How Does Testosterone Effect Your Body
Throughout history, testosterone has been linked to masculinity and typically “manly” characteristics. Increased levels of testosterone were a proxy for observed aggressiveness, toughness, and libido. However, testosterone serves a crucial role in the overall health and functioning of both men and women. In fact, testosterone plays a similarly vital role in ovarian function and male reproductive development. Having extremely high testosterone levels is uncommon, and it commonly happens in athletes who have used drugs or hormones to enhance athletic performance. Low testosterone levels are a natural consequence of aging, affecting substantial numbers of males over 60 and 80, respectively. Keep reading because this article will examine the effects of testosterone on your body.
- Skin Disorders
Depending on levels, testosterone can make the skin extremely reactive. Someone with elevated testosterone levels can sometimes experience acne outbreaks. In some instances, testosterone-deficient people could start receiving replacements in the form of patches or creams; in these instances, testosterone’s direct application could cause skin irritation.
Transgender women with unusually high testosterone levels could develop dark skin patches. In such circumstances, hormone-blocking diuretics might well alleviate symptoms. Trans-masculine individuals and transgender individuals are also exposed to these health hazards when using HRT, and transfeminine individuals and transwomen might have to modify their skincare regimens when using HRT. Even so, low t center, or testosterone replacement therapy, can improve a person’s health and quality of life. Don’t worry about your testosterone levels because HRT doctors can provide effective testing and treatment. Hormone therapy, for instance, can treat bothersome menopausal symptoms. Find a low t center by clicking on the anchor.
- Hair Growth
Testosterone initially affects hair growth through its involvement in the initiation of reproductive development, allowing facial, underarm, and genital hair to start growing in males of adolescent age. The dispersion of hair growth transitions in trans-masculine individuals and transgender men taking testosterone resulting in greater facial and body hair growth and a heightened incidence of male baldness. Transfeminine individuals and transgender women on HRT, on the other hand, undergo less facial and body hair growth and density because of the higher estrogen levels and the suppression of testosterone production. Such effects continued to manifest in later years. As men approach old age and their testosterone production decreases innately, they might well undergo both head and body hair loss. Women with unusually high testosterone levels could experience facial hair growth. It is especially true for women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which causes elevated testosterone levels.
- Libido
The connection between testosterone and libido is bilateral: whereas testosterone can influence sexual prowess, sexual activity can also influence testosterone levels. Reduced testosterone levels are linked to decreased libido and erectile dysfunction. Even so, prolonged sexual inactivity can also lead to reduced testosterone levels. Higher testosterone levels can boost libido but (slightly problematically) reduce sperm production. Reduced sex drive is not unique to men; women with testosterone deficiency can also experience libido adjustments. Once women reach menopause, the repercussions of testosterone on their libido become less evident. 70% of Trans-men noticed a rise in sex drive after initiating testosterone supplementation, whereas 30% revealed infrequent or no sexual urges.
- Bone Density
The effects of testosterone on bone density are due to its interactions with bone marrow, which can stimulate bone marrow to produce more red blood cells. Low testosterone levels can reduce bone density, resulting in brittle and fragile bones. It thus makes someone with testosterone deficiency more susceptible to fractures and breaks. Subsequently, testosterone levels may occasionally be increased to improve bone density. A person with osteoporosis, for example, could take injectable testosterone along with many other treatment options.
- Production of Red Blood Cells
In a broad sense, increased testosterone levels lead to a rise in red blood cell production. A 2014 survey compared the iron metabolism and red blood cell levels of 60-year-old men who received testosterone or a placebo. Findings showed that higher testosterone levels stimulated the production of red blood cells, resulting in an 8% rise in hemoglobin levels among treatment recipients. As a result, testosterone replacement therapy may positively impact the heart, cholesterol levels, and hypertension, although these implications are yet to be verified. It’s also unclear what effect HRT has on the heart health of transgender people or whether it blocks or increases testosterone production.
- How Much Fat Do You Burn?
Because of testosterone levels, metabolic activity can speed up or slow down. Testosterone controls metabolic activity, and a healthy testosterone balance prevents the body from burning excessive or insufficient fat. Someone with raised testosterone levels could experience weight gain, and transgender individuals on HRT also commonly put on weight. It’s because of several variables, such as fluid retention and muscle growth, that might not truly prove fat accumulation. Even so, since testosterone enhances muscle mass, it could lead to fat loss because muscle-building enhances your metabolic rate while exercising or resting.
Final Thoughts
As you progress through life, testosterone replacement therapy may sound appealing. However, there are numerous misunderstandings regarding what therapies can and cannot accomplish. Testosterone therapy may appear to be the most effective anti-aging method. Nonetheless, the health benefits of testosterone therapy for age-related testosterone deficiency are unclear. Determine what is understood and undiscovered about testosterone therapy for health and longevity.