Learning more about sexuality will surely make you encounter the word “testosterone”, especially when talking about male-oriented topics.

Testosterone is a hormone that all humans, male or female, develop in their body which primarily helps with growth and development. 

In men, this hormone is produced in their testicles. In women, this hormone is produced in the ovaries, though in much smaller amounts.

There are also claims that testosterone is the reason why men act in a certain way, such as violence or impatience, but they are largely a myth. It’s beneficial to men in their overall physical, mental, and sexual health.

Here are some of the facts on testosterone for both men and women.

What does testosterone do for men?

Boys and men greatly benefit from testosterone. This is because it is the primary component in their physical development, especially during puberty. These changes include:

• Growth of facial, pubic, and other body hair (can also cause balding)
• Change to a deeper voice
• Increasing height
• Stronger muscles and bones
• Growth of the penis and testes

Testosterone also plays a role in male fertility. This is because it helps in the sperm cell production and a man’s sex drive (libido).

It can also affect a man’s mood and overall energy. Depending on how high or low a man’s testosterone levels are, it can affect their mental health.

How does testosterone affect women?

Yes, women produce a small amount of testosterone in their ovaries. This is one of the androgens (male sex hormones) in a woman’s body. 

It is believed that this hormone plays an important role in a woman’s body. This includes: 

• Ovarian function
• Bone strength
• Sexual behavior or libido (though research results aren’t conclusive)

Too much testosterone in a woman’s body can cause a lot of changes. This includes more body hair compared to an average woman, irregular or absent menstrual periods, or polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).

Knowing your Testosterone level

Testosterone can become high, low, or just average. A person can experience different health problems when their hormones are not balanced for too long.

Ask your doctor if you want to have your testosterone levels checked. Since testosterone levels change constantly, they can give you a time when it is at its most stable.

The doctor will have to run a blood test in order to find your testosterone level. If the results aren’t normal, you can repeat the test to be sure about it, but not on the same day as your previous test.

Sources:

https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-testosterone

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/276013#imbalances

https://www.health.harvard.edu/drugs-and-medications/testosterone–what-it-does-and-doesnt-do

https://www.hormone.org/your-health-and-hormones/glands-and-hormones-a-to-z/hormones/testosterone