What Does Testosterone Do, And Why Is It So Important?
Testosterone is considered to be the hormone which drives men but its effects cover much more than the cliche about testosterone driving masculinity. It is the main key to general health as it affects many aspects such as muscle mass and energy levels to mood and libido in men and women. Although there is more of the hormone in men, it plays a critical role in the health of women as well.
The testosterone also starts to decrease gradually after the age of 30 generally, by approximately one percent a year. It is a normal phenomenon of ageing, although in many cases, it may cause the energy level, motivation, body composition and health of people to change. This is why it is important to monitor the level of testosterone in the body and know how it impacts it.
Your testosterone level can be disclosed by a simple blood test, yet in case you are experiencing low mood, weak muscles, or lack of libido, a health check-up is usually advised. Hormones do not operate on their own and gaining the whole picture assists in designing suitable forms of treatment that your body actually requires.
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by male gonads called testicles, and feminine gonads – which are ovaries in women. It is also synthesized by the adrenal glands that are above the kidneys, in small quantities. This hormone plays the role of developing reproductive organs and secondary sexual traits such as having deep voices, the growth of facial hair and more muscle in men. It also triggers sperm formation and affects fat body distribution, energy as well as mood.
Testosterone is also made in women but in minimal quantities. Nevertheless, it has an important contribution to the wellbeing in women, as it facilitates libido, muscle tone, bone density, and emotional equilibrium. This hormone in women is produced by the teamwork of the ovaries and the adrenal glands and part of this hormone arises due to the conversion of a precursor hormone called DHEA which is also produced by the adrenal glands.
Cholesterol is used to produce the hormone and this demonstrates the connectivity of all our systems. This production process feeds off our diet together with the state of our liver and their cholesterol levels. As a result, therefore, an imbalance in testosterone is usually a condition that indicates a general imbalance in health.
Whenever everything is fine, your body is able to manufacture all the testosterones it requires. It is referred to as endogenous or natural testosterone. However, when the production becomes too low either through the ageing process, a disease, or endocrine imbalances then the medical specialists may suggest the use of synthetic testosterone to bring the affected body to equilibrium.
Testosterone deficiency or male hypogonadism are some of the conditions that are normally treated using synthetic testosterone. It is expected in hormone replacement therapy to raise the energy levels, restore the libido, promote muscle wellness and alleviate conditions such as fatigue and low mood. This treatment is usually highly effective in increasing the quality of life when it is prescribed and controlled by a medical expert.
However, when testosterone is used without clinical guidance, it exposes an individual to dangers. It is sometimes used incorrectly by athletes or bodybuilders who want to have muscles or increase their performance. This type of usage may have severe side effects that include blood clotting and strokes, liver damage, heart problems and a subsequent risk of prostate cancer. Cases of hormonal imbalances are a common problem too, which is why long-term misuse could be harmful.
To prevent such complications, the therapy using testosterone must be prescribed under the medical indication and regular observation of health in the future.
Testosterone is a powerful hormone with wide-reaching effects across the body and brain. It plays a lead role during puberty, triggering growth spurts, changes in body shape, voice deepening, and the development of sexual organs and features. But it continues to shape health throughout adulthood.
In men, testosterone supports:
Testosterone on the other hand determines internal reproductive organs and the sex differentiation even in the fetal stage of development. When there is insufficient testosterone in adult life, this may result in frailty, gaining of fat, lack of interest in sex, lack of energy, irritability or even depression.
The testosterone helps in promoting tissue growth by promoting the synthesis of proteins. It has a therapeutic effect on androgen receptors in the muscles and bones; thus aiding the body to gain strength and recover. Interestingly, testosterone can be metabolised into oestrogen that is critical in the bone density in both genders. A person may develop low bone health with a lack of testosterone and be more likely to get a fracture and osteoporosis under such conditions.
Regulation of testosterone is not a simple process and is composed of various systems of the human endocrine system, including mainly hypothalamus, pituitary and gonads. The association is referred to as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis and it works under feedback.
This is what happens: through hypothalamus, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) is released and triggers the secretion of the luteinising hormone (LH) by the pituitary gland. LH then activates the Leydig cells in the testes which then transforms the cholesterol to testosterone. As the testosterone amount is adequate, the brain communicates less, producing it so that the body should not overproduce.
Another small source of testosterone comes in the excretion of the adrenal glands both in a man and a woman whose testosterone is excreted in the adrenal glands during stress or when hormones change. These systems, in unison, maintain steady levels.
Also it is good to understand that the levels of testosterone are not always equal during a day. They tend to be highest in the mornings and lowest in the afternoon and evenings. The tendency of normal fluctuations is referred to as the diurnal variation and it happens to be one of the reasons why doctors recommend eliciting blood tests in the morning that could give them better results.
