In this lesson learn the definition of testosterone, how it is produced in the body and different types of therapy treatments. Afterwards, take a quiz to see how you score in your understanding of this important hormone.
The Importance of Testosterone
Testosterone is a male sex hormone, essential for sexual and reproductive development. Mainly produced in the testes, testosterone is responsible for the development of male sex organs before birth. Here’s the thing though: testosterone is equally important during a whole lifespan!If you’re male, think back to your early teens when you were going through puberty. At this age, testosterone was produced in your body to help develop secondary sex characteristics, such as the deepening of your voice, increased penis and testes size, and the growth of facial and body hair.
As we continue through the aging process, testosterone helps men participate in sexual activities, produce sperm, distribute fat, produce red blood cells, and maintain muscle strength.
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Testosterone and Women
You may be asking the question, ‘Do women have testosterone?’ The answer is yes! Although a female body has approximately one tenth of the amount of testosterone as that of a man, it still plays a role in their development. Testosterone helps ensure that a woman’s muscle and bone mass are stabilized, ensuring that they have a less likely chance of suffering from osteoporosis.
Women also obtain an increased sex drive from testosterone. However, because a female’s testosterone level is less, this is the reason that your mother typically won’t grow a beard.
