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Testosterone is the hormone responsible for the body’s sexual functioning, body energy, arousal, orgasms and libido. In women, testosterone boosts sex drive and helps the liver and blood vessels operate properly. In men, testosterone increases sexual desire, enhances sexual performance and keeps diseases at bay. However, when testosterone levels become imbalanced, it can cause negative and harmful effects on the body. Fortunately, high testosterone can be treated and restored back to normal, healthy levels.
Testosterone is a vital hormone for both development and well-being: knowing whether your levels are normal can be essential for understanding a number of conditions. Laboratory tests can detail how much testosterone is available to be used within the body and can help explain a host of conditions from excessive hair growth to the presence of metabolic syndrome.
Testosterone is a hormone present in both males and females. Males produce it in the testes, while females produce it in the ovaries. Usually testosterone levels in boys is higher than in girls. However, both boys and girls can have higher than normal testosterone levels. (See Reference 1)
People associate high testosterone with overt signs of machismo--aggression, risky behavior, huge muscles and plenty of facial hair. But those beliefs originate from men with excessively high testosterone through using steroids or other performance-enhancing substances. They may have more to do with the drugs than with the hormone. Naturally occurring high testosterone is a rare problem in men and produces few if any visible symptoms.
Women who have higher testosterone levels than normal may suffer from a variety of symptoms, such as male-pattern hair growth on the chest and face, acne, fat redistribution, muscle development and a deepening of the voice. These symptoms can be corrected by bringing hormonal levels back in balance. Men with an abundance of testosterone are at an increased risk for prostate cancer.
Testosterone is a naturally occurring hormone found in abundance in men. Women also have testosterone in their bodies, requiring small doses to promote libido and maintain bone and muscle strength. Too much testosterone, however, can cause problems, including excess facial hair, acne and ovarian cysts. If your testosterone levels are too high, your physician may recommend medication, dietary changes and hormonal therapy.
In order for the body to function properly, both males and females need a certain amount of testosterone in their body. Testosterone is a hormone that is produced by both men and women. Usually being identified as masculine because it is the primary male hormone, women also produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone is an androgen that is derived from cholesterol and contributes to the growth of male sex organs, facial and pubic hair, sexual libido and muscle development.
Depression is a serious illness that can affect your mind, body, mood and behavior. Depression can last a short while or a very long time. It is an illness that may have the same symptoms, but it is never the same experience for two people. There is evidence that connects high and low levels of the male hormone testosterone to depression in women.
Having too much testosterone hormone can afflict both men and women. Although testosterone can be used in treating sexual dysfunction and to improve muscle tone, excessive testosterone in the body can be harmful and dangerous to the functioning of the body's systems.