This knowledge of the regulation process aids in diagnosis of hormonal conditions and decisions as to when the testing and treatment should occur.
It is also vital to measure testosterone once the symptoms of lack of balance begin to appear. This is usually done by means of a blood test. Although check-ups can provide a snapshot (during regular visitations), they do not necessarily give the entire picture regarding hormonal health.
Physicians will typically examine the total and free testosterone. Total testosterone comprises that which is bound in testosterone to the proteins in the blood, and free testosterone is the functional testosterone that your body can utilise. Morning blood samples are generally the best indicator due to the fluctuation of testosterone levels throughout the day, and in many cases their collection should be before 10 am.
Nevertheless, under certain circumstances the findings are misleading when considered in isolation. This is the reason why it is beneficial to do the test of other hormones and take into consideration symptoms, medical records, and health in general when looking at testosterone levels. The thorough evaluation guarantees that, in case of necessity, the treatment is conducted on the full knowledge of the hormonal equilibrium.
What’s considered ‘normal’ depends heavily on age and sex. For children and teenagers, levels rise sharply during puberty. In adult men, testosterone typically ranges between 264 and 916 ng/dL. In boys between 10 and 18, levels can be as low as 100 ng/dL or as high as 970 ng/dL, reflecting the dramatic shifts during adolescence.
In women, normal testosterone levels are much lower. Premenopausal women typically have levels between 10 and 55 ng/dL, while postmenopausal women range from 7 to 40 ng/dL. These levels may vary based on factors like age, medication use, and underlying health conditions.
It’s also important to recognise how ageing impacts testosterone. Around 7% to 14% of older men have testosterone levels below 250 ng/dL in the morning, which may indicate low testosterone or related conditions. However, numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Symptoms and overall wellbeing matter just as much when deciding if treatment is necessary.
Understanding what’s normal for your age and sex can help detect problems early and guide appropriate treatment if needed.
Although low testosterone is an issue that many struggle with, high testosterone levels are a problem as well. Testosterone in excess in men may induce such conditions as acne, mood swings which are erratic, and growth of excessive body/facial hair. Also, it is presented that there exists a possible connection between testosterone excess and the rise of such conditions as benign prostate hyperplasia and elevated inclination to the enlargement of the prostate.
The high level of testosterone, in more serious forms, can result in sleep disorders such as insomnia, an increase in appetite or infertility. The other issue that can occur is liver strain besides hormonal imbalances should the level of testosterone not be regulated properly.
Women may have irregular menstruation, and an uncharacteristic feeling of the testosterone patterns that can be experienced, including having hair growing either on their face or body areas. It may also cause acne and increase of weight. These are not only physical consequences but there is usually a kind of psychological cost that is incurred as well and so the earlier they are able to find out, the better it can be managed. These issues are resolved using a whole-body solution that targets symptoms as well as their causes.
Testosterone deficiency, especially in men, can stem from various biological and lifestyle-related issues. The condition can either originate in the testes (known as primary hypogonadism) or be caused by disruptions in the brain’s hormone signalling system, referred to as secondary hypogonadism. Some men are born with conditions such as Klinefelter syndrome, which involves an extra X chromosome and reduces testosterone production from an early age.
Other contributing factors include age-related decline, obesity, auto-immune diseases, and chronic illnesses. But lifestyle plays a large role too. Poor quality sleep, overtraining, excess alcohol intake, and chronic stress are all known to interfere with hormonal function. Deficiencies in essential nutrients such as magnesium, vitamin D, and zinc can lower testosterone levels, especially when combined with poor diet or minimal physical activity.
Many people with low testosterone report a mix of emotional and physical symptoms, including low libido, constant fatigue, poor sleep quality, reduced muscle strength, and decreased motivation. For others, the changes may be more subtle but still significant such as mood shifts or trouble recovering after exercise.
Beyond the day-to-day impact, low testosterone can raise the risk of chronic diseases. Conditions like type 2 diabetes and osteoporosis are more common in men with ongoing testosterone deficiency. Identifying and treating these issues early can help prevent long-term complications and improve quality of life.
Both low and high testosterone symptoms require the attention of a medical practitioner. Experiencing fatigue on a daily basis, you remain easily irritated without reasons, you might experience loss of sex drive, or you have difficulties with gaining and losing weight – all these symptoms might include a hormonal imbalance.
However, treatment is not like one size fits all. In the Longevity Clinics, personalised approach is a core principle as it is important to note that an intervention, be it lifestyle change or hormone therapy, must suit the patient, not the symptom. In some instances, hormone replacement can be deemed rather appropriate, whereas in most instances, minor manipulations in the dieting regime, mobility, stress coping mechanisms, or sleeping rhythms will go a long way.
