What is a testosterone formula? What effect does this substance have? These issues deserve attention and scrutiny. It is with this hormone that the history of endocrinology begins. Currently, there are several methods by which the amount of male hormone in the blood is determined, an abnormality is analyzed, a course is selected for the treatment of the identified problem.
Pages of history
In 1849, A. Berold made the assumption that the extract obtained from the seminal glands of a man contains some active substances. The structural formula of testosterone was not yet known by then. Forty years later, Brown-Secard, a professor of experimental biology, was told at a meeting of the Paris Biological Society about the results of experiments that he had set up on himself. He introduced himself extracts of animal sex glands, due to which he achieved a “rejuvenating” effect.
Borun-Secar called the extract from the testes "the elixir of youth." The tool caused vigor, increased efficiency, increased sexual activity, muscle strength. Unfortunately, the medicine gave an effect only for 2-3 months, then the patient's condition worsened.
Hormone secretion
When was the testosterone formula established? The first time it was isolated in its pure form was the German biochemist A. Butenandt in the mid-thirties of the twentieth century. He established a steroid structure, for which in 1939 he was awarded the Nobel Prize.
In the body, the testes and adrenal glands participate in the production of sex hormones, and the anterior pituitary and hypothalamus are involved in regulating their release. Testosterone acts as the main androgen. In men, about 8 mg of this hormone is produced daily: 95% - with the help of the sex glands, 5% - with the adrenal glands.
a brief description of
The chemical formula of testosterone was established in 1935. At the same time, a partial synthesis of the hormone from cholesterol was carried out. As it turned out, the testicular leydig cells act as its most important source.
It was possible to establish a similar fact during laboratory examinations of men who were castrated. Only a small amount of testosterone can be synthesized by transformation of precursors at the periphery. This hormone supports spermatogenesis, stimulates the functioning and growth of the additional sexual glands, the development of the scrotum and penis.
Hormone features
It has an anabolic effect, especially with regard to muscles and bones. During the puberty, the presence of testosterone characterizes the linear growth of the larynx, which is manifested in a decrease in voice. It is under the influence of this hormone in men that hair begins to grow. It has a direct effect on the bone marrow. Thanks to testosterone, erythropoiesis is stimulated. Also, the hormone is required for peripheral metabolism.
Activity
Testosterone is inactive from a biological point of view. It weakly binds to androgen receptors. Before affecting the androgen receptors of target organ cells, it needs to recover under the influence of the enzyme. As a result of the process, dihydrotestosterone is formed, which is the most biologically active form of this hormone.
The properties
The testosterone formula is shown in the photo. This hormone takes part in the development of male genital organs, secondary sexual characteristics. It regulates sexual behavior and spermatogenesis, affects phosphorus and nitrogen metabolism.
Testosterone and estrogen, the formulas of which are presented in the photo, are important for the normal life of a man. The biological effect of testosterone is manifested in target tissues, which are necessary for its selective accumulation: epididymis, seminiferous tubules, seminal vesicles, and representative gland. Luteinizing and follicle-stimulating pituitary hormones are responsible for regulating the synthesis and secretion of testosterone.
The androgenic activity of testosterone is manifested during the intrauterine development of the embryo, as a rule, starting from 12 weeks.
In the woman’s body, it is synthesized by the ovaries, passing into estrogens in the cells of a ripening follicle, stimulates the development of the mammary glands. During pregnancy, its amount in the female body increases significantly. With increased secretion of the hormone by the adrenal glands, a violation of the generative function of the ovaries is observed.
Sports application
How do athletes use testosterone? The manual for men allows its use for a set of strength and muscle mass. With its prolonged consumption, the secretion of its own testosterone decreases. To eliminate this side effect, athletes introduce post-cycle therapy, using different drugs to restore their hormone production. Synthetic hormone is used in HRT for elderly men, in whom a low content of this male hormone is detected. In such therapy, not pure testosterone is used, but its mixture with ethers. They regulate the desired level of the hormone over a long period. Among the esters distinguish:
Indications for establishing the level of the hormone
How to calculate free testosterone? The formula for determining this hormone takes into account its general level, as well as the amount that is associated with globulin. For example, the proportion of such testosterone to its total amount in the blood is multiplied by 100 percent. The resulting value is the index. A low indicator is a signal of the presence of problems with potency, as well as diseases of the genitourinary system.
When is free testosterone needed to be determined? The formula of this hormone is presented above. Its quantitative content is revealed in those cases when an adult male has the following symptoms:
dispersal of attention;
periodic depression;
trouble sleeping
excessive sweating;
decreased performance;
muscle lethargy;
dry skin;
fragility of bones;
lack of erection and sexual desire;
the occurrence of fatty deposits on the hips, in the lower abdomen;
infertility.
If abnormalities of this hormone are detected from the norm, impotence, abnormalities in the functioning of the nervous and cardiovascular systems, and metabolic disturbances are possible.
The specificity of detecting the proportions of the hormone
The testosterone formula (quantitative indicator) allows you to find out the ratio of androgen free form to the total number. For this, a free testosterone calculator is used. Blood for analysis is taken from a vein. Prior to the study, the man is not recommended to engage in physical labor. Experts advise giving up strong alcoholic drinks and smoking. If an insufficient amount of male hormone is detected in the body, the patient is offered effective ways to solve the problem. For example, you can take medications, change your lifestyle, and adjust your diet.
You can use the following tips to change your diet and lifestyle:
regularly walk in the fresh air;
observe the daily routine;
Do not exhaust the body with physical activity, sports training;
leave time for a good long sleep;
change eating habits;
drink clean water in sufficient quantities;
to refuse from bad habits;
consume vitamins.
Certain foods have a positive effect on testosterone production. Experts advise to include in the daily diet:
dishes of chicken, lean beef, turkey;
seafood and fish;
fresh greens;
seeds and nuts;
Fresh fruits and vegetables.
It is necessary to consume carbohydrates, proteins, fats daily. With vitamin C, you can protect your body from free radicals.
The formula for calculating free testosterone is used by doctors in laboratory studies. Vitamin E helps to neutralize excess blood sugar. Men need vitamin D, as it reduces the amount of female hormone (estrogen), turning it into mild forms. This allows calcium to enter the body in large quantities.
Androgen preparations are used in case of decreased secretion of sex hormones. They are also prescribed to stimulate puberty in boys, with anemia, as well as to restore proteins after injuries. Androgens are effective in osteoporosis, especially in combination with estrogens.
Anabolics are drugs that stimulate the production of protein in the body. They are represented by corticosteroids, which are similar to male sex hormones. They are used for diseases that are accompanied by a tendency to weight loss, lower immunity due to the loss of protein by the body, the appearance of dystrophy. Anabolics affect the synthesis and breakdown of the protein in the body, so doctors do not recommend using them for a long time. Only with satisfactory testosterone levels can we talk about the normal life and activities of men. In case of problems, the patient is prescribed medications.