Testosterone
DEFINITION
Testosterone is a steroidal hormone secreted by specialised
cells in the testes.
cells in the testes.
DESCRIPTION
Testosterone is classified as an androgen, which means it is a
hormone that has masculinizing effects. Other androgenic hormones
are produced by the testes and are also produced by other organs in
the body, such as the adrenal glands. These glands are located
above the kidneys and produce androgenic hormones in both men and
women. Testosterone is produced by the testes in the male foetus
throughout gestation, where it promotes the formation of the penis,
scrotum, prostate gland and other parts of the male reproductive
system. It also causes the testes to descend into the scrotum (the
testes form within the body and travel down to the scrotum within
the two months before birth). Testosterone production continues
until about 10 weeks after birth. At this stage, Testosterone
production virtually ceases until the male child reaches puberty,
when Testosterone production causes the growth of facial and pubic
hair, changes in body shape, deepening of the voice and increased
muscle mass and strength.
hormone that has masculinizing effects. Other androgenic hormones
are produced by the testes and are also produced by other organs in
the body, such as the adrenal glands. These glands are located
above the kidneys and produce androgenic hormones in both men and
women. Testosterone is produced by the testes in the male foetus
throughout gestation, where it promotes the formation of the penis,
scrotum, prostate gland and other parts of the male reproductive
system. It also causes the testes to descend into the scrotum (the
testes form within the body and travel down to the scrotum within
the two months before birth). Testosterone production continues
until about 10 weeks after birth. At this stage, Testosterone
production virtually ceases until the male child reaches puberty,
when Testosterone production causes the growth of facial and pubic
hair, changes in body shape, deepening of the voice and increased
muscle mass and strength.
Testosterone production is controlled by a structure within the
brain known as the pituitary gland, which receives signals from
other parts of the brain when Testosterone production must be
increased.
brain known as the pituitary gland, which receives signals from
other parts of the brain when Testosterone production must be
increased.
Testosterone production declines with age in men and in some cases,
medical treatment to replace this hormone may be required. Signs
and symptoms of Testosterone deficiency include: decreased sex
drive, erectile dysfunction , lowered sperm count, increased breast
size (gynaecomastia), hot flushes, irritability, difficulty
concentrating and depression.
medical treatment to replace this hormone may be required. Signs
and symptoms of Testosterone deficiency include: decreased sex
drive, erectile dysfunction , lowered sperm count, increased breast
size (gynaecomastia), hot flushes, irritability, difficulty
concentrating and depression.
Certain genetic diseases such as Klinefelter’s syndrome, Kallman’s
syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome can even cause abnormalities in
Testosterone production in young men.
syndrome and Prader-Willi syndrome can even cause abnormalities in
Testosterone production in young men.
Testosterone is one of the ‘muscle bulking’ agents that are abused
by bodybuilders, but it is also a very important substance
medicinally for the treatment of androgen deficiency
diseases.
by bodybuilders, but it is also a very important substance
medicinally for the treatment of androgen deficiency
diseases.