Masculinity is the key to the success of a strong half of humanity. Many of the men train their muscles intensely to make the body more attractive. Nevertheless, not everyone is able to build biceps. For the increase in muscle mass in the body is responsible for the sex hormone testosterone. Thanks to him, the strong half show characteristic signs of masculinity. An increase or decrease in the amount of testosterone becomes noticeable in adolescence, when young men have hair on their bodies and faces, there is a change in voice timbre, as well as an increase in muscle mass. The hormone is present not only in men, but also in women. Naturally, its content in the body of girls is much lower. Many young people, having learned about the possibility of changing their physique with the help of hormonal drugs, are wondering: testosterone - what is this substance? The answer to it can be obtained from the endocrinologist, who will explain in detail why the steroid is needed and in what situations its use is required.
Testosterone - what is it?
Almost everyone knows this term. Nevertheless, the question: “Testosterone - what is it?”, Far from all can answer with accuracy. There is a special group of hormones - steroids. Testosterone also belongs to it. This hormone is produced in large quantities by the male genital organs - the testes. Therefore, its content in the stronger sex is significantly higher than in women. Despite
this, the steroid is present in the blood of all people. The fact is that the hormone is produced not only by the ovaries, but also by the adrenal glands. The production of testosterone in them is significantly inferior to the genitals. The adrenal glands have 2 layers - the cerebral and cortical. The last of them is also divided into 3 parts. Testosterone is produced by the mesh zone of the adrenal gland, which belongs to the cortical layer. In addition to its own hormone, which is in our body, there is another source of it. This is exogenous testosterone, which enters the bloodstream with food or medications.
What functions does the hormone perform?
Testosterone, which is produced by the testes, is responsible for many processes that occur in the body of a strong half of humanity. First of all, the hormone promotes the growth, development and functioning of the sexual structures in men. The second important goal of testosterone is the formation of protein molecules. As a result of this, increased muscle growth occurs, which distinguishes the male physique. The next function of testosterone is its effect on fat metabolism. It consists in the distribution of male adipocytes. In addition, the hormone affects erythropoiesis. As a result of this, men have a higher hemoglobin level compared to women. They also need enhanced blood circulation to form and maintain an erection. Due to the fact that the regulation of sex hormone is associated with the central nervous system, it affects the libido in men.
Adrenal Testosterone Functions
As you know, in the human body there are 2 sources of male sex hormone. Testosterone, which secretes the adrenal cortex, is present in all people. Its production is much smaller than in the testes. The functions of the “adrenal” testosterone are also somewhat different. First, the peak of its action falls on puberty. At this time, under the influence of testosterone in boys, a characteristic hairline appears on the body and face, and the timbre of the voice changes. In addition, during puberty, male libido increases dramatically. The functions of testosterone in the body of girls are slightly different, where the hormone does not act as a stimulant of the development of the reproductive system.
The effect of androgens in women
In the weaker sex, testosterone is secreted only in the adrenal cortex. Its peak also falls on the youthful period. Hormone function:
- Participation in the formation of protein. This action of testosterone, as in men, contributes to the development of the muscular system.
- Strengthening bone tissue.
- Participation in the work of the sebaceous glands - maintaining the cleanliness of the skin.
- Improving hematopoietic function.
- Participation in the formation and growth of follicles - despite the fact that the hormone is responsible for the male reproductive system, it has little effect on the menstrual cycle of women.
- Increased libido.
- Strengthening the emotional background - reduces stress, contributes to raising mood.
The norm of testosterone in the body
As it turned out, the hormone performs many functions and is simply necessary for both sexes. So, to the question: “testosterone - what is it”, we can safely answer that it represents a “masculine principle”. However, there are norms for the level of hormones in the body. If a person suspects that he has an excess of testosterone or, conversely, its lack, then you must definitely consult a doctor. The amount of the hormone, exceeding the norm or not reaching it, indicates a violation of the endocrine system. Testosterone analysis can be taken in any equipped laboratory. The results should be shown to the endocrinologist who will diagnose and prescribe the necessary treatment. The normal level of a hormone in a man’s body is 11-33 nmol / L. The amount of it in the female body is much lower. Analysis for testosterone will have a normal result if its indicator fits within 0.29-3.18 pg / ml.
