–Anonymous<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Testosterone is a steroid that\u2019s biosynthesized in several steps from cholesterol. It\u2019s converted in the liver to inactive metabolites (small molecules). In humans, testosterone is secreted primarily by the testicles of males and, in small amounts, the ovaries of females. Men, on average, have levels of testosterone<\/a> 7 to 8 times as great as adult females. Daily production is about 20 times greater in men than in females (who are also more sensitive to the hormone).<\/p>\n Testosterone is the major sex hormone in males and performs some major roles, including:<\/p>\n \u2022 Penis and testes development Adolescent boys with too little testosterone may have abnormal masculinization. For example, the genitals may not enlarge, facial and body hair may be scant and the voice may not deepen normally.<\/p>\n Testosterone may also help maintain normal mood. There may be other important functions of this hormone that have not yet been discovered.<\/p>\n Signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain control the production of testosterone in men. The pituitary gland then relays signals to the testes to produce testosterone. A “feedback loop” closely regulates the amount of hormone in the blood. When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain sends signals to the pituitary to reduce production.<\/p>\n If you thought testosterone was only important in men, you’d be mistaken. Testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal gland. It’s one of several androgens (male sex hormones) in females. These hormones are thought to have important effects on:<\/p>\n \u2022 Ovarian function The proper balance between testosterone (along with other androgens) and estrogen is important for the ovaries to work normally. While the specifics are uncertain, it’s possible that androgens also play an important role in normal brain function (including mood, sex drive and cognitive function).<\/p>\n https:\/\/www.health.harvard.edu\/drugs-and-medications\/testosterone–what-it-does-and-doesnt-do<\/a><\/p>\n Testosterone isn’t the only fuel for a man’s sex drive and performance. But low testosterone can lower your ability to have satisfying sex. Lack of sex drive and erectile dysfunction are sexual problems that can result from low testosterone. If low testosterone<\/a> is the cause, treating it can help.<\/p>\n \u201cFrom that point on, I sleep better, I have loads more energy, and my wife tells me I have a new spark in my eyes\u201d <\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n –Anonymous<\/a><\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n There\u2019s a rhythm to Testosterone levels, with peaks early each day, regardless of sexual activity. Men do go through hormonal cycles, with testosterone levels tending to peak in the early morning, and diminishing over the course of the day.<\/p>\n Positive correlations exist between orgasm experience in women and testosterone levels where relaxation was a key perception of the experience. There is no correlation between testosterone and men’s perceptions of their orgasm experience, and also no correlation between higher testosterone levels and greater sexual assertiveness in either sex. Sexual arousal and masturbation in women produce small increases in testosterone concentrations. The plasma levels of various steroids significantly increase after masturbation in men and the testosterone levels correlate to those levels. Healthy testosterone levels<\/a> are important in maintaining fulfilling sex lives in both men and women.<\/p>\n Click here to read Part II: A Man’s “Time of the Month?”<\/a><\/p>\nTestosterone’s Big Role In The Body<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Voice deepening during puberty
\n\u2022 Facial and pubic hair starting at puberty and possibly a role in balding
\n\u2022 Muscle size and strength
\n\u2022 Bone growth and strength
\n\u2022 Sex drive (libido)
\n\u2022 Sperm production<\/p>\n![\"Testosterone's](\"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Trt-2-e1617222324527.png\")
<\/p>\nWomen Need Testosterone Too<\/h3>\n
\n\u2022 Bone strength
\n\u2022 Sexual behavior, including normal libido (although evidence is not conclusive)<\/p>\n![\"Women](\"https:\/\/www.bostonmedicalgroup.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/03\/Trt-3-e1617222377495-1024x631.jpg\")
<\/p>\nTestosterone and Sexual Arousal<\/h3>\n