shows that one of testosterone's biological effects is the promotion of muscle growth. In addition, testosterone can stimulate protein synthesis, which is one of its anabolic effects, and stop protein degradation.
An increase in protein synthesis causes a buildup of cellular tissue in muscles. This causes an increase in strength, creating a direct link between testosterone and fitness. Testosterone levels improve with physical activity and help increase lean body mass. In essence, efforts to improve fitness work hand in hand with enhanced testosterone levels.
How Does Low Testosterone Impact Our Health?
The physiology of testosterone is quite interesting. Unlike other hormones that have a single role in the body, testosterone influences multiple body processes. This means that it affects our health in a huge way.
Let's look at how testosterone can improve our health:
How Does High Testosterone Impact Our Health?
We are almost always talking about testosterone elevation and its benefits, but does this come with a downside? Many of us looking to boost testosterone levels are wondering about this, so we've done the research and found that there can be some issues if testosterone levels soar too high.
Below we look at how high testosterone levels can impact our health:
These symptoms do not appear on every occasion testosterone boosters are used or when testosterone production is enhanced. According to experts, these symptoms only show up when testosterone levels are suddenly shot up or synthetic testosterone therapy is used in excess. Gradually increasing testosterone levels with a testosterone-boosting supplement according to instructions will not cause the effects mentioned above.
Women and Testosterone
Testosterone is known as a male dominant hormone; however, it is present in the female body as well. Testosterone is produced in a woman's ovaries in small amounts. The function of testosterone in the male and female body differs slightly, as it works in conjunction with estrogen most of the time to produce beneficial effects.
Let's look at what testosterone does for the female body:
Optimal Testosterone Levels by Age and Gender
As we mentioned, testosterone is produced by both males and females. Males start producing higher amounts of testosterone during puberty, while females follow a slightly different trajectory because estrogen is the primary hormone in the female body. Thus, ideal testosterone levels differ between genders and change as we age.
We take a better look at the optimal testosterone between the genders at different ages:
Between 6 to 9 years
Between 10 to 11 years
Between 12 to 13 years
14 years
Between 15 to 16 years
Between 17 to 18 years
19 years and older
Keep an Eye on your Testosterone Levels
After taking a deeper look at the role testosterone plays in both the male and female body, we conclude that the hormone is definitely something individuals need to keep an eye on, especially with the widespread benefits that come with achieving and maintaining ideal testosterone levels. The easiest way to ensure that your testosterone levels are at their peak is to get a blood test. Alternatively, you can check that you are not experiencing any symptoms of low testosterone levels and get a natural testosterone booster to elevate your levels.
FAQs
You can increase your testosterone levels by incorporating more zinc into your diet and a strict exercise regime. Having a good sleep schedule can also help with a healthy testosterone level.
You would see fat around your thighs and hips disappear, and your body will begin redistributing your weight. Your legs and arms will have more muscle definition, with a rough appearance. You would also notice a spike in sex drive, more energy, improved mood, and better sleep.
No. Studies have proven that masturbation and ejaculation have no long-term effects on testosterone levels.
Men who have prostate cancer or women with breast cancer should not take any form of testosterone replacement. You should avoid taking testosterone if you have severe urinary tract problems, uncontrolled heart failure, and untreated severe sleep apnea.
Studies have shown that resistance training and weight lifting are the best activities to increase testosterone. These activities trigger the body to make more testosterone.