Testosterone - Hormone for Male Development

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Is testosterone a hormone?

Last reviewed by a Cleveland Clinic medical professional on 09/01/2022. Learn more about our editorial process. Testosterone is a hormone that your gonads (testicles or ovaries) mainly produce. Testosterone levels are naturally much higher in people assigned male at birth.

What is testosterone & why is it important?

Testosterone is a hormone, which is a substance in the body that acts as a chemical messenger. Hormones are made in one part of your body and then travel to other areas to help control how cells and organs work. Testosterone is important for your body to function properly. High or low testosterone levels can lead to unwelcome symptoms.

How does the body control testosterone levels?

Your body controls the levels of testosterone in your blood. Levels are usually highest in the morning and decline during the day. Your hypothalamus and pituitary gland control the amount of testosterone your gonads (testicles or ovaries) produce and release.

Is testosterone a steroid?

Testosterone is a steroid from the androstane class containing a ketone and a hydroxyl group at positions three and seventeen respectively. It is biosynthesized in several steps from cholesterol and is converted in the liver to inactive metabolites. It exerts its action through binding to and activation of the androgen receptor.

What Is Testosterone

1. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-testosterone
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Testosterone
3. https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do

Testosterone Information

1. https://www.verywellhealth.com/testosterone-levels-5212199
2. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24101-testosterone
3. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/
5. https://www.yourhormones.info/hormones/testosterone/