When you hear the word supplements, do you think of macho men, road rage, and aggression? The truth is that, though the hormone may contribute to some types of male behavior, testosterone has many other vital functions for both men and women.

Testosterone is one of the hormones that impact men’s fertility, muscle strength, libido and bone health. It also plays an important role in regulating body temperature, storing and burning fat, creating red blood cells and keeping the mood stable.

A healthy amount of the hormone is also necessary for sperm production and a healthy metabolism. It is also essential for normal brain function and development and helps prevent the loss of bone density that occurs with aging.

Men who have low testosterone, or hypogonadism, can experience a variety of symptoms, including decreased interest in sex, trouble concentrating, fatigue and depression. If these symptoms occur, they should be reported to a doctor for testing and treatment.

Hormones and Health: Understanding the Importance of Testosterone

Testosterone is a naturally occurring steroid in the human body and is produced by the testes and the adrenal gland. It is released into the bloodstream and acts on tissues and cells throughout the body. In humans, the hypothalamus and pituitary gland regulate testosterone levels by releasing gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) into the bloodstream, which then triggers the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in the testicles.

A test for testosterone is a simple blood test that measures the total amount of the hormone in the blood. However, much of the hormone is bound to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin, and a second blood sample will be needed in order to measure the free testosterone level.