What is Testosterone and Why is it important?

The male hormone system, also known as the male endocrine system, governs many physiological processes, including reproduction, growth, metabolism, mood, and overall health. Hormones act as chemical messengers, traveling through the bloodstream to regulate various functions.

Testosterone is the most important (or primary) sex hormone in ,ales, there are a number of others that you may have heard of such as DHT (important for prostate health and hair growth), and oestrogen (very much associated with female health but does play a role in male bone health, mental health and cardiovascular health).

There are many roles that testosterone plays, and at different stages of life. It is important for secondary sex characteristic development such as increased muscle mass, facial hair, and a deep voice. Many of its features are very intuitive such as increased energy levels, increased bone density, improved sexual health including effects on libido, erectile function and in promoting healthy sperm formation. Some of its features are less intuitive such as improved mental health with improved mood, motivation, cognition and sleep.

Testosterone decreases over time as we age and with this we see  a deterioration or  reversal in some of the important functions it is required for. Some men encounter this reduction when they are older in their 60s or 70s, some men encounter this when they are much younger. The symptoms of reducing levels can be many but the most common are reduced energy levels, reduced strength, poor recovery, poor sexual function like libido reduction and erectile dysfunction as well  as reduced mood, increased anxiety, brain fog and sleep disruption.

As we know prevention is better that cure, so supporting our Hormonal system as we age through lifestyle intervention such as improved diet and resistance training, and appropriate supplementation, is an important strategy in promoting health and improving performance.

We will delve into some of these strategies in our next post!