Testosterone

Notes

• Testosterone is the primary sex masculine hormone.

• It plays several important roles, such as:

  • The development of the penis and testes;
  • The deepening of the voice during puberty;
  • The appearance of facial and pubic hair starting at puberty;
  • Muscle size and strength;
  • Bone growth and strength;
  • Sex drive (libido);
  • Sperm production.

• Adolescent boys with too little testosterone may not experience normal masculinization. For example, genitals may not enlarge, and the voice may not deepen normally.

• Signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland control the production of testosterone in men. The pituitary gland then relays signals to the testes to produce testosterone.

  • A feedback loop closely regulates the amount of testosterone in the blood. When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain sends signals to the pituitary to reduce production.

• Testosterone is also essential in females. These hormones are thought to have important effects on ovarian function, bone strength, and sexual behavior.

References

• Harvard Health Publishing. Testosterone — What It Does And Doesn't Do