What is testosterone and how does it affect your health?

Testosterone is a sex hormone found in humans and animals.  Quite contrary to what many believe, testosterone is not required for men alone; it plays a crucial role in women’s health too. However, the testosterone level in women are much lower than men. This hormone is a chemical messenger that travels from one part to another through the bloodstream controlling many bodily processes.

What is the role of Testosterone in the body?

Functions of testosterone is not limited to men alone. Testosterone is a vital hormone for both men and women, although it is more prominent in men. In men, it plays a central role in reproductive health by supporting sperm production, maintaining libido (sex drive), and contributing to the development of male reproductive organs like the testes and prostate. It also drives the changes seen during puberty, such as increased muscle mass, deepening of the voice, and growth of facial and body hair. In women, testosterone, though present in smaller amounts, helps regulate libido and supports ovarian function.

Beyond reproduction, testosterone is essential for overall physical and mental health. It promotes muscle growth, maintains bone density, and regulates fat distribution, reducing the risk of excess fat accumulation. It also influences energy levels, metabolism, and cardiovascular health by supporting red blood cell production. On the mental health front, testosterone helps with mood, confidence, and focus, with low levels often linked to fatigue, depression, and reduced motivation. As testosterone levels naturally decline with age, men may experience symptoms like reduced muscle mass, increased fat, and lower energy, highlighting its role in aging and vitality.

Maintaining balanced testosterone levels is critical for health. While low testosterone can lead to fatigue, reduced libido, and poor physical performance, excessive testosterone, particularly from external sources like anabolic steroids, can cause aggression, liver damage, and cardiovascular problems. It is hence important to improve body’s ability to manage the right amount of testosterone and maintain an optimal level.

How is Testosterone produced and regulated in the body?

Testosterone is produced in the body through a process involving the brain and the testes (in men) or ovaries (in women). The hypothalamus in the brain sends a signal to the pituitary gland using a hormone called GnRH (gonadotropin-releasing hormone). The pituitary gland then releases two hormones – LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle-stimulating hormone).

• LH signals the Leydig cells in the testes (or ovaries in women) to produce testosterone.
• FSH works alongside testosterone to support sperm production in men.

The body maintains a balance through a feedback system:

• When testosterone levels rise too high, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland reduce the release of GnRH, LH, and FSH, lowering testosterone production.
• If levels are too low, the hypothalamus and pituitary increase hormone signals to boost testosterone.

This feedback system ensures that testosterone levels stay within a healthy range, supporting reproductive health, muscle growth, mood, and other functions.

Testosterone levels differ each day over the period of your life. T-level naturally increases during puberty and will remain constant till age 30, after that it drops. After age 30, the T-level of men declines by 1% every year. A decrease in T levels after age 30 is a natural part of the aging process. If your testosterone drops too quickly or is low, then it may trigger uncomfortable symptoms, including low libido, impaired sexual function, Erectile dysfunction (ED), and more.

Reasons for low testosterone levels

Low testosterone levels, or hypogonadism, can occur due to various reasons. Issues with the testes, such as injuries, infections like mumps, or conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, are some of the reasons that impair testosterone production. Cancer treatments, including radiation or chemotherapy, can also damage the testes leading to low T-levels. Hormonal imbalances caused by problems in the brain’s pituitary gland or hypothalamus, due to tumors (pituitary adenoma) or genetic disorders, can disrupt the testosterone production. Chronic illnesses like obesity, diabetes, and kidney or liver diseases can further contribute to low testosterone levels.

Lifestyle factors play a significant role as well. Obesity, chronic stress, poor sleep, excessive alcohol or drug use, and overtraining can reduce testosterone. Body fat converts testosterone to the female sex hormone estrogen. T-levels in overweight individuals tend to be lower because of this reason. Additionally, bodybuilders who use anabolic steroids for quick muscle gain, often suppress their body’s natural testosterone production. These synthetic hormones signal the brain to reduce or stop testosterone production, leading to low levels once steroid use is discontinued. Age-related decline, which begins after 30, and exposure to hormone-disrupting chemicals in the environment are yet another common reason for low T levels.

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Low testosterone can cause various symptoms in men which include,

• Low sex drive
• Thinner Bones
• Less body hair growth
• Low self-esteem
• Moodiness
• Depression
• Weight gaining
• Low energy

How to test your testosterone level?

A normal blood test can be used to find out your T levels. A professional medical expert will take your blood sample from your vein. This test should be taken in the morning around 7-10. At this time, T level is at the highest point. Testosterone test can help to diagnose health conditions in adults and children. Doctors uses T tests to measure the hormone level in patients who are receiving the Testosterone replacement therapy.

Normal T levels range between 280 – 1,100 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dL) for adult males and between 15 and 70 ng/dL for adult females, according to the University of Rochester Medical Center. According to the American Urological Association, If the adult male’s T levels are less than 300 ng/dl, a doctor may suggest a medicine or lifestyle to increase the T levels.

When should I take Testosterone test?

Your health professionals will test your T levels to address the issue. If your T levels are too low or higher than a normal range than they suggest a testosterone test. In men, following are symptoms which suggest the need for T level checkup:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Fertility problems
• Osteoporosis or thinning of the bones
• Early or late onset of puberty

Why do you need healthy T Levels for your Age?

