Testosterone

Testosterone is found in the serum in two forms, similar to other steroid hormones. The majority of testosterone in the blood is attached to sex hormone-binding globulin and albumin, with the remainder (approximately 1%) being free. Because free testosterone and bound testosterone are in equilibrium, when free testosterone enters cells, some bound testosterone is quickly released. 

Testosterone or dihydrotestosterone binds to certain androgen receptors in the cytoplasm of target cells, and the hormone-receptor complexes penetrate the nucleus, where they influence protein synthesis by affecting the rate at which specific genes are transcribed (see transcription).

Testosterone has a variety of functions. It inhibits the hypothalamic release of gonadotropin-releasing hormone and the pituitary secretion of luteinizing hormone by negative feedback. Furthermore, testosterone and androstenedione, which can be transformed into estrogens, are interconvertible. When androstenedione is synthesised in adipose tissue, it can be converted to estrone, a kind of oestrogen.

What is the meaning of testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone generated by the male testis and is responsible for the development of male sex organs as well as masculine features such as facial hair and voice deepening. In 1935, testicular extracts were used to isolate testosterone. It was discovered after the isolation of an androgen (male hormone) named androsterone from urine in 1931. However, testosterone proved to be more potent than androsterone, which was later shown to be a testosterone biochemical product (metabolite).

Most androgen-sensitive tissues,  the testes, prostate and gland, hair follicles, and muscles, convert is testosterone to dihydrotestosterone. Although testosterone has androgenic properties, the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is essential for the development of external genitalia in boys. In adipose tissue (and to a lesser extent in other tissues), testosterone is converted to estradiol, which is the major source of oestrogen in males.

Testosterone and its function

  • Testosterone is a key male reproductive hormone that serves a variety of roles in the body, including.
  • Facilitating the growth of sex organs such as the testes, penis, and scrotum from childhood to maturity.
  • Secondary sexual features emerge throughout puberty, such as a deep base voice, facial hair sprouting in the beard, moustache, and axillary hair in the underarms. enabling spermatogenesis, or the production of sperm cells in specialised organelles called seminiferous tubules within the testes
  • Keeping sex desire, libido, and reproductive health at their peak. To burn excess body fat, lipid metabolism must be regulated. Increasing bone density while lowering the risk of fracture
  • Increasing muscle mass to improve athletic performance. Increasing the growth of dense hair on the scalp and in face areas such as the chin.

Uses of testosterone

  • Testosterone is a hormone that is mostly produced in the testicles. Testosterone aids in the maintenance of men’s:
  • The density of the bones
  • The distribution of fat.
  • Muscle mass and strength.Hair on the face or the body.Production of the red blood cells. 
  • Sex compulsion.Production of sperm
  • During adolescence and early adulthood, testosterone levels are at their highest. Your testosterone level decreases with age, typically by around 1% each year beyond the age of 30 or 40. Older men must figure out whether their low testosterone level makes due to normal ageing or disease (hypogonadism).
  • Hypogonadism is a condition in which the testicles and the pituitary gland, which controls the testicles, are unable to produce adequate amounts of testosterone. Injections, pellets, patches, and gels are all examples of testosterone replacement therapy.

Advantages of testosterone

  • Heart and blood vessel health. A healthy heart pumps blood throughout its body, supplying the muscles and organs with the oxygen they require to work at their best. Through the bone and marrow, testosterone aids are in the creation of red blood cells. Lower testosterone levels have been linked to several heart problems.
  • More muscle, less fat

Increased muscular mass is a result of testosterone. Weight losses and increased energy are both aided by a leaner body mass. Treatment for low testosterone in men can reduce fat mass and boost muscle size and strength, according to the research

  • Stronger bones

Testosterone had a significant impact on bone and mineral density. As men age, their bone density deteriorates, and their testosterone levels fall.

Conclusion 

Testosterone is a hormone generated by the male testis and is responsible for the development of male sex organs as well as masculine features such as facial hair and voice deepening. The majority of testosterone in the blood is attached to sex hormone-binding globulin and albumin, with the remainder being free. Because free testosterone and bound testosterone are in equilibrium, when free testosterone enters cells, some bound testosterone is quickly released. Although testosterone has androgenic properties, the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone is essential for the development of external genitalia in boys.