Everyone knows that testosterone is a typically male hormone. He is the main representative of the androgen group and is responsible for the formation of the body and behavior characteristics of each man. But not everyone knows that testosterone is produced in small quantities by the female body.
Male hormone and its functions
Testosterone belongs to the group of steroid sex hormones. This substance is synthesized in the adrenal glands and testicles (Leydig cells) in men. An interesting fact is that Leydig cells are present in the body of a newborn, but after a while they completely disappear. The formation of new cells is observed in boys during puberty - it was at this time that there was an increase in testosterone in the blood. The natural level of this hormone lasts until about 60 years, after which it begins to slowly fall.
Steroid hormones perform a number of very important functions:
in the embryonic period of development under the influence of testosterone, the formation of the scrotum and the prolapse of the testicles occurs;
during active puberty, this male hormone is responsible for the growth and development of the external genital organs (scrotum, penis and testicles);
under the influence of testosterone there is an increase in the size of the larynx and a thickening of its mucous membrane - thus, in men, the voice becomes rougher and deeper;
this hormone also affects the skin - it becomes thick and richly covered with sebaceous glands. By the way, precisely because of the increased secretion of sebum, teenage boys are much more likely to suffer from acne than girls;
testosterone is responsible for male type hair;
sex hormones affect the development of the musculoskeletal system - the bones become thicker, while the pelvis remains narrow, and the shoulders are wide. In addition, androgens prevent the deposition of subcutaneous fat and stimulate the growth of muscle mass;
steroid sex hormones are responsible for certain forms of behavior - the desire for dominance, aggression and assertiveness. They are responsible for the formation of a normal sex drive.
Male hormones are not only testosterone, but also a number of other steroid compounds similar to it. This group includes:
Male hormones in women
In the female body, androgen hormones are synthesized in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and their concentration is about 20 times lower than in the male body. Most hormones are bound in the body, and only a small amount remains active. Testosterone performs quite important functions, as it is responsible for protein synthesis in the tissues of the uterus, as well as for the maturation of follicles.
But in some cases, the level of testosterone in the blood rises sharply. This may be due to genetic disorders, malfunction of the thyroid gland or hypothalamic-pituitary system, the presence of inflammation or the formation of malignant cells. One way or another, the increased amount of free male hormones in the blood cannot but affect the functioning of the female body.
Such a violation can be observed both in a young girl and in an adult woman. Male hormone in childhood can lead to the formation of a typically male figure, unnatural hair growth and improper development of the female genital organs. That is why such a child must be shown to the doctor as soon as possible.
At a more mature age, the abundance of testosterone is accompanied by the growth of facial hair (antennae and sideburns), chest (especially around the nipples). In addition, a woman's voice may become coarse, in a word, typical male signs begin to appear. On the other hand, it has been proven to date that testosterone can affect a woman’s behavior - she becomes more aggressive, a strong sexual desire awakens, and a tendency to dominate manifests itself. As a rule, such women can not get pregnant and bear a child. This condition requires careful treatment.