Testosterone in men is produced in Leydig cells in the testes. The process of its formation is controlled by the central nervous system, namely the pituitary gland, and is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH).
At the seventh week of intrauterine development of the boy, testes (gonads) are formed. After another fourteen days, testosterone in men begins to be produced. During the transition period (from thirteen to seventeen years), hormone secretion in boys increases significantly. Thus, his gradual transformation into a man begins.
Under the influence of the hormone, the normal formation of the genitals - the testicles, penis, prostate gland, is carried out. In addition, testosterone in men affects the development of secondary signs of sex - hair growth on the body and face, pubic region.
The hormone also contributes to the formation of protein in the tissues, primarily in the muscles. Muscle strength and growth are proportional to the amount of testosterone. The hormone also takes part in the normal fat distribution in the body. Testosterone in men regulates bone tissue maturation, timely closure of bone growth zones. Under the influence of the hormone, the functioning of the sebaceous glands is carried out. The appearance of a man, therefore, is completely dependent on the amount of testosterone.
Under the influence of the hormone, a lower voice is formed due to the thickening of the ligaments during puberty.
Testosterone has a great influence on sexual activity and behavior, affecting certain areas in the brain, which leads to the appearance of attraction (libido). An important value of the hormone is also noted in the formation of a normal erection. As a result of some studies, it was proved that under its influence complete relaxation is carried out in the cavernous bodies, the hormone contributes to the normal filling of blood in the vessels of the penis.
Testosterone, to one degree or another, affects all systems and organs.
Affecting the cardiovascular system, the hormone promotes expansion in the coronary vessels, slows the atherosclerotic process, prevents the development of heart hypertrophy against the background of arterial hypertension, and alleviates the symptoms of coronary artery disease.
From the side of the central nervous system, testosterone affects memory, attention, and speed of thinking. The hormone affects the state of mood: increased content promotes aggression, low - depression. In addition, testosterone affects the orientation in space, has an antidepressant effect of a pronounced nature.
The effect of the hormone on the formation of red blood cells in the bone marrow has also been proven.
Testosterone deficiency in the body is manifested by various symptoms. The most common are:
- decrease in concentration;
- depression;
- decrease in muscle mass and strength;
- fatigue;
- decrease in libido;
- erectile disfunction;
- anemia;
- osteoporosis;
- tides;
- reduction of the prostate gland in size.
It has been established that a decrease in hormone levels has been observed since about thirty years of age. So, testosterone is lowered by 1-2% annually. The norm in men for the production of a hormone per day is from 15 to 20 mg. By fifty to fifty-five years, its content is reduced by about half. The normal indicators of testosterone in young and middle age are 5.76 - 28.14 nmol / L.
The amount of hormone in mature and elderly men depends on congenital (genetic) factors, for example, on the sensitivity of body tissues to its effects. Various pathologies of internal organs also influence the content.
You can increase testosterone in men using hormone replacement therapy. The appointment of a specific drug is carried out only by a doctor. In this case, the individual characteristics of the patient's body are necessarily taken into account.