Primarily produced in the testes or testicles, testosterone is a type of hormone that plays a number of important roles in the human body. In men, it is crucial to the development of features and characteristics that are distinctively male and masculine. In women, it is necessary in brain function, and bone and muscle growth and development.
Roles of testosterone – The different functions of testosterone
For good health, you should have normal testosterone levels in your body. Testosterone is key to many different bodily processes that occur from birth to old age, including:
- Development of strong and healthy bones and muscles
- Growth of body hair — facial hair, pubic hair, etc.
- In men, the deepening of the voice during puberty
- Sexual desire or libido
- Memory, focus, and mood
- Distribution of body fat
Testosterone levels – The normal testosterone levels in men and women according to age
Testosterone levels are measured in nanograms per deciliter or ng/dL, and the normal range in men and women vary by age.
Men
- 0 to 5 months: 75–400
- 6 months to 9 years: <7-20
- 10 years to 11 years: <7-130
- 12 years to 13 years: <7-800
- 14 years: <7-1,200
- 15 years to 16 years: 100-1,200
- 17 years to 18 years: 300-1,200
- 19+ years: 240-950
On average, the normal testosterone level of an adult man is about 270 to 1,070 ng/dL. And, from age 30, the testosterone level decreases by 1% each year.
Women
- 0 months to 5 months: 20-80
- 6 months to 9 years: <7-20
- 10 years to 11 years: <7-44
- 12 years to 16 years: <7-75
- 17 years to 18 years: 20-75
- 19+ years: 8-60
Women produce much less testosterone than men. On average, the normal testosterone level of an adult woman is about 15 to 70 ng/dL.
Low testosterone – The causes, symptoms, and dangers
Sometimes, testosterone levels in the body can fall below the normal range and bring about a variety of health problems. In men, low testosterone is prevalent, especially as they get older, because testosterone naturally declines with age. However, there are men who also experience a decrease in their testosterone levels due to:
- Suffering an injury to the testicles
- Having pituitary disorders
- Having tuberculosis, sarcoidosis, or some other inflammatory disease
- Growth of testicular tumors
- Undergoing cancer treatment
- Getting infected with HIV or AIDS
If you have low testosterone, you will notice several changes in your physical, emotional, and sexual abilities. Below are examples of common signs and symptoms of low testosterone:
Low sex drive
Men with low testosterone usually lose interest in sex, causing self-esteem issues, and conflicts with their sex partners.
Trouble getting and/or keeping an erection
Even after receiving sexual stimulation, getting an erection or keeping it firm and long enough for sexual pleasure becomes difficult. If it happens frequently, you may have erectile dysfunction.
Decreased bone and muscle strength
If your testosterone levels are low, your bones and muscles lose their strength, mass, and density, and they become prone to injuries and disorders.
Poor mental health
Stress and anxiety levels tend to increase as testosterone levels decrease. Depression and other mental health problems may also arise.
Impaired brain function
Focusing on tasks at hand, remembering names and dates, and processing information may start to become difficult, as testosterone is integral in keeping the brain healthy and alert.
Testosterone pills – A way to increase testosterone levels
If your testosterone levels are low, you should immediately go see your doctor. You will be prescribed some medications that can boost your testosterone levels and get your health back on track.
Usually, those with low testosterone are prescribed testosterone pills. These medications can help treat your body’s testosterone problem and get rid of the signs and symptoms. As long as you obey your doctor’s recommended dosage, you should not encounter any problems, and be able to see a positive change in your testosterone levels in no time.
However, if taken in excess, testosterone pills can bring about several side effects that can put your health in jeopardy.
In one study, it was found that testosterone supplements significantly increased the risk of heart problems in their male participants over the age of 65. In another study, it showed that even healthy men in their sexual peaks who take too much testosterone pills and supplements had increased odds of suffering from a heart attack.
For your safety, you should not attempt to take more than your doctor’s prescribed dosage of testosterone pills to hasten the effects. Instead, listen to a medical professional’s advice, and be patient to not make everything worse.
Natural testosterone-boosters – Techniques to naturally improve your testosterone levels
If testosterone pills are not for you, you should not worry about having to suffer from low testosterone levels for the rest of your life, as there are many ways that you can naturally boost your body’s testosterone. Here are the things that you should do:
1. Start a healthy diet
Eat more foods that are loaded with zinc, potassium, vitamin D, and various other essential nutrients, as these compounds can facilitate testosterone production, and improve your sexual health.
2. Be more physically active
Get into a regular exercise routine because more physically activity can naturally boost your body’s testosterone production. It also burns more calories, helping you lose weight, and get fit and in shape more efficiently.
3. Stay away from stress
There are many things in life that can cause stress, and being exposed to them often can put your sexual health in danger, as they can impair your body’s ability to produce not only enough testosterone, but also good quality sperm.
4. Sleep at least 7 to 9 hours a night
With enough sleep, your different bodily systems and organs can rest and recharge, allowing them to carry out their jobs more effectively.
