Testosterone: its functions and effects in men and women

Hormones are a series of substances produced by the endocrine glands that have many functions in the body. One of the best known is testosterone, a predominantly male hormone, but one that is also synthesized in women.

Despite being one of the most studied hormones, there are many activities of the body in which it is involved, as well as its health benefits and the differences between men and women when it comes to exercising their action.

• Related article: "Types of hormones and their functions in the human body"

What is testosterone and what is it for?

Testosterone is a sex hormone, classified as a steroid, traditionally associated with the male sex. Yes OK this substance constitutes the main male hormone and it is produced mainly in the testicles, the ovaries also have the ability to manufacture them in very small quantities.

This hormone, present even before birth, is in charge of male sexual development, favoring the growth of the male sexual organs, the growth of the muscles, the appearance of body hair and the development of the seriousness of the voice.

Once the man has fully developed, in the adult phase, testosterone maintains its activity, being a participant in a multitude of processes and bodily functions. This includes, from the mechanisms most obviously related to it, such as sexual capacity, desire and the formation of sperm; even others in which their role is traditionally less known.

These body activities in which testosterone is involved include:

• Helps develop muscle tone and facilitates recovery after aerobic and anaerobic exercises.
• Enhances the production of red blood cells.
• Favors memory processes.
• Improves kidney function.
• Prevents the development of diseases such as osteoporosis.
• Increases bone mineral density.

How does testosterone work in women?

As mentioned above, testosterone is a mainly male hormone, its concentration in plasma being ten times higher in men than in women. However, the female sex is much more sensitive to the effects of it.

Broadly speaking, the effects of testosterone in women are related to certain aspects of their behavior and their physical appearance. As in men, testosterone is highly involved in libido levels and sexual desire, to the point of qualitatively improving sexual relations.

On the other hand, this hormone also cooperates in the development of bones, providing a stronger bone structure and a robust and resistant muscle mass.

However, there are many other functions and female body dynamics in which the testosterone, increasing more and more the number of empirical studies that try to establish these associations.

For example, one of these studies conducted by the University of Florida revealed data in favor of the hypothesis that in many cases when women unconsciously perceive that other women are ovulating, increase your testosterone peaks, increasing levels of sexual desire and causing more intense orgasms. This fact contains an evolutionary component, whereby when a woman noticed that another was in a fertile state, she became in a rival when it comes to reproducing, so the increase in testosterone facilitated sexual relations with men of the group.

Finally, other studies related to human sexual behavior have found a series of associations between high levels of testosterone and an increase in masturbation, as well as an increase in behaviors considered as risky.

All this means that the influence of testosterone on sexual and other non-sexual behaviors in both men and women is evidence. However, there is still much to investigate to be able to affirm it forcefully.

• You may be interested: "Differences between the libido of the two sexes"

Its health benefits

Throughout the article it has been commented, on several occasions, that the effects of testosterone go beyond those related to sexual desire and performance. In addition, it also exerts a great influence on physical performance, fat production and distribution, and cardiovascular function.

1. Physical energy and tiredness

Testosterone levels are directly related to the physical sensation of fatigue and tiredness, for so the lower the testosterone levels in a person, the greater the feeling of fatigue.

2. Body fat distribution

Numerous studies have established evidence that link low testosterone levels to increased amounts of body fat, which tends to accumulate especially in the abdomen. In this way, a high body mass index, together with a high abdominal contour can be synonymous with an alteration in the production of testosterone.

3. Muscle mass

Testosterone is included within the group of anabolic hormones, so the consumption of testosterone Free promotes the genesis of muscle proteins, which enhance the development of volume muscular.

4. Cardiovascular function

Low testosterone levels have traditionally been considered a risk factor for developing hypertension. In the same way, an optimal levels of this hormone favors the control of triglycerides, also regulating cholesterol problems.

What happens when this hormone is produced in excess?

High levels of testosterone can cause a large number of physical and behavioral alterations in both men and women.

1. Consequences in men

Elevated levels of testosterone in the blood in men may be due to conditions such as hyperthyroidism, a tumor of the adrenal gland or as a consequence of excessive consumption of alcohol, tobacco and steroids.

As a consequence, the following symptoms may develop:

• Enlargement of the prostate and urination problems.
• Increased body fat production.
• Acne problems
• Increased body hair growth.
• Fertility problems due to a decrease in sperm production.
• Mood disturbances and mood swings.
• Aggression and violent behaviors.
• Increased risk of developing prostate cancer.
• Cardiovascular problems.

2. Consequences in women

In the same way, abnormally high levels of testosterone in women, or hyperandrogenism, organs due to conditions such as polycystic ovaries or adrenal diseases as well can trigger a series of physical and health alterations. These include:

• Alterations in the menstrual cycle such as oligomenorrhea.
• Acne and skin problems.
• Hirsutism, or increased body hair.
• Hair loss or alopecia.
• Virilization symptoms such as an enlarged clitoris, a deep voice or atrophy of the breasts.