Testosterone - Rebalance Hormone Clinic

Testosterone

Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in sexual and reproductive development, particularly in men. This androgen hormone is produced mainly in the testes in men and the ovaries in women, with smaller amounts produced by the adrenal glands in both sexes.

Functions of Testosterone

Testosterone performs several important functions in both males and females, including:

• Sexual development and reproduction - Testosterone controls development of male reproductive tissues and contributes to sex drive and sperm production in men. It also impacts sexual desire in women.
• Muscle and bone mass - Testosterone increases lean muscle mass and strength and is crucial for healthy bone density and strength.
• Body fat distribution - Testosterone helps distribute fat cells and influences where fat is stored in the body.
• Red blood cell production - Testosterone plays a role in the production of red blood cells in bone marrow.

Testosterone Levels

Testosterone production peaks during adolescence and early adulthood, then slowly declines with age. Levels typically range between 300 to 1,000 ng/dL in adult males and 15 to 70 ng/dL in adult females.

Abnormally high or low levels can impact health and quality of life. Low testosterone (low T) can cause fatigue, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, and depression in men. In women, high testosterone levels can lead to characteristics seen in PCOS like excess hair growth, irregular periods, infertility, and insulin resistance.

Causes of Low and High Testosterone

Testosterone levels can be impacted by factors like:

• Age
• Injury or infection of the testes
• Chemotherapy or radiation
• Medications
• Chronic conditions like diabetes, liver or kidney disease
• Obesity
• Genetic conditions

Treatment for Testosterone Imbalances

If a testosterone deficiency or excess is impacting health and quality of life, hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may be used to restore optimal testosterone levels at Rebalance Hormone Clinic. This can be accomplished with skin gels/patches, injections, implants, or oral medications prescribed by a doctor.

Lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet, exercising, reducing stress, and limiting alcohol intake can also help support healthy testosterone levels naturally. Maintaining a healthy weight and treating underlying medical conditions may further aid hormone balance.