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Testosterone is the most important sex hormone in men

Testosterone is men’s most important sex hormone, the amount of which affects overall health and well-being.

Testosterone

  • Testosterone has an effect on the development of typical male characteristics during puberty, sperm production and sex drive. 
  • Low testosterone levels can cause sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual desire. 
  • Testosterone is a hormone whose production you can effectively influence with healthy choices.
  • Losing excess weight is the most effective way to boost testosterone; even losing a few kilos can help increase testosterone levels.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone that helps develop male characteristics. For example, testosterone affects facial hair and muscle growth. A decrease in testosterone secretion can cause low libido and impotence.

If testosterone levels are low, they can be influenced by healthy habits. 

How does testosterone work?

Testosterone production occurs in tthe testicles in men, and in the ovaries and adrenal cortex in women. Testosterone production is regulated by the pituitary luteinising hormone (LH). 

Before puberty, boys and girls have the same amount of testosterone. During puberty, the secretion of testosterone in men increases significantly, and testosterone is secreted from the testicles throughout a man’s life. 

How does testosterone affect?

Among other things, testosterone has an effect on the development of typical male characteristics during puberty, sperm production, and sex drive. It also affects bone and muscle mass, fat stores in men and red blood cell production. Testosterone levels also affect our mood. 

Low testosterone levels can cause sexual disorders, such as erectile dysfunction and lack of sexual desire. Sexual desire or low libido are also affected by various other hormones and neurotransmitters in the brain.

What affects testosterone production?

The most common cause of low testosterone is excess weight. Abdominal obesity, to which men are particularly susceptible, lowers testosterone levels. Testosterone deficiency can occur in men of all ages.

Other causes of testosterone deficiency can be congenital causes, diseases, or the use of anabolic steroids. Excessive consumption of alcohol also reduces the amount of testosterone.

A decrease in testosterone production is normally associated with ageing.

Decrease of testosterone with aging

Decrease in testosterone production is normally associated with ageing. Decrease of testosterone levels starts at about 45 years of age.

Many long-term diseases lower the amount of testosterone in the blood. Treatment of diseases often restores testosterone levels.

Low testosterone in a young man

Low testosterone is also possible in younger men. Decreased testosterone levels are most often associated with excess weight and lifestyle but there may be other causes as well. If testosterone levels are low, they can be influenced by healthy habits. 

Low testosterone can also be related to a disease. Especially in younger men, it is necessary to investigate the causes of low testosterone during a doctor’s appointment.

Measurement of testosterone

Testosterone levels are measured through a laboratory test (blood test).

It’s always important to discuss the significance of testosterone levels and potential follow-up actions with a doctor. Interpreting the results of a laboratory test is not always simple. The doctor assesses the possible testosterone deficiency based on symptoms and measured testosterone levels.

A single low testosterone level alone is not enough to determine whether there is a testosterone deficiency that requires treatment other than lifestyle changes.

To determine the cause and significance of testosterone deficiency, additional laboratory tests are also needed.

Measurement of testosterone in women 

For women, the need for testosterone tests is always assessed by a doctor. 

In women, testosterone levels can be measured when overproduction of testosterone is suspected, such as to study hirsutism (excess body hair), virilism (characteristics associated with male hormones), and polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). 

In addition, testosterone tests can be used to examine deficiencies in the hormone production of the adrenal gland and hormonally active tumours. 

Reference values for S-Testo

Reference values for S-Testo are different for women and men.

Reference levels may vary depending on the laboratory and the test analysis method.

Low testosterone level in men

Decreased testosterone levels are most often associated with excess weight and lifestyle but there may be other causes as well.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone? 

Testosterone deficiency can be linked to various general symptoms, such as fatigue, troubles in sleeping, low mood, depressive symptoms, and decreased libido. If you suspect a disease or have symptoms, seek medical advice. These symptoms may also be related to another condition or disease. 

Symptoms of reduced testosterone in men depend on age. 