Proper diagnosis can be reduced to proper knowledge of your health condition. This is why not every bloodwork is sufficient. Whole-body assessment assists to stimulate clinical decision-making and outline the best possible approach.
We take a broad approach when evaluating testosterone-related symptoms. This includes reviewing not just hormone levels, but also the surrounding biological environment.
Key areas assessed during a full-body diagnostic include:
These insights allow practitioners to build a clear, full-picture map of your hormonal health. It’s not just about identifying what’s out of range, but about understanding how your body responds to and uses its hormones. Only then can treatment be targeted, safe, and effective.
Female physiology also has a significant role in testosterone, which is, however, subsequently ignored. It is synthesized in the ovaries as well as adrenal glands and it helps in advancing strength, confidence, bone structure and sex lives. Depleted levels of testosterone weakens libido, gives less energy, and makes it more difficult to retain lean muscles, particularly for women.
A big portion of testosterone found in the female body is converted into oestradiol, a type of oestrogen which controls a substantial number of processes in the body. Nevertheless, elevated levels of testosterone like those found in individuals with the symptoms of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) menstrual irregularities, pimples and hair loss in a male-pattern may emerge. Longevity Clinics thoroughly observes such alterations and provides systematised treatment mechanisms depending on both hormonal and metabolic wellbeing.
There’s no question that how you live directly influences your hormonal health. A diet that’s rich in whole foods, healthy fats, lean proteins, and vital nutrients can support hormone production and balance. Likewise, regular exercise, particularly resistance training, has been shown to increase testosterone naturally.
Sleep is just as critical. Deep, restorative sleep helps regulate the body’s hormonal cycles, while poor sleep can interfere with production and lead to long-term imbalances. Managing stress is equally important. Chronically elevated cortisol (the body’s stress hormone) can inhibit testosterone production, leaving you feeling drained, sluggish, or mentally foggy.
Maintaining a healthy weight also supports testosterone levels. In fact, research suggests that for some individuals, sustained weight loss can boost testosterone by up to 30%. This connection is a core part of our treatment approach.
Testosterone has long been misunderstood, especially in mainstream culture. One of the most persistent myths is that it only matters for men. In truth, testosterone is vital for both sexes, affecting everything from motivation to muscle repair and emotional resilience.
Another misconception is that high testosterone automatically causes aggression. While it can influence mood, it’s not a singular driver of hostile behaviour. Mental health, stress, lifestyle, and genetics all play a role in how we respond to hormones.
Understanding testosterone in a more nuanced way helps remove stigma and opens up better, more personalised treatment opportunities.
Several health conditions can disrupt testosterone production. Genetic disorders such as Klinefelter syndrome or hemochromatosis are known to reduce testosterone in men. In women, issues involving the adrenal glands, pituitary, or hypothalamus can cause hormonal imbalances. Hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, which results from impaired signals between the brain and the reproductive system, also leads to low testosterone.
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one of the most common causes of elevated testosterone in women, affecting between 6% to 10% of premenopausal women. In men, prostate cancer can alter hormone levels and complicate treatment plans especially when considering hormone therapy for hypogonadism.
If you have an underlying condition or take medications that may affect hormones, it’s worth seeking a medical opinion. Longevity Clinics work closely with patients to identify any hidden factors that may be disrupting testosterone balance.
Testosterone is the naturally highest at the puberty and adolescent stage. Around age 30, the levels begin to decrease gradually. Such modification may be gradual and perceived mildly at the beginning but is likely to accumulate, and affect the quality of life. Older men might realise that they seem to be less motivated, weak, or have no emotions.
This is age-related degeneration that is part of a number of processes. Testosterone is reduced in the production in the testes and fewer hormone signals are released in the pituitary, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), which is a protein complex that connects and inactivates testosterone, and is raised with age.
The decline in hormones may also decrease estradiol that is critical in the maintenance of health in bones and muscles. Consequently, numerous men report such symptoms as fatigue, loss of interest in sex, increased weight, and even slight cognitive alteration. The most effective factors when it comes to keeping up with these changes are regular monitoring, supportive lifestyle and informed medical care.
Testosterone is a foundational hormone that touches nearly every aspect of health in both men and women. From sexual health and energy to strength, focus, and emotional stability, it plays an ongoing role across all stages of life.
By understanding how testosterone functions, what affects its levels, and when to seek help, you can take proactive steps toward better health. We’re committed to helping you find that balance through personalised care, full-body diagnostics, and tailored interventions designed around your unique needs.
Remember, hormonal health is not about chasing numbers. It’s about feeling your best, performing at your peak, and supporting your long-term wellbeing.
We’ve developed a comprehensive six-step process that acts as your personal health roadmap, to follow towards your health goals.
