Key Roles of Testosterone in Men

Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced in men by the testes and to a lesser extent by the adrenal glands and even the skin in minute amounts. It is derived from the biosynthesis of cholesterol in the body and plays a very important role, right from conception and all throughout life. Testosterone production is regulated by the pituitary gland. When levels dip, the pituitary gland releases LH (luteinizing hormone) and FSH (follicle stimulating hormone) which signal the testes to increase testosterone production. When levels increase, it serves as an inhibitor for the testes to stop producing testosterone. Its functions directly affect every system in the human body, as described below.

Key Roles of Testosterone

·         Maturation of sex organs (formation of penis, scrotum, and prostate gland in the womb before birth)

·         Increasing bone mineral density

·         Changes in adolescent boys such as deepening of voice and growth of chest and facial hair and hair on upper lips.

·         Increase in muscle bulk

·         Presence of body odor in teenage boys

·         Increasing the oiliness of skin by increasing the size of sebaceous glands, which can lead to acne

·         Growth of Adam's apple

·         Normal development of sperm

·         Responsible for platelet aggregation which is necessary for wounds to heal faster

·         Maintains energy levels

·         Enhances sex drive

·         Helps to lose abdominal fat

This proves the importance of testosterone in a man's life. It's crucial to maintain optimum testosterone levels for overall health. For most men, testosterone production begins to abate as they reach 40. A decline in these levels can have significant effects on a man's health, which can include muscle atrophy, diminishing libido, sluggishness, excess belly fat, and inability to focus on tasks at hand. Many men associate these signs with advanced age and aren’t really aware that low testosterone could be the reason.

Low testosterone is very common and the good part is it can be easily managed through diet, exercise, and the use of nonprescription products such as Ageless Male. A diet which consists of fruits and vegetables and foods high in omega-3 fatty acids, proteins, and carbohydrates is essential to increase the body's testosterone production. Additionally, nutritional supplements can also trigger testosterone production and bring it up to the normal range. If you go through Ageless Male reviews, you'll see that these pills work best when men stick to a daily workout regime, because exercise encourages the body to enhance its testosterone production.

Just as low testosterone has a negative impact, an over-abundance of this hormone can have behavioral and physical side effects. It can cause aggression and violence, and also lead to man boobs and baldness. So educate yourself about the importance of testosterone in your life and why it is imperative to maintain a healthy range, because very low or very high levels may result in potential health concerns for men.