Effects of Testosterone

Testosterone Effects

Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women, but is considered the main sex hormone in men. It is secreted by the testis in men and ovaries in women and is a key factor in reproductive health in both genders, but primarily in men, as estrogen is the equivalent hormone for women. Responsible for the healthy development of the prostate, as well as muscle, body hair and more, testosterone is found in quantities ten times higher in males than in females.

The hormone is beneficial to both sexes, as it wards off the effects of osteoporosis, among other disorders. As women have a lower amount of testosterone, they are more susceptible to conditions like osteoporosis than men are. As an anabolic steroid, testosterone is responsible for muscle mass development, as well as increased height. Its androgenic effects include facial hair growth, as well as the deepening of the voice, both of which are characteristics found more in men.

While testosterone has plenty of benefits, an imbalance could cause detrimental effects in both sexes. Men that suffer from too much testosterone may experience hair loss, as well as the possibility of prostate health issues, including cancer. Men that have a testosterone level that exceeds the norm may also engage in risk-taking behavior, or may make poor financial decisions.

Psychologically, testosterone levels can affect mood, fight-or-flight response and emotional bonding. Men that are in loving and committed relationships, as well as men that are fathers, tend to have decreased levels of testosterone, which allow them to bond on a more intimate level. As well, too much testosterone may cause someone to fight instead of walk away when challenged. Testosterone may also affect stress levels both directly and indirectly. This is caused by secondary effects, such as too much testosterone causing poor financial decisions to be made, as well as primary effects, such as the stress caused by hair loss.

Regardless of the levels, if you feel that you have an imbalance of testosterone, it is important to seek out the care of a doctor. Various tests can be done to determine your hormone levels, and if there is an imbalance, various treatments are available, such as hormone replacement therapy. In addition, you may choose to use natural alternatives that can help to mitigate the effects of a hormone imbalance. While hormone replacement therapy treatments are often expensive, natural alternatives cost less and do not typically require as much time and effort to administer.