Testosterone is name of male sex hormone secreted by testes. It is responsible for male sexual characteristics and stimulates secondary sexual characteristics. Testosterone is produced by ovaries (in females) to some extent. Among all other androgen groups available, testosterone is the most powerful one. Androgens are responsible for producing beard and male voice apart from building muscle tone. If the testosterone levels are normal/high the person is said to have good health.
Indirectly testosterone helps in reducing the blood pressure and prevents heart attack and osteoporosis. This hormone is given in the form of injection to treat breast cancer in females and for treating hypogonadism in males. Low levels of testosterone can be a cause of erectile dysfunction. A healthy adult (male) the level of testosterone would be about 7 times greater than the levels in adult female.
Low Testosterone Causes in Males :
The amount of testosterone secreted by the testicles (in men) would gradually decline as he grows older. At the age of 30 its level would be in peak. Certain factors like injury or infection on the testicles, undergoing chemo therapy, high iron content in the body, infection of pituitary gland, serious inflammatory diseases like sarcoidosis, prostate cancer, kidney failure and liver cirrhosis can reduce the amount of testosterone secretion significantly. Chronic illness, alcoholism (daily drinking) and obesity can also reduce the secretion of testosterone.
Symptoms :
Primary sign of low testosterone in men is reduced sex drive and loss of interest in sex. He may have erectile dysfunction, may develop depression and other psychological problems. Physical changes of low testosterone include decreased muscle mass, increased cholesterol level (high body fat) and loss of body hair. Low levels of testosterone can cause osteoporosis due to weakened bones, reduction in the production of hemoglobin (causing anemia) and reduced bodily hair.