Physiological functions of testosterone, one of the most important sex hormones in both males and females:
🧬 What Is Testosterone?
- Testosterone is a steroid hormone in the androgen family.
- It is primarily produced in:
- Testes (Leydig cells) in males
- Ovaries and adrenal glands in females
- It plays key roles in development, reproduction, metabolism, and behavior.
🧪 Formula: C₁₉H₂₈O₂
🔁 Synthesized from: Cholesterol → DHEA → Androstenedione → Testosterone
Testosterone Associated Diseases and Disorders
♂️🧬 Physiological Functions of Testosterone
1. 🧒 Sexual Differentiation and Development
- Fetal stage: Drives development of male internal and external genitalia
- Promotes testis descent, penis and scrotum formation, and Wolffian duct development
2. 🧑🦱 Puberty and Secondary Sexual Characteristics
- Initiates:
- Deepening of the voice
- Facial and body hair
- Muscle mass increase
- Bone growth and density
- Increased libido
- Penile and testicular growth
3. 🍆 Spermatogenesis and Fertility
- Supports sperm production by stimulating Sertoli cells in the testes
- Works with FSH to maintain normal sperm counts
4. 🧠 Behavior and Mood
- Influences:
- Sex drive (libido)
- Aggression
- Cognitive function and memory
- Mood regulation (deficiency can cause depression or fatigue)
5. 💪 Anabolic Effects
- Increases:
- Muscle protein synthesis
- Strength and endurance
- Bone mineral density (prevents osteoporosis)
6. ⚖️ Metabolic Regulation
- Helps regulate:
- Fat distribution
- Insulin sensitivity
- Red blood cell production via erythropoietin stimulation
7. 🙋♀️ Functions in Females
- Produced in smaller amounts (ovaries, adrenals)
- Supports:
- Libido
- Bone health
- Muscle strength
- Precursor to estradiol (via aromatase)
📊 Summary Table
| Function | Effect |
| Sexual development | Male genitalia formation in fetus |
| Puberty | Secondary sex traits (voice, hair, growth) |
| Reproduction | Sperm production and fertility |
| Behavior | Libido, mood, aggression |
| Anabolic | Muscle, bone density, protein synthesis |
| Metabolic | Fat balance, RBC production |
| Female roles | Libido, estradiol precursor, bone health |