Maintaining a healthy T level is important for the overall health of your body. Testosterone is frequently associated with masculinity in men but it also plays a crucial role in bodily functions for men and women. With the increase in age, your body’s capacity to maintain T levels decreases. It is important to maintain T levels through various lifestyle choices. 

In men, testosterone plays a prominent role in three stages of life.

• Fetal Development– Testosterone promotes internal and external reproductive organ development in the male body.
• Puberty– Testosterone causes sudden changes in teenagers like body hair and pubic hair growth, height, increase in penis size, increase in libido, and prostate gland and testes.
• Adulthood– Testosterone plays an important role in the production of sperm in the male body. It also helps in new red blood cells, bone and muscle strength, and improves the sense of well-being.

Testosterone Booster for Muscle Gain

Testosterone supports muscle growth by promoting protein synthesis, increasing strength, and enhancing recovery after intense workouts. For gym-goers and bodybuilders, maintaining optimal testosterone levels is hence important to achieve their fitness goals.

Many bodybuilders turn to anabolic steroids to rapidly boost testosterone levels and accelerate muscle gain. While these may offer short-term results, they come with significant risks. Prolonged use of anabolic steroids disrupts the body’s natural testosterone production. Once the steroids are stopped, testosterone levels often fall, leading to fatigue, loss of muscle mass, and other complications including heart conditions, gynecomastia and organ damage. If the goal is both fitness and health, it is hence important to support the body’s natural ability to produce testosterone rather than relying on such artificial means.

Also Read: Gynecomastia – Treatment, Diet & Exercises

Certain supplements can help improve the body’s testosterone levels naturally. However, caution is needed when choosing supplements, especially those containing herbal ingredients like ashwagandha. Poor manufacturing practices or low-quality sourcing can result in contamination with heavy metals or other harmful substances, potentially causing liver injury, leading to more harm than good.

This is where VitalBoost by SOLVE stands out as the best testosterone booster. Formulated with clinically researched ingredients, VitalBoost supports healthy testosterone levels and muscle growth without relying on risky herbal additives. Manufactured with stringent quality controls, VitalBoost ensures safety and purity without any heavy metal contamination, making it a reliable choice for fitness enthusiasts aiming to enhance their performance and muscle-building efforts naturally.

How Does Testosterone Affect Females? 

Testosterone, though often associated with men, is an important hormone for women as well. Women produce smaller amounts of testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, and it plays a vital role in their health. Testosterone supports a healthy libido (sex drive), helps maintain muscle strength and bone density, and contributes to energy levels and mood stability.

In women, testosterone is also converted into estrogen by an enzyme called aromatase. This process is essential for maintaining hormonal balance, as estrogen plays a critical role in regulating menstrual cycles, reproductive health, and bone strength. However, when this balance is disrupted, it can lead to health issues. For example, in conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS), women may have higher-than-normal levels of testosterone. This can cause symptoms such as irregular periods, acne, excessive facial or body hair (hirsutism), and difficulties with fertility.

Maintaining the right balance of testosterone and its conversion to estrogen is crucial for a woman’s overall health. Low testosterone levels can result in reduced energy, low libido, and muscle weakness, while excess testosterone can contribute to hormonal disorders like PCOS.

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What symptoms will I face if my testosterone is low?

If your testosterone levels are low, you may experience the following symptoms:

• Low Energy Levels: Feeling constantly tired or fatigued.
• Reduced Sex Drive: Decreased interest in sexual activity.
• Erectile Dysfunction: Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (in men).
• Mood Changes: Feeling depressed, irritable, or experiencing mood swings.
• Muscle Loss: Decrease in muscle mass and strength.
• Increased Body Fat: Particularly in the abdominal area.
• Weaker Bones: Higher risk of fractures due to reduced bone density.
• Difficulty Concentrating: Trouble with focus, memory, or mental clarity (“brain fog”).
• Hair Loss: Loss of body or facial hair in some cases.
• Infertility: Reduced sperm production in men, leading to difficulty having children.

Also Read: Low sperm count (Azoospermia) – Causes, Treatment & Lifestyle Strategies

Testosterone Replacement Therapy

If you have testosterone deficiency, then doctors may recommend you for Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) is a treatment used to increase testosterone levels in people who have low testosterone due to medical conditions or aging. It helps restore hormone levels to a normal range and can improve symptoms caused by low testosterone.

How TRT Works:

TRT involves giving testosterone through different methods, such as:

• Implants: Small pellets inserted under the skin that slowly release testosterone.
• Injections: Testosterone is injected into a muscle.
• Patches or Gels: These are applied to the skin, allowing testosterone to be absorbed into the bloodstream.
• Pills or Tablets: Taken orally, though less common due to potential liver issues.

If you are facing the issue of low testosterone, then it’s time to schedule a free consultation with SOLVE. Adding VitalBoost for Men to your routine can be a great way to support your testosterone levels. This scientifically designed supplement helps improve testosteron levels, male reproductive health, boosts vitality, and provides essential nutrients to support overall well-being and heart health.