Testosterone

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and anabolic steroid that is essential for both sexual and reproductive development. Produced mainly in the testes, testosterone plays a key role in many areas:

Key Functions

Testosterone is crucial for many aspects of men's health, including:

• Sex drive and erectile function: Testosterone regulates libido and is needed for getting and maintaining erections. Low testosterone can reduce sex drive.


• Muscle mass: Testosterone helps build and maintain muscle mass by promoting muscle protein synthesis. This is why it's linked to athletic performance.


• Bone density: The hormone helps strengthen bones by stimulating bone mineral density. It's vital for osteoporosis prevention.


• Fat distribution: Testosterone promotes greater muscle mass rather than fat mass. It mobilizes fat stores around the abdomen and midsection.


• Sperm production: The testes require adequate testosterone levels to produce millions of sperm cells. Low testosterone can impact fertility.


• Red blood cell production: Testosterone supports the bone marrow to make red blood cells that carry oxygen. Deficiency can lead to anemia.

Testosterone also affects mood, cognition, hair growth, and inflammation. Balanced levels are key - both high and low testosterone cause symptoms.

Causes of Low Testosterone

The leading causes of low testosterone or "hypogonadism" include:

• Advancing age


• Obesity


• Chronic illness


• Injury/trauma to the testes


• Congenital conditions


• Anabolic steroid abuse


• Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome

If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, erectile dysfunction, or depression, Renew Hormone Clinic can accurately measure your testosterone levels with a simple blood test. Our experts in men's health and hormone optimization can provide customized treatments to restore strength, vitality, virility, confidence, and quality of life.

Signs of Low Testosterone

Some key signs of low testosterone levels include:

• Decreased energy and stamina


• Reduced muscle mass and strength


• Fatigue, irritability, and depression


• Low libido and erectile dysfunction


• Loss of body and facial hair


• Decreased bone density

Low testosterone not only affects how you look and feel - it increases risk for various chronic diseases like osteoporosis, heart disease, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and premature death.

Testosterone Levels Over Time

After puberty, testosterone levels peak in the late teens to early 20s. Production gradually declines approximately 1% per year thereafter. Some men can experience a steeper drop around ages 30 to 50. Testosterone deficiency is estimated to impact nearly 40% of men by age 45.

While testosterone declines are a natural part of aging, significant drops can seriously impact men's health and vitality. Through an individualized treatment plan, the caring medical team at Renew Hormone Clinic helps men optimize their hormones for an active, healthy, rewarding life.