The testosterone hormone, which is identified as a male hormone, affects libido, muscle mass formation and energy level resistance, and changes in secondary sex characteristics in men at puberty, for example, the sound changes to become heavier.
Normal levels of the male hormone testosterone range from 250-1100 ng / dL (nanograms per deciliter) to an average level of 680 ng / dL. There are also studies that show that optimal levels of the hormone testosterone for men range from 400-600 ng / dL.
This hormone increases during puberty and reaches a peak when men are around 20 years old. After 30 years and over, these hormone levels will decrease by about one percent each year. So when men reach the age of 65 years, their normal testosterone levels range between 300-450 ng / dL.
The hormone testosterone is not only owned by men, but also by women. In women, this hormone is produced in the ovaries in small amounts. Together with the female sex hormone, estrogen, testosterone plays a role in producing new blood cells, increasing libido, and influencing the hormone release of eggs that play a role in the female reproductive system. In women, testosterone levels range from 8-60 ng / dL.
Testosterone Deficiency
Decreased levels of the hormone testosterone are actually a natural condition as men age. In addition to the aging factor, low testosterone can also be triggered by the condition of hypogonadism. In these conditions, the testicles produce too little testosterone.
In addition, testosterone deficiency can also be caused by infection and injury to the testicles, problems in the thyroid or pituitary gland, type 2 diabetes, side effects of certain drugs, and genetic disorders. Experiencing stress and consuming too much alcohol, can also cause this condition.
When testosterone levels decrease, men will experience symptoms related to sexual function, such as infertility, reduced sexual desire, and reduced frequency of erections.
Reduced levels of the hormone testosterone can also be accompanied by other symptoms that include physical changes, such as:
- Reduced hair on the body.
- Bones become more fragile.
- Increased body fat and cholesterol.
- Reduced strength or muscle mass.
- Feeling hot with redness on the face or hot flashes.
- Easily tired.
- The emergence of enlarged breast glands.
Meanwhile, the impact of decreased testosterone levels on psychological changes include:
- Tend to feel depressed or sad, which results in decreased quality of life.
- Sleep disturbance.
- Decreased self-confidence, reduced motivation, and has problems with memory and concentration.
Whereas in women, lack of this hormone can reduce libido or desire to have sex.
To find out whether your testosterone levels are normal or not, and whether the symptoms above are really caused by decreasing levels of the hormone testosterone, then you are recommended to do a doctor's examination.
Excess Testosterone Hormones
On the other hand, there are also men or women who have testosterone levels above normal levels. Like two sides of a coin, this condition can bring positive and negative impacts.
Positive, high levels of the hormone testosterone can normalize blood pressure and reduce the tendency of men to experience obesity and heart attacks.
While the negative side, several studies show a link between high levels of the hormone testosterone and the tendency of men to deviate behavior, such as excessive sexual behavior encouraging a risk of crime. However, more in-depth research is needed to prove this. High testosterone levels also make men less likely to consume alcohol and smoke, and increase the risk of injury due to impulsive behavior.
In women, excess testosterone can affect physical appearance, such as excess hair on the body, pimples, baldness that usually occurs in men, enlarged clitoris, breast size shrinks, increased muscle mass, sounds become heavier like men, irregular menstrual cycles , and mood swings.
Maintain Normal Testosterone Hormone Levels
Some experts recommend monitoring the level of the hormone testosterone every five years, which starts when a man is 35 years old. If it is known that you have too little hormone levels or are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone levels, your doctor may recommend hormone therapy.
In doing this therapy, your doctor will closely monitor testosterone levels to ensure hormone levels do not become too high. Keep in mind that this therapy may not necessarily be lived by all men. A man who is suspected or known to have prostate or breast cancer, kidney, liver, or heart disease, is advised not to do this therapy because it can increase the risk of complications of the disease.
Whereas in women, treatment for testosterone remains normal depends on the cause. Generally, handling this condition includes medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
Both men and women, it is strongly recommended to adopt healthy eating habits and habits, avoid consuming excessive alcoholic beverages, and get used to positive thinking and managing stress. If you experience the symptoms described above, consult a doctor immediately to get the right treatment.
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