Male Hormones: Men's Health.com That fine-tuning increases the system's vulnerability, as it relies on complex feedback to regulate itself. "If that feedback is distorted, it can disrupt the process," says Vivian Fonseca, M.D., chief of endocrinology at Tulane University's health sciences center. Use our guide to ensure your hormones are doing their jobs. Stress hormones: Cortisol and epinephrine Whether you're fending off an angry rottweiler or an angry client, your body's response to stress is the same: Your hypothalamus floods your blood with hormones to frighten you into action. "Cortisol and epinephrine are your body's alarm-system hormones," says Dr. Fonseca. They make your heart beat faster and dilate your bronchial tubes so they can feed oxygen to your brain and keep you alert. They also release fat and glucose into your bloodstream to provide emergency energy. Are your hormones in tune? Too much stress can keep your cortisol levels consistently elevated, which disrupts your metabolic system. This, in turn, signals your cells to store as much fat as possible.

Worse, the fat tends to accumulate in your belly as visceral fat, which resides behind your abdominal muscles and has more cortisol receptors than other fat does. To defend yourself against stress-hormone disruption, make a habit of exercising for an hour a day, 3 days a week. Doing so helps regulate your cortisol levels, say researchers at Ohio State University. Also try to eat organic foods as much as possible in order to steer clear of the common pesticide atrazine. This chemical has been shown to affect hormonal balances in amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. A National Health and Environmental Effects Research Laboratory study showed that atrazine produced extreme increases in stress-hormone levels in rats. In fact, the stress reaction was similar to that seen when the animals were restrained against their will, the study noted. (For more on pesticide dangers, see "Your Lethal Lawn" in this issue.) Weight hormones: Leptin, ghrelin, CCK, insulin You have an army of hormones telling you when to eat and when to put the fork down. The hormone ghrelin begins the cycle when your stomach is empty by prompting neurons in your hypothalamus to make you feel hungry.

Then when you start eating, your stomach stretches and you secrete cholecystokinin (CCK), an appetite suppressant. Hormones now begin working overtime to help you back away from the table. Your intestines produce peptide YY, which tells your brain you've had enough to eat, and your pancreas sends out insulin. This signals that you're metabolizing a meal and that you shouldn't consume any more. Leptin, a hormone produced by fat cells, also tells your hypothalamus that you're full by prompting the secretion of alpha-MSH, which is another appetite-suppressing hormone. All this helps your body maintain a balance between hunger and satiation. Why so many hormones in the game? "Energy regulation is necessary for survival, so we have many redundant pathways in case any fail," says Robert Lustig, M.D., an endocrinologist at the University of California at San Francisco. "But we were never supposed to have so much food so readily available, and certainly not this much sugar." Are your hormones in tune? Hungry? Full? You may not be able to trust your gut. When you put on extra weight, you start secreting excess leptin.

"And if you secrete a lot of leptin on a chronic basis, it should tell your brain, 'Look, you're putting on weight; you need to cut back,'" says Dr. Fonseca. But disruptions in leptin (mostly from too much sugar) instead tell your brain to send out hunger signals, even if you've just eaten. This can lead to fatty liver disease and insulin resistance. "When your insulin goes up, it blocks leptin signaling, which means your brain thinks you're starving," Dr. Lustig says. This, of course, sets up a wicked feedback cycle as you pack on the pounds. Beyond losing weight, your best defense against leptin disruption is to reduce your sugar intake. Americans consume an average of 22 teaspoons of sugar a day; the American Heart Association recommends that men eat no more than 9. And it's not just high-fructose corn syrup that you need to avoid; table sugar and fruit juice can be as bad as soda. In fact, 100 percent fruit juice has 1.8 grams of fructose per ounce, while soda has 1.7 grams per ounce, Dr. Lustig notes.

Sex hormones: Testosterone, LH, FSH That rock-hard erection you're so proud of? Thank your hormones -- specifically, testosterone, the key ingredient for normal sexual health in men. Its production is prompted by something called luteinizing hormone (LH), while the follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) helps produce the actual sperm. When you're aroused, your adrenal glands pump out epinephrine and norepinephrine, raising your heart rate and moving blood into your muscles, brain, and penis. Then the hormone dopamine increases your sexual appetite and communicates with the hypo thalamus to orchestrate your erections. Are your hormones in tune? Elevated estrogen levels can eclipse your testosterone, zapping sex drive. Yes, men have estrogen too. "In fact, the most widely spread hormone receptor in the body is the estrogen receptor," says McLachlan. When a man is exposed to estrogenic chemicals -- such as bisphenol A (BPA), the endocrine disruptor found in plastics and food-can linings -- he can experience erectile dysfunction and weight gain. Your best defense against an estrogen invasion is to lose weight and build muscle.

