Testosterone, the key male sex hormone is what regulates fertility in men. Though predominantly present in men, women also produce testosterone, but to a limited extent.
“Despite being a male sex hormone, testosterone also contributes to sex drive, bone density and muscle strength in women,” says Dr Thelma Sequeira, a community health specialist with BMC (Bombay Municipal Corporation, retd).
In men, chronic or ongoing low testosterone may lead to osteoporosis, mood swings, reduced energy and testicular shrinkage, she adds.
Role of testosterone in men
Testosterone in men is largely responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics. “The male sex hormone regulates sex drive (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. It can also affect sleep, mood, the size of the testicles and erections,” says Dr Mohammed Shahid Ali, consultant – urology, andrology, robotic surgery and renal transplantation, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru.
Testosterone in women
Women also produce testosterone although in smaller amounts. “An excess of this hormone can cause women to experience male pattern baldness, a deep voice, menstrual irregularities, as well as changes in body shape, reduction in breast size and facial hair growth around the lips and chin,” says Dr Sequeira.
Imbalance of the male sex hormone
“It is completely natural for testosterone levels to decrease over time. Most men over the age of eighty have low testosterone. But younger men can be troubled with symptoms of low testosterone too — especially those who are overweight or have certain underlying health conditions, like diabetes and sleep apnea,” points out Dr Sequeira.
She adds that adolescent boys with too little testosterone may not experience normal masculinisation. For example, the genitals may not enlarge, facial and body hair may be scant and the voice may not deepen normally. It is important to consult an endocrinologist if you feel that you have a testosterone imbalance due to some of the more obvious symptoms. It can be detected through a simple blood test and treated accordingly.
Hypogonadism
Hypogonadism is a condition caused by low testosterone. Experts say one could either be born with hypogonadism or it could be the result of an injury later in life. Dr Ali gives a few reasons for hypogonadism:
- Cancer treatments like chemotherapy or radiation
- Medications, such as corticosteroids
- Antifungals and opioids
- Genetic conditions, such as Klinefelter syndrome
- Alcohol and drug abuse
Misuse of the hormone
Natural testosterone is an anabolic-androgenic steroid that enables muscle building and the development of male characteristics. Synthetic versions of testosterone made in labs are often misused by athletes and bodybuilders who take high doses of it to boost their performance levels. This can be extremely dangerous, says Dr Vijayaraghavan, endocrinologist, Manipal Hospitals, Bengaluru.
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Treatments
There are treatment therapies available for people with low testosterone, but these are not prescribed for everyone as they could have serious side effects.
“Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can be done in the case of low testosterone; however, it comes with certain risks. The treatment for hypogonadism in younger men is different from treating late-onset hypogonadism in older men. Only older adults with severe symptoms of low testosterone are treated with testosterone supplements like skin gels, patches and injections,” says Dr Vijayaraghavan.
Treatment must be closely monitored by a specialist who can decide between the perceived benefits of the treatment and the risks involved, he adds.
Improve testosterone levels naturally
Dr Ali recommends exercise and a low-fat diet to maintain a good level of testosterone in the body. Antioxidants like zinc and omega-3 fatty acids help boost testosterone production.
Mariam Begg, a Bengaluru-based certified health and nutrition coach explains ways to naturally boost testosterone levels.
- Lose excess weight
- Avoid refined and simple carbohydrates
- Have plenty of vegetables and fruits
- Consume whole-grain carbs
- Have lean protein (chicken and fish)
- Exercise daily
- Address underlying health problems
- Manage stress
- Get adequate sleep.