Quantitative fluctuations in hormone levels
Despite the fact that there are certain numbers into which the content of testosterone should fit, its value can sometimes change. Most often, these are insignificant fluctuations that do not go beyond the specified framework, in rare cases, small deviations from the norm can be observed. The amount of testosterone in men varies depending on the time of day, its maximum content falls on 5-7 in the morning, resulting in an erection. In women, the physiological state of the body affects the concentration of the hormone. During pregnancy and ovulation, testosterone is produced in large quantities. A decrease in the hormone is observed during menopause.
Pathological changes in testosterone levels
A change in the amount of the hormone indicates a violation of its regulation. Increased testosterone in men or women may indicate damage to the hypothalamic-pituitary system, adrenal cortex or genital glands. The same can be said about the decrease in the amount of the hormone. The main reasons for the increase in testosterone are considered tumors, which may have different localization. If a neoplasm is suspected, a thorough diagnosis should be made. First of all, it is necessary to do an X-ray or MRI of the brain and ultrasound of the adrenal glands. Most often, changes in these organs lead to an increase in testosterone levels.
In addition, a testicular tumor can lead to an increase in hormone production . In order to identify it, palpation of the male genital glands is performed, after which instrumental research methods are performed. A decrease in testosterone may be due to age-related changes (most often observed after 40 years), a sedentary lifestyle, overweight, scrotal injury, cryptorchidism, and an inflammatory process in the testicles.
Symptoms of Enhanced Hormone Production
Increased testosterone in men can be observed at any age. However, this change is most often seen in children. Blood for testosterone must be donated in childhood, when the teenage period has not yet come. In adult men, an increase in hormone levels is more difficult to notice. The main features are:
- Excessive hair growth on the body and face.
- Increased libido, frequent and prolonged erection.
- Low timbre of voice.
- Aggressiveness and mood changes.
- Developed muscles.
Signs of increased testosterone levels in women are hirsutism, low timbre of voice, acne, broad shoulders, masculine physique.
Hormone products
With small quantitative fluctuations, you can independently control testosterone. Products containing hormones are used in the preparation of many dishes, so monitoring your diet is very important. These include meat, nuts, seafood, herbs, red berries. Among the fruits, which contain a lot of testosterone, note pineapple, melon, orange, apricots and peaches. The hormone is also present in vegetables (tomatoes, eggplant, zucchini and cabbage) and vegetable oil. In order to lower testosterone, you must limit yourself in the use of these products. Those who produce hormones in small quantities can also adjust their levels through diet. To increase testosterone, you need to eat as much protein food as possible, in particular lean meat and vegetable oil. If it is not possible to achieve the proper level of the hormone with the help of a diet, they resort to medical treatment.
Testosterone pills
Steroid use has now become the norm for many young people. Some of them are ready to do anything to gain muscle mass. However, taking testosterone in tablets is unnecessary. It is necessary only in case of hormone deficiency, which cannot be compensated by diet. If, when passing an analysis for the content of testosterone, a deficiency was found, then it is necessary to consult an endocrinologist. Only a doctor can determine whether to take the hormone, and in what quantities. Indications for the use of testosterone in men:
- Delayed puberty in boys.
- Weak development of male organs.
- Condition after removal of the testicles (postcastration syndrome).
- Impaired sperm formation.
- Poor quality seminal fluid.
- Infertility of unknown genesis.
- Osteoporosis.
- Impotence.
In some cases, testosterone is also prescribed for women, most often it must be used in combination with female sex hormones - estrogens. Indications for use are: osteoporosis, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, premenstrual syndrome (PMS), breast cancer.
Medications containing male sex hormone
What medicines do you need to use to increase testosterone? Preparations containing male sex hormone are available under different names. The dosage form can be presented in tablets, solution for injection, gel for external use. The most common of them are drugs: Testosterone Propionate, Andriol, Nebido, Omnadren-250, Sustanon-250. All of them are based on hormone esters and have the same indications for use. To abuse testosterone drugs is extremely dangerous! With an overdose of the hormone, testicular atrophy can occur. This is due to the fact that the gonads have an inverse relationship with the hypothalamic-pituitary system. Among the side effects of testosterone preparations are swelling, muscle pain, nausea, acne, arterial hypertension, as well as adenoma and prostate cancer. If these symptoms appear, you should cancel the medication or reduce its dose.