Testosterone is a hormone that is produced primarily by the testicles. However, it is also produced in small amounts in the adrenal glands. Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone. The release of the hormone during puberty plays an important role in the development of reproductive tissue and promotes secondary sexual characteristics, such as hair growth, testicular and penis growth and increased muscle mass.
Muscle Development
Throughout the male lifespan, the production of testosterone will contribute to the mass and strength of muscles. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania, School of Medicine published findings in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism in August 1999 discussing the addition of testosterone to men over age 65. As men age, their serum testosterone levels decline, percentage of body fat increases and lean mass and strength decreases. In their paper, “Effect of Testosterone Treatment on Body Composition and Muscle Strength in Men Over 65 Years of Age,” they proved that the addition of testosterone in men over 65 decreased fat mass in the upper arms and increased muscle mass in the core and trunk.
Libido
Libido is the natural physiological need and desire for sexual activity. Without this strong motivational tendency, the species would not survive. According to Mayo Clinic, the production of testosterone is responsible for your sex drive. As serum testosterone levels decline with age, your libido can also decline.
Bone Density
Osteoporosis is a condition involving thinning bones that lead to fractures. According to Cleveland Clinic, testosterone has a significant effect on the development of bone density. However, scientists have found that testosterone and estrogen play a role in the maintenance of bone density as you age. Researchers used 405 men who were participating in the Framingham Health Study. The results were published in Summaries for Patients in the Annals of Internal Medicine, December 2000. Researchers found that bone density was similar in men who had low or normal testosterone levels but was greatest in men who had higher estrogen levels.
Sperm Production
Adequate sperm production is necessary to maintain fertility. According to the Mayo Clinic, testosterone is required to continue to produce sperm throughout your lifetime. Sperm is produced within the testicles, also where testosterone is produced and secreted.
Red Blood Cells
Red blood cells are produced in the bone marrow and have a lifespan of 120 days. Once they become too old to perform their functions, the liver filters them out of the blood and they are excreted from the body. According to Cleveland Clinic, testosterone is necessary to maintain the production of adequate amounts of red blood cells in the bone marrow. If you suffer from reduced amounts of testosterone, it can impact the amount of red blood cells produced. This decreases the amount of oxygen and nutrients that can be delivered to the body at the cellular level.
About this Author
Gail Morris has been writing extensively since 1997. She completed a master’s in nursing at IUPUI and practiced in medicine for more than 20 years. Morris has published medical articles in peer-reviewed journals and now writes at Demand Studios and freelances for Internet Marketers.