What does low testosterone level mean?

In men who have passed puberty, low testosterone level alone does not necessarily mean a harmful condition.

However, if there are symptoms associated with low testosterone level, such as erectile dysfunction, depression, loss of interest in life, sadness, fatigue, and reduced sexual desire, treatment is considered. Excess weight should be lost, and if necessary, testosterone replacement therapy may be considered.

What can be the causes of low testosterone?

Deficiencies in male hormone can occur as a result of certain genetic disorders or illnesses. However, the most common cause of deficiency is lifestyle and obesity.

Causes of low testosterone can include:

How to increase testosterone levels – What increases testosterone? 

Testosterone is a hormone whose production you can effectively influence with healthy choices. The following measures can help to increase testosterone levels: 

  1. Aiming for normal weight. The most common cause of low testosterone is excess weight. Abdominal obesity, to which men are particularly susceptible, lowers testosterone levels. Even a few kilos of weight loss can help boost testosterone levels! We recommend trying to maintain a normal weight and strive for permanent weight management. 
  2. Exercise. Exercise is good for weight management, but it’s a healthy choice for other reasons as well. 
  3. Use alcohol in moderation. Small amounts of alcohol do not adversely affect testosterone production, but those who consume large amounts of alcohol usually have clearly lowered testosterone levels. 
  4. Avoid stress. Stress causes the body to secrete cortisol, which in turn interferes with testosterone production. Think about how you can reduce stress factors in your life. Do not overwork yourself and remember to relax and recover. 
  5. Smoking can impair testicular health and reduce testosterone production. 

High testosterone: Can there be too much testosterone? 

Testosterone levels can be high, and women also sometimes suffer from excessive testosterone levels. In men, elevated testosterone levels usually have a clear cause (such as hyperthyroidism). 

In men, high testosterone levels can be caused by hyperthyroidism, an adrenal tumour or, in younger boys, early puberty. 

Women sometimes experience overproduction of testosterone, which can lead to menstrual disorders and increased hair growth. 

Causes of high testosterone production can include polycystic ovaries, tumours that produce male hormones in the ovaries and adrenal glands, as well as some medications, such as anabolic steroids. 

FAQ

To achieve hormone balance, it is important to follow healthy lifestyle habits, such as regular exercise, a balanced diet, and adequate sleep. In some cases, hormone replacement therapy or other medical interventions prescribed by a doctor may also be required.

Testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, especially in young men. The level decreases throughout the day and is at its lowest in the evening.

Testosterone levels can be lowered by avoiding excessive exercise, following a strict low-fat diet, and avoiding certain medications, such as opioids. It is advisable to discuss with a doctor before starting any measures.

The effects of testosterone can begin to appear within a few weeks of starting treatment, but full effects are typically not achieved until several months later.

Testosterone levels can decrease with age, usually starting from the age of 30-40. Stress, poor nutrition, and certain diseases can also lower levels.

Testosterone can be obtained as a prescription medication from a doctor, which may be in the form of a gel, injection, or tablet. The doctor assesses the need for testosterone therapy based on a thorough examination and blood tests.

Testosterone affects in many ways, such as promoting the increase of muscle mass and bone strength, supporting sexual function, and influencing mood and energy levels.

Getting a testosterone prescription requires a visit to the doctor, where necessary examinations and blood tests are conducted. The doctor assesses the need for testosterone therapy and prescribes it if deemed necessary.

Testosterone is measured with a blood test, usually taken in the morning because testosterone levels are highest in the early hours.

The effect of testosterone gel usually begins to show within a few days of regular use. However, full effects may not be seen until several weeks or months later.

Testosterone levels can be naturally increased by getting enough sleep, engaging in strength training, avoiding excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy diet. In some cases, medical interventions such as testosterone replacement therapy may be considered.

T3 (triiodothyronine) is an active thyroid hormone.
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T3 (triiodothyronine) is an active thyroid hormone

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Article updated:
23 October 2024

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