Testosterone: Functions, deficiencies, and supplements

Once dismissed as a rare condition affecting older men, low T (testosterone deficiency) is now understood as a far more widespread issue. Thanks to a mix of modern stress, environmental exposures, and plain old aging, more men are hitting their 40s and 50s feeling like shadows of themselves — and many don’t even know why. This page has been reviewed by a medical professional from Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi.

Moreover, it enhances muscle mass and strength by stimulating the proliferation of satellite cells and promoting muscle fiber hypertrophy. Consequently, individuals with optimal testosterone levels often exhibit greater muscle mass, increased muscle strength, and improved athletic performance. Furthermore, testosterone influences energy metabolism, favoring fats as an energy source during exercise, and enhancing endurance and stamina. Maintaining hormonal balance, including adequate testosterone levels, optimizes physical performance, improves muscle strength, and promotes overall health and vitality13. Males and females both naturally produce testosterone, though males produce far more than females. In females, testosterone is made by the ovaries and converted to female sex hormones.

The risks and suggested benefits of TRT for men younger than this are unclear, as are the benefits. Recent studies have also linked high testosterone levels in women to the risk of uterine fibroids. When levels of testosterone drop below levels that are healthy, they can lead to conditions like hypogonadism or infertility. There are, however, sources from which people with low testosterone can boost their levels. Abnormally high levels of testosterone could be the result of an adrenal gland disorder, or even cancer of the testes.

Low testosterone resulting from an underlying cause usually resolves once the cause has been treated. However, there are many other causes of low testosterone in both men and women. It might feel embarrassing to talk about these problems, but treatment is available to help. It’s possible for your testosterone to be too low or too high—each end of the spectrum brings its own set of symptoms.

Beyond in people getting older, other individuals that may experience low T levels include people dealing with Type 2 diabetes, obesity, sleep apnea or chronic medical conditions such as kidney dysfunction. A recent study, for example, suggests that TRT provides extra benefit for overall mortality and stroke for men whose testosterone levels have normalized with TRT. It affects male fetuses as they develop in the uterus, as well as teenage sexual development during puberty. AIS prevents male genitals from developing as they should and almost always results in infertility (it’s difficult or impossible to father children) during adulthood. High levels of testosterone in female infants may lead to enlargement of their clitoris that can look almost like a penis.

“Anabolic” refers to muscle building, and “androgenic” refers to increased male sex characteristics. Testosterone is the main androgen, meaning it stimulates the development of male characteristics. Your adrenal glands also produce the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), which your body transforms into testosterone and estrogen.

Always talk with your doctor before starting hormone treatment, as side effects also exist. For men, testosterone levels are important to maintain, but they naturally decrease over time. If symptoms of severe or chronic low testosterone are showing, the hormone deficiency may be caused by an active disease or condition. However, there is little, if any, research to indicate that these prohormone supplements affect testosterone levels. Research from 2016 did not find any evidence that Tribulus terrestris, for example, can increase testosterone levels. The degree to which testosterone levels decline varies between men, but a growing number of men experience the effects of reduced testosterone levels.

Healthcare providers use synthetic testosterone to treat and manage various medical conditions. But having high cholesterol doesn’t mean your testosterone will be high. Testosterone levels are too carefully controlled by the brain for that to occur. There may be other important functions of this hormone that have not yet been discovered. Half (50%) of the participants were bachelor’s degree holders, and 12.5% had completed their PhD in different disciplines. In the context of occupation, 30% were students, followed by 40% housewives and 30% working ladies.

If testosterone deficiency occurs during puberty, a boy’s growth may slow and no growth spurt will be seen. The child may have reduced development of pubic hair, growth of the penis and testes, and deepening of the voice. Around the time of puberty, boys with too little testosterone may also have less than normal strength and endurance, and their arms and legs may continue what to expect with testosterone injections grow out of proportion with the rest of their body. Treatment is not necessary if your levels fall within the normal range. Testosterone replacement therapy is primarily beneficial for men with low testosterone levels.