What Exactly is Testosterone
Testosterone is a member of the steroid family
of hormones called androgens. More and more, this
family is derived through chemical conversion
from the steroid ring-structure of cholesterol.
This hormone plays a vital role in the bodies
of both men and women.There are only minor differences
between this hormone and others such as estrogen,
progesterone, DHEA, cortisone, and androstenedione.
They are small molecules, which becomes important
when we look at what routes of administration
are available.
As commonly known, testosterone
stimulates the development of the penis and testes,
growth of facial and pubic hair, deepening of
the voice, changes in body shape, growth of bones,
and increased muscle mass and strength in males.
It helps maintain sex drive and the production
of sperm cells, and it may play a role in balding.
Mood is also affected by testosterone, and low
levels of the hormone can cause severe and prolonged
depression as well as fatigue, to name a few conditions.
High levels of testosterone appear to promote
good health in men, for example, lowering the
risks of high blood pressure and heart attacks.
High testosterone levels also correlate with risky
behavior, however, including increased aggressiveness
and sometimes even smoking, which may cancel out
these useful health benefits.
Ninety-five percent
of circulating testosterone is produced in the
male testicles under the influence of a hormone
released from the pituitary gland called luteinizing
hormone (LH). Throughout the day, LH is released
in spurts that stimulate the release of testosterone
from the testicles.
The signals are particularly strong in the early
morning, which accounts for the higher testosterone
levels and spontaneous morning erections and increased
libido. By the late evening the levels of testosterone
can fall by 50-percent, which signals the pituitary
gland to increase its production of LH to restart
the cycle.Testosterone Info provides detailed
information about testosterone creams and supplements.
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