Testosterone Replacement Therapy
Testosterone is the main male hormone that maintains muscle mass and strength, fat distribution, bone mass, sperm production, sex drive, and potency. Testosterone is considered to be the "Male Hormone".
Testosterone: A "male hormone" -- a sex hormone produced by the testes that encourages the development of male sexual characteristics, stimulates the activity of the male secondary sex characteristics, penis growth, muscle development and Masculine features. Chemically, testosterone is 17-beta-hydroxy-4-androstene-3-one. Testosterone is the most potent of the naturally occurring androgens. The androgens in general also cause the development of male sex characteristics, such as a deep voice and a beard; they also strengthen muscle tone and bone mass.
High levels of testosterone appear to promote good health in men, for example, lowering the risks of high blood pressure and heart attack. High testosterone levels also correlate with risky behavior, however, including increased aggressiveness and smoking , which may cancel out these health benefits.
Testosterone therapy may be given to treat medical conditions, including female (but not male) breast cancer hypogonadism (low gonadal function) in the male, cryptorchism (nondescent of the testis into the scrotum), and menorrhagia (irregular periods).
Testosterone is the primary androgenic hormone and is responsible for normal growth and development of male sex organs and maintenance of secondary sex characteristics. Pre-pubertal hypogonadism is generally characterized by infantile genitalia and lack of virilization, while the development of hypogonadism after puberty frequently results in complaints such as diminished libido, erectile dysfunction, infertility, gynecomastia, impaired masculinization, changes in body composition, reductions in body and facial hair, and osteoporosis. Hypogonadal men also report levels of anger, confusion, depression, and fatigue that are significantly higher than those reported in eugonadal men (high testosterone men).
Evaluation of potential candidates for testosterone replacement therapy should include a complete medical history and hormonal screening. Total serum testosterone should be measured in the morning. When the serum testosterone level is low and LH is elevated, testosterone replacement therapy is warranted. Patients with low serum LH and testosterone levels need an imaging study of their pituitary and may need endocrinologic consultation.
Testosterone is a male hormone produced by the testes and responsible for producing and maintaining male sex characteristics. The testes is the male reproductive gland. Testosterone is the major androgenic hormone made by the testes in response to luteinizing hormones from the pituitary gland. Testosterone hormones promote the development of adult male characteristics including deep voice, strong muscle and bone mass, and sperm. High levels of testosterone promote good health in men and lower the risk of high blood pressure and heart attack. Testosterone also stimulates metabolism and the burning of body fat. During puberty, testosterone levels are at a lifetime peak. These levels begin to decline about the age of 23.