"Fat converts your testosterone to estrogen," says Jack Mydlo, M.D., chairman of the department of urology at Temple University school of medicine. Dropping pounds will improve your testosterone-to-estrogen ratio, which improves your sex drive as well as your erections. And when you're actively building muscle, you become more sensitive to insulin, which means you can push more glucose into the muscle, says Dr. Fonseca. This produces more fat-burning, libido-boosting energy. Energy hormone: Thyroxine Your thyroid gland controls your metabolism, which is your body's mechanism for turning calories into energy. It's yet another chain of command: Your hypothalamus detects fatigue and then your pituitary gland signals your thyroid to secrete thyroxine. This hormone enters almost every cell in your body. "It boosts sugar burning and oxygen intake in cells," says McLachlan. "This raises your body temperature and increases your heart rate." Are your hormones in tune? When this system is out of whack, the result can be muscle breakdown, weakness, fatigue, and weight gain. While most thyroxine disruptions are genetic, there is growing evidence that some environmental compounds can block thyroxine, says McLachlan.

A 2009 study suggests that BPA can displace thyroxin from its receptor and block it. Brominated flame retardants (BFRs) and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) also both interfere with your thyroid. (BFRs are found in clothes, furniture, and electronics; PCBs, which are no longer in use in the United States, can still be found in the environment, particularly in farmed salmon.) "If you're exposed to these, you could end up with a form of hypothyroidism -- an underproduction of thyroxine that causes low energy and weight gain," says McLachlan. On the other end of the spectrum, hyperthyroidism, or overproduction of thyroxine, can cause anxiety, increased heart rate, weight loss, an enlarged thyroid, and swelling behind the eyes. Your doctor will be able to identify thyroid problems by prescribing a thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) blood test; fixes for both may include surgery or dietary changes, as well as lifelong daily doses of prescription drugs.

Sleep hormone: Melatonin When the sun goes down, your pineal gland switches on like clockwork to secrete melatonin, a hormone that helps you fall asleep and regulates your circadian rhythm. It lowers your core body temperature, which if too high promotes wakefulness. Production of melatonin peaks in the middle of the night, and the process can be disrupted by even very low levels of artificial light. Are your hormones in tune? Mounting evidence suggests that exposure to light at night -- whether you're asleep or awake -- might play a crucial role in cancer, diabetes, and obesity. The World Health Organization classified "circadian disruption" as probably carcinogenic, and light at night is considered by some to be an endocrine disruptor that may affect melatonin, cortisol, ghrelin, leptin, and testosterone. "Most people think, and the drug companies want you to think, that waking up at night is bad for you," says Richard Stevens, Ph.D., a cancer epidemiologist at the University of Connecticut health center. But that's not the case, he says -- it's exposure to light at night that's the problem.

"If you wake up at night, as most of us do, that is a period of quiet wakefulness -- stay in bed, in the dark, and enjoy it," Stevens suggests. You don't have to be asleep to have good melatonin rhythm, but you do need to be in the dark. Buy heavy curtains, cover your alarm clock, and turn off gadgets. "Make it dark enough that you can't see your hand," Stevens says. "If you go to the bathroom and turn on that bright light, you'll lower melatonin almost immediately," says Stevens. "I actually have a red night-light in my bathroom, because red light has less effect on melatonin than white or blue light," he says. Put Yourself in Her Shoes for a Month Here's what you can expect during your partner's hormonal shifts Week 1 On the first day of your partner's period, her estrogen and progesterone levels are low. (Both regulate menstrual cycles and prepare women for pregnancy.) "Decreased estrogen means a slight decrease in libido," says endocrinologist Robert Lustig, M.D., of the University of California at San Francisco. It may also put her in a bad mood, as estrogen affects serotonin, a natural antidepressant.

Week 2 As estrogen levels start to rise, her mood will probably improve, says Dr. Lustig. Testosterone, a steroid hormone that influences women's libido, also rises slightly during this week, priming her desire. Ovulation usually occurs 14 days after menstruation starts. Don't be too noisy around her: high estrogen levels might give her a "catemenial migraine" around the time of ovulation. Week 3 After ovulation, progesterone begins its upward climb. "Progesterone in a high dose can be converted to allopregnanolone, a neurotransmitter that acts like a benzodiazepine -- or Valium," Dr. Lustig says. If her brain doesn't make enough allopregnanolone, she can experience symptoms of premenstrual syndrome, which include cramping, irritability, mood swings, and food cravings. Week 4 Peaking levels of estrogen and progesterone may cause her breasts to swell and become tender. The lining of her uterus thickens to prepare for a developing embryo. If pregnancy does not occur, estrogen and progesterone plummet, and testosterone drops.

