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| Health BlogYour glands and other tissues produce chemicals, called male sex hormones or androgens. Your hypothalamus and your pituitary gland, both at the base of your brain, control the release and levels of these hormones. Testosterone, which is mostly produced in the testes, is the most pervasive androgen in men in its impact on reproductive health. This is why it's known as the 'male hormone', even though women also produce it, in small amounts. Other hormones play a role, mostly as part of a signal chain. Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by your hypothalamus controls the release of other hormones from the pituitary gland. GnRH triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH), which in turn triggers testosterone production in the testes. Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) from the pituitary gland helps in sperm development. Men also produce the so-called 'female hormone' oestrogen, which is believed to be important to male sex drive. Before birth Testosterone's influence begins early - a male foetus is producing it by seven weeks after conception. By the seventh or eighth month in the uterus, testosterone causes the movement of the foetus's testes into the scrotum. Puberty A boost in testosterone secretion triggers many other changes. Testosterone levels peak about age 17. This 'male hormone' gives you a deeper voice because it causes your larynx to enlarge and your vocal cords to thicken and lengthen. Testosterone causes your testes, scrotum and penis to grow, and gets sperm production going in your testes. It triggers other bodily changes, making you: - develop facial, pubic and chest hair - become more muscular - grow taller, broad-shouldered and heavier - perspire more - get oilier skin and pimples. Adulthood Testosterone influences muscle and bone development; it also affects emotions such as sex drive (libido), aggression and depression, which are influenced by your testosterone levels. Too much or too little can lead to health problems. Unlike women, who stop ovulating permanently after menopause, most men are fertile into old age, unless they have a medical problem. After age 40, it's normal for male testosterone levels to fall but, unlike oestrogen levels in menopausal women, they fall very gradually. However, in some older men, testosterone levels get too low and may cause physical and emotional symptoms, including low libido, hot flushes, breast development and erection problems. Diagnosed correctly, this condition can be treated using medically supervised testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). source: |
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