What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a steroidal male sex hormone produced by the gonads in the cells of testes in men and by the ovaries in women, although small quantities are also produced by the adrenal glands in both sexes.
Testosterone is responsible for the development of male reproductive organs like testes and prostate and for development of secondary sexual characteristic features such as increased muscle and bone mass, the growth of body hair, sperm production and sexual drive in men.
Testosterone levels are high at puberty starts decreasing slowly from around 30-35 years in a male.
What Are the Effects of Testosterone in A Male?
Testosterone has varyiny effects on different organs in a male. They are:
Skin – Hair growth and male pattern distribution. It supports collagen growth.
Brain – It aids in sex drive and sexual function, feeling of well-being, cognition, and memory.
Male Sex Organs – Sperm growth, prostate growth, and erectile function.
Muscles – Increase in muscle mass and strength.
Bone Marrow – Helps in red blood cell production.
Bones – Maintains the bone density and strength.
What Are the Factors That Can Increase the Levels of Testosterone?
Testosterone levels can be increased by following various factors such as:
Diet – Diet should be a balanced one with proper quantities of healthy fats, high in proteins moderate carbohydrates, fresh vegetables, and fruits.
Exercise – Regular physical activity along with muscle and bone strengthening exercises.
Healthy Habits – Have plenty of sleep, decrease stress, and good relaxation.
Natural Substances – Herbal supplements, hormone containing supplements, and food supplements boosting testosterone.
Medications – Testosterone containing drugs, HRT.
What Is Andropause?
In men as the age progresses the male sex hormone testosterone starts declining leading to some uncomfortable symptoms and signs like decrease in sexual drive and sexual function, loss of hair and muscle, decrease in sperm count, decrease in bone density, and mood changes, which phase is termed as male menopause or andropause.
It is not abnormal or worrisome to have mildly decreased testosterone levels as you age. So,Gentlemen, be informed, live healthy and happy.