Testosterone: Functions, Levels, Test and Therapy

Testosterone is an anabolic steroid and a sex hormone in humans (although it is also found in other animals. This hormone may also be found in trace amounts in women ovaries. Testosterone production is at its highest in a man’s early adulthood, especially during puberty and drops a little bit each year thereafter.

Functions of Testosterone
Testosterone, although mostly associated with sex drive also play an important role in other areas such as sperm production, bone density and muscle mass. It plays an important in development of male reproductive tissues. In addition, testosterone is involved with health and well being.

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**Low testosterone levels** This is a condition known as hypogonadism.. Symptoms of hypogonadism include * decreased sex drive * less energy * weight gain * feelings of depression * moodiness * low self-esteem * less body hair * thinner bones

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Complications
Hypogonadism may also lead to conditions such as frailty and bone loss. However, uncontrolled loss or reduction in the level of testosterone, which may be caused by cancer treatments (such as chemotherapy or radiations) and injury to the testicles can lead to chronic diseases such as

• AIDS
• Alcoholism
• kidney disease

The pituitary gland sends a signaling hormone to the testicles to produce more testosterone. Therefore, a low testosterone level could be as a result of pituitary gland problem, that is the pituitary gland isn’t working properly. A young teen with low testosterone levels may simply be experiencing delayed puberty.

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Elevated Testosterone Levels
Moderately elevated testosterone levels in men tend to produce few noticeable symptoms. Boys with higher levels of testosterone may begin puberty earlier. Women with excessive testosterone may develop masculine features.
Abnormally high levels of testosterone could be the result of an adrenal gland disorder, or even cancer of the testes. High levels may also occur in less serious conditions. Congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which can affect males and females, is a rare but natural cause for elevated testosterone production.

Advantages
A few benefits may be derived from elavated testosterone levels, these include: blood pressure normalization and lower likelihood to have obesity and heart attacks

Disadvantages
The disadvantages of elevated testosterone levels include:

Men tend to consume more alcoholic drinks or beverages.
Men are more likely to smoke.
Men are more likely to get injured or violent.
According to some researchers, the higher the testosterone level, the more likely men are to participate in risk-taking behavior (sexual, injury risk, and even criminal activity).

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Testosterone Level Test
A simple blood test can determine testosterone levels. There is a wide range of “normal” or healthy level of testosterone circulating in the bloodstream. In general, the normal range in males is about 270 to 1070 ng/dL with an average level of 679 ng/dL. A normal male testosterone level peaks at about age 20, and then it slowly declines.

Therapy
If a patient is diagnosed of low testosterone levels, Doctors may prescribe testosterone replacement therapies such as injections, creams, topical gels and patches which all contain testosterone. Although not all men are eligible or can use all these therapy options, your healthcare provider will choose which is best for you.