The main sex hormone and anabolic steroid in males is testosterone. In humans, testosterone is essential for the growth of the testes and prostate, as well as for the promotion of secondary sexual traits including increased bone and muscle mass and the development of body hair.
During adolescence and early adulthood, testosterone production increases approximately 30 times. It’s normal for levels to fall slightly each year after early adulthood. After the age of 30, your body may experience a 1% decline.
Additionally, testosterone affects moods, behavior, and the prevention of osteoporosis in both sexes. It also plays a role in health and wellbeing. Men who don’t get enough testosterone may develop problems like bone loss and weakness.
1. Healthy heart and blood
A healthy heart circulates blood throughout the body, providing muscles and organs with the oxygen they require for peak performance. Testosterone promotes red blood cell production in the bone marrow. Low testosterone levels are associated with a number of cardiovascular risks.
2. Less fat, more muscle
Increased muscle mass is caused by testosterone. Leaner body mass aids in weight control and increases energy. Studies show that treatment can reduce fat mass while increasing muscle size and strength in men with low testosterone.
Some men reported an increase in lean body mass but not in strength. When you combine testosterone therapy with strength training and exercise, you’re more likely to see results.
3. Stronger bones
Testosterone has a significant impact on bone mineral density. Men’s bone density declines as they age, and testosterone levels fall. This increases the risk of bone weakness and osteoporosis. Strong bones support your muscles and internal organs, which can help you perform better in sports.
4. Better verbal memory, spatial abilities, or mathematical reasoning
Research shows that men with higher ratios of total testosterone have a reduced incidence of Alzheimer’s disease. There’s also evidence for a strong correlation between testosterone and thinking abilities such as verbal memory and faster processing speed. Testosterone treatment for men 34 to 70 years old has shown an improvement in spatial memory.
5. Better libido
Testosterone levels naturally rise in response to sexual arousal and activity. Men with higher levels of testosterone usually have greater sexual activity. Older men need more testosterone for libido and erectile function. But it’s important to note that erectile dysfunction is often due to other conditions or medications rather than low testosterone levels.
6. Improved mood
Lower testosterone levels are associated with poorer quality of life. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone levels include depression, fatigue, and irritability. But some research showsTrusted Source that this may only be for men with hypogonadism. Men whose bodies follow the normal decrease of testosterone over time didn’t show an increase for depression.
Credit: Healthline
