Testosterone refers to those hormones that are greatly responsible for promoting and maintaining normal growth and development of the sexual and reproduction organs of males - both in humans and animals. Testosterone is responsible for ensuring the proper functioning of the penis, scrotum, the testicles, the prostate and the seminal vesicles. In addition to that, these hormones also promote the maturity of the other male sex characteristics such as massive bone mass, proper fat distribution, muscle formation, hair pattern, and voice modulation (a deep voice). It also plays a vital role in maintaining high energy levels, healthy sexual desire, and fertility.
While testosterone is present throughout the whole lives of males, there are certain periods where testosterone levels are significantly high. Basically, testosterone production considerably increases when a boy reaches the age of puberty. A significantly high level of testosterone is present during the ages twelve to twenty four. However, testosterone production gradually declines as men grow older.
Many men are largely concerned with their testosterone levels. However, it should be noted that there is no definite and standard rate for a normal testosterone level. There are estimates, but most scientific studies point the fact that normal testosterone values will largely vary from one male to another, depending on the age, the physical built, and the day to day activities.
In the case of healthy men, the brain and the testes are largely responsible for maintaining an adequate testosterone level. The testes are responsible for producing these hormones while the brain takes charge of monitoring and regulating the production. When the testosterone level of a man is considerably low, the brain signals the testes to manufacture more hormones. In contrast, if the level of these hormones is more that what’s appropriate, the brain tells the testes to produce less.
Although there is no “one size fits all” rate for testosterone levels, it should be noted that a significant decrease will result to a variety of signs and symptoms that are common among men who share the same problem. Included in the list of the popular symptoms are decreased energy levels, loss of muscle mass, depression, decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and impotence.
If you want to measure your testosterone level, the best way would be to take a blood test. A significant decrease in the testosterone hormones that are present in your bloodstream can be easily monitored through a simple blood test. You have to note that a low testosterone level is very common worldwide. In the United States a lone, there are almost fifty million men who have this hormone deficiency problem.
Aside from aging, it should be noted that excessive alcohol intake can lower testosterone levels. If men consume reasonable amounts of alcohol, their testosterone levels will decrease by as much as twenty percent. However, if one subjects himself to chronic drinking, their levels of these male hormones will significantly depreciate by fifty percent. This is because severe liver damage also contributes to hormone deficiency.
Testosterone deficiency can also be caused by a wide variety of diseases which include Klienfelters syndrome and Anorchia (vanishing testes syndrome). Medications and treatments such as surgeries using radiation, chemotherapy, anabolic steroid use, and other treatments to the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, or the testicles may also result to malfunctions in the regular testosterone production.