Testosterone is identified as the male hormone,berinfluence on libido, muscle mass formation and energy level endurance, as well as changes in secondary sex characteristics in men at puberty, for examplevoice changes to be more fallowt.
Testosterone levels in the male body normally range from 250-1100 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) with an average level of 680 ng/dL. There are also studies showing that optimal testosterone levels for men range from 400-600 ng/dL.
This hormone increases during puberty and reaches its peak when a man is about 20 years old. After the age of 30 years and over, the level of this hormone will decrease by about one percent each year. So when men reach the age of 65 years and over, their normal testosterone levels range from 300-450 ng/dL.
Testosterone or androgen hormones are 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, namely estrogen, the hormone testosterone plays a role in producing new blood cells, increasing libido, and influencing the hormone that stimulates the release of eggs that play a role in the female reproductive system. In women, testosterone levels range from 8-60 ng/dL.
Lack Testosterone hormone
Decreased testosterone levels are actually a natural condition as men age. In addition to aging factors, low testosterone can also be triggered by hypogonadism conditions. In this condition, the testes produce too little testosterone.
In addition, testosterone deficiency can also be caused by infection and injury to the testicles, problems with the thyroid or pituitary gland, type 2 diabetes, side effects of certain medications, 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 testosterone levels can also be accompanied by other symptoms that include physical changes, such as:
- Reduced body hair.
- Bones become more brittle.
- Increased body fat and cholesterol.
- Reduced strength or muscle mass.
- Feeling hot with redness on the face or hot flashes.
- Tired easily.
- The occurrence of enlargement of the breast glands.
Meanwhile, the impact of decreased testosterone levels on psychological changes include:
- Tend to feel depressed or sad, which leads to a decreased quality of life.
- Sleep disturbances.
- Decreased self-confidence, reduced motivation, and have problems with memory and concentration.
Whereas in women, a 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 above symptoms are really caused by decreased testosterone levels, it is recommended that you see a doctor.
Excess Testosterone
On the other hand, there are also men or women who have testosterone levels above the normal number. Like two sides of a coin, this condition can have positive and negative impacts.
On the positive side, high levels of the hormone testosterone can normalize blood pressure and reduce a man's tendency to become obese and have heart attacks.
Meanwhile, on the negative side, several studies have shown a link between high testosterone levels and a man's tendency to engage in deviant behavior, such as excessive sexual urges that risk criminal acts. However, more in-depth research is still needed to prove this. High testosterone levels also make men more likely to consume alcohol and smoke, and increase the risk of injury due to impulsive behavior.
In women, excess testosterone can affect their physical appearance, such as excess body hair (for example, becoming visible mustache or growing a beard), acne, experiencing baldness which usually occurs in men, enlarged clitoris, reduced breast size, increased muscle mass, voice becomes heavier as men, irregular menstrual cycles, and changes in mood.
Keeping Testosterone Levels Normal
Some experts recommend monitoring testosterone levels every five years, starting 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 monitor testosterone levels closely to ensure hormone levels do not become too high. Please note that this therapy can not necessarily be undertaken by all men. A man who is suspected or known to have prostate cancer or breast cancer, kidney disease, liver disease, or heart disease, is advised not to take this therapy because it can increase the risk of complications from the disease he is suffering from.
Whereas in women, treatment for normal testosterone depends on the cause. Generally, treatment for this condition includes medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
Both men and women are strongly advised to live a healthy diet and living habits, avoid consuming alcoholic beverages in excess, and get used to thinking positively and managing stress. If you experience the symptoms that have been described above, immediately consult a doctor to get the right treatment.