Hormones are chemical messengers that trigger necessary changes in the body. Testosterone, an androgen produced mainly in the Leydig cells of the testes, plays many vital roles in men. It influences sexual desire, maintains bone mass, regulates fat distribution, impacts muscle size and strength, and stimulates red blood cell production. Crucially, testosterone also supports the development of mature sperm; insufficient levels can lead to infertility.

Women also produce testosterone, but typically in smaller amounts. It contributes to sexual desire, bone density, and muscle strength in women as well.

Testosterone is closely related to muscle mass, bone density, and fat distribution in men. Illustration: Huu Quy

Testosterone imbalance

The brain and pituitary gland control testosterone levels. After being produced, this hormone travels through the bloodstream to carry out its essential functions. Both high and low testosterone levels can cause dysfunction in the affected body parts.

When men experience testosterone deficiency, also known as hypogonadism, they may experience symptoms such as reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, and enlarged or swollen breast tissue. Over time, these symptoms can progress to body hair loss, muscle loss, increased body fat, and decreased strength. Chronic or prolonged testosterone deficiency can also lead to osteoporosis, mood swings, reduced energy, and testicular atrophy.

Causes of decreased testosterone levels can include testicular injury or infection, certain medications such as opioid painkillers, disorders affecting hormones like pituitary tumors or high prolactin levels. Other causes include chronic illnesses such as type 2 diabetes, kidney and liver disease, obesity, HIV/AIDS, and genetic conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome, hemochromatosis, Kallmann syndrome, and muscular dystrophy.

On the other hand, excessive testosterone can lead to precocious puberty (before the age of 9). This condition mainly affects young males and is less common than testosterone deficiency. In women, high testosterone levels can cause health risks such as hair loss, a deepened voice, irregular periods, decreased breast size, acne, and excessive body hair.

Testosterone imbalances can be detected through blood tests and treated accordingly.

Testosterone levels and aging

Testosterone levels naturally decline as men age, a condition known as late-onset hypogonadism. The rate of decline varies among individuals. However, generally, after age 40, circulating testosterone levels decrease by about 1.6% per year in most men.

Late-onset hypogonadism causes symptoms such as decreased erectile function, reduced sexual desire, mood swings, cognitive decline, fatigue, depression and anger, and reduced muscle mass and strength. It is also linked to metabolic and cardiovascular diseases.

To maintain healthy testosterone levels, men should eat a balanced diet rich in protein, healthy fats, and micronutrients (vitamin D, zinc). Regular exercise, adequate sleep (6-8 hours per day), and stress management are also essential.

If experiencing signs such as low sexual desire, difficulty achieving an erection, hair loss, fatigue, or muscle loss, men should consult a doctor for examination and diagnosis. Male hypogonadism can be treated with testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in the form of gels, skin patches, injections, or tablets as prescribed by a physician.

Anh Ngoc (According to Medical News Today)