Testosterone plays an integral role in various body functions and is the main driver behind the development and maintenance of stereotypically male characteristics.
Secondary Sex Characteristics
Testosterone is responsible for stimulating the development of secondary male sex characteristics including the deepening of the voice, growth of the testes and penis, and development of body and facial hair.
Muscle Growth
Testosterone stimulates protein synthesis which promotes muscle growth and enhances strength. Adequate levels of testosterone are also necessary for physical performance and adequate recovery from activity.
Regulation of Fat Distribution
Testosterone boosts metabolism and enhances the body’s ability to burn fat. Additionally, because of its muscle-building capabilities, it indirectly reduces existing body fat as well as the storage of additional body fat.
Regulation of Bone Density
Testosterone stimulates bone formation and reduces bone reabsorption. Testosterone works independently in this process as well as in concert with estrogen.
Estrogen Production
In men, estrogen is the result of the conversion of testosterone via the enzyme aromatase. Estrogen plays an important role in bone and cardiovascular health. Some studies have linked low levels of testosterone to increased cardiovascular risk, likely due to the reduction in estrogen.
Blood Cell Production
Testosterone stimulates the production of red blood cells. Red blood cells play an important role in the transport of oxygen and nutrients as well as the removal of metabolic waste.
Mood Regulation
Low levels of testosterone are associated with depressive symptoms. Most men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) report an improvement in mood from baseline. There is also speculation that women may experience higher rates of anxiety and depression in part due to lower levels of testosterone.
Cognitive Function
Testosterone plays an important role in memory, attention, executive function, and concentration. It also may have neuroprotective properties that can help slow the cognitive decline that occurs with aging.
Motivation
Testosterone influences neurotransmitter activity and higher levels of testosterone are associated with increased reward system activation. This generally results in more goal-oriented and competitive behavior to overcome obstacles and achieve success.
Sexual Function
Testosterone plays a direct role in erectile function both from a psychological and physical perspective. From a psychological standpoint, it helps regulate mood (as previously discussed) and sexual desire. Physically it helps regulate nitrous oxide which produces the vasodilation necessary to achieve an erection, PDE-5 (phosphodiesterase-5) to help maintain an erection, and androgen receptors to help preserve the structural integrity of the penis.
Libido
Sex drive is influenced by many factors most of which are greatly impacted by testosterone. Mood, motivation, and erectile function as previously discussed all play an important role in determining one's interest in sex. Additionally, testosterone directly impacts the centers in the brain responsible for desire as well as the sensitivity and responsiveness of the genital tissues to stimulation. Together these factors generally result in enhanced sexual pleasure further driving increased desire.
Sperm production
Testosterone promotes the development and maturation of sperm. It also helps maintain the supportive structures necessary for sperm transport.
…and more. These are some of the most important roles of testosterone but is by no means an inclusive list.
Men who have optimized their testosterone levels often describe therapy as an “overall improvement in well-being” which describes well its multifaceted function and importance.
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