Testosterone is an essential and powerful hormone in the body of a human being with numerous and far reaching functions and effects on its systems. It has the ability to control sex drive (libido), regulate sperm, promote muscle mass, increase energy levels, and influence certain aspects of human behaviour such as aggression and competitiveness.

A decrease in testosterone levels would therefore have a noticeable effect on one’s lifestyle. This may raise some concern among people, but a better understanding of how it works is beneficial as it is a natural part of aging.

 Testosterone in the developmental stage

Testosterone has a role to play in shaping a developing foetus in pregnancy, driving the development of the male reproductive system, as well as masculinising the brain. Levels of testosterone, however, must fall within a very narrow margin to ensure that the fetal brain develops properly, with high levels being linked to autism and lowered levels indicating increased risk of manifesting Alzheimer’s disease as one ages.

Testosterone at puberty

Levels of the hormone testosterone are at their highest during adolescence and the early adulthood years, with the first physical indications being a ‘breaking’ voice, broadening shoulders and a more masculine facial structure, usually considered the onset of puberty.

Testosterone at maturity

After the age of 30, testosterone levels among men will decrease at the rate of 1% per year onwards.

 Naturally declining testosterone levels do not bring about the signs and symptoms of aging, though the following signs will sometimes accompany low levels:

• Lowered libido (sex drive)
• Erectile dysfunction (impotence)
• Interrupted sleep patterns
• Infertility
• Emotional changes (Low self-confidence or motivation)
• Physical changes (Increased body fat, reduced muscle bulk, lowered bone density)

Testosterone in women

A woman’s oestrogen levels will drop after she enters menopause (around 40 years old) and thus her androgen levels shall be higher in comparison. Testosterone levels also affect the bodies of women, although they produce lower levels of the hormone and are more sensitive to androgens than men are.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), a disorder that women are susceptible to, may also raise testosterone levels.

Raised androgens in women may result in:

• Hair loss
• Acne (skin ailment)
• Irregular or absent menses
• Facial hair growth.

Deficiencies in women may bring about decrease in bone density, fertility problems, and loss of libido. While these may be considered a normal part of the aging process, they may also be indicative of several underlying factors such as depression, thyroid gland disorders, reactions to medication and excessive alcohol use.

Why should I know my testosterone levels?

The normal testosterone range in healthy adult males is between 280- 1,100 nanograms per decilitre (ng/dl). This range varies from day to day and from hour to hour and thus one needs more than one test to diagnose a deficiency in a person.

The best way to diagnose low testosterone is by means of a blood test, and the most suitable time to carry this out is at around 8 a.m. as this is when testosterone levels are at their peak. One must aim to determine whether a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or is symptomatic of a disorder.

What does it mean when my testosterone levels are low?

Should one obtain results outside the normal range for one’s age, the person should investigate further as this may be the result of myriad conditions, including:

• Testicular or ovarian cancer
• Early or delayed onset of puberty
• Hypo-gonadism (minimal or no production of hormones by the gonads)
• Severe obesity

Low testosterone has a high correlation with excessive body weight, with high levels of abdominal fat being the major culprit. This has an effect on organs such as the heart, liver and kidneys, raising the risk of cardiovascular and metabolic problems.

Learning that one has low levels of testosterone may cause some anxiety, but it should not be taken as a measure of one’s manhood or virility. More and more men have come to realize that their decreased libido and performance may be linked to lowered testosterone levels and have gone on to remedy their conditions utilizing the varied methods and lifestyle changes available.

Always consult with your doctor before pursuing any treatment options such as testosterone therapy, supplements, and pills.

How can I boost my testosterone levels without medication?

For those who would wish to avoid the ramifications and side-effects that come with the more vigorous methods of combating deficiency, such as taking anti-depressants, testosterone therapy and the like, there exist numerous ways of naturally remedying the effects of low testosterone. They include:

• Ensuring one gets good a night’s sleep (7-9 hours)
• Reducing excess weight
• Increasing intake of Zinc-rich foods (beans, whole grains, nuts )
• minimizing intake of sugars
• Exercising regularly

As with every other component of the human system, an awareness of the functions of testosterone in your bodies puts you in a good position to monitor and regulate its levels, and therefore live healthily.