This means the end of PMS is near, as is the breakdown of her uterine lining, which causes bleeding. libby clark Male Hormone Restoration - 2 - Testosterone, Estrogen, Prostate - Life Extension Health Concern Life Extension Suggestions Boost Testosterone and Suppress Estrogen Levels Naturally For men who choose not to (or are advised not to) use hormone replacement therapy, nutrients can play a vital role in a comprehensive program designed to reduce the impact of aging on sex hormone production and metabolism. The following is a list of nutrients that are part of Life Extension's comprehensive male hormone restoration program: Essential nutrients for optimal testosterone production: Zinc: This mineral is involved in almost every aspect of male reproduction, including testosterone metabolism, sperm formation, and sperm motility (Ali et al 2005). A prime example of the usefulness of zinc was illustrated in a study of 37 infertile men with decreased testosterone levels and associated low sperm counts (Netter et al 1981). The men were given 60 mg of zinc daily for 45-50 days. In the majority of patients, testosterone levels significantly increased and mean sperm count rose from 8 million to 20 million.

Some men require higher levels of zinc to adequately suppress aromatase. DHEA: DHEA is an important hormone that tends to be depleted steadily with age (Basar NM et al 2005). A 2006 study assessing DHEA supplementation in men of average 65 years of age found that the men experienced significant increases in testosterone and significant decreases in low-density lipoprotein (Martina et al 2006). Tribulus: Tribulus terrestris, also known as puncture vine, contains the active ingredient protodioscin, which is reportedly converted to DHEA in the body (Adimoelja A 2000). This DHEA-boosting activity may account for puncture vine’s reputation as an aphrodisiac in its native Europe and Asia. Animal studies appear to confirm the ability of tribulus to improve sexual function (Gauthaman et al 2003; Milasius et al 2009). Antioxidants: One reason testosterone production may decline with advancing age is oxidative damage in the tissues that produce testosterone.

A study examining the role of antioxidants in male hormone imbalance in aging men noted that antioxidant supplements (including vitamins A and E, zinc and selenium) all supported testosterone production (He et al 2005). Natural products keep aromatase and/or sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in check: Chrysin: The bioflavonoid chrysin is a natural aromatase inhibitor (Kellis et al 1984). Bodybuilders have used chrysin as a testosterone-boosting supplement, because it minimizes the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. Although chrysin has low oral bioavailability (Walle et al 2001), its bioavailability may be significantly enhanced by co-administration with the black pepper extract, piperine, thus enhancing its actions as an aromatase inhibitor (Srinivasan et al 2007). Quercetin: One study showed that red wine inhibits aromatase, thus inhibiting the conversion of testosterone to estrogen. The study attributed this effect to the quercetin and other ingredients (Eng et al 2002).

Nettle root: Lignans contained in nettle root extract may help prevent the binding of sex hormone-binding globulin to testosterone. This may help ensure that free testosterone is available for promoting male vitality and youthful sexual function (Anon 2007, Chrubasik et al 2007). Nettle root extract is used extensively, either in combination with saw palmetto (Lopatkin 2005) or by itself (Safarinejad 2005) for relief of BPH symptoms. Fish oil: A study examined how the essential fatty acids EPA and DHA affected SHBG levels in men 43 to 88 years of age (Nagata et al 2000). After controlling for other variables, the researchers concluded that both EPA and DHA decreased levels of SHBG in middle-aged and elderly men. Protein: While adequate protein consumption is vital to maintaining muscle mass, it is also important in maintaining testosterone levels.

A study examined the relationship between diet and SHBG, and found that diets low in protein in men 40-70 years old may lead to elevated SHBG levels and consequently decreased testosterone bioactivity (Longcope et al 2000). Natural products to support sexual function Muira Puama: Muira puama, Ptychopetalum olacoides, grows in the Amazon region of Brazil. It is considered an aphrodisiac and an effective treatment for impotence. It has been studied by Jacques Waynberg (Waynberg 1990), a prominent medical sexologist at the Institute of Sexology in Paris. In one of his studies, men with loss of libido received 1.5 grams/day of muira puama for 2 weeks. 62% rated the treatment as having a dynamic effect, and 52% with erectile dysfunction rated the treatment as beneficial. In another study, muira puama treatment was given to 100 men, aged 18 years or older, with impotence and/or loss of libido. A significantly increased frequency of intercourse was reported in 66% of the men.

Of the 46 men who complained of loss of desire, 70% reported libido intensification. The stability of erection during intercourse was restored in 55% of men, and 66% of men reported a reduction in fatigue. Other reported beneficial effects included improved sleep and morning erections. Maca: Maca has been used among indigenous people in the Andes region for centuries. It is a reputed aphrodisiac and fertility enhancer. Peruvian researchers conducted a randomized, placebo-controlled double-blind study on a small group of men aged 21-56. Results showed that, versus placebo, maca improved subjective reports of male sexual desire. Subjects consumed either 1,500 mg or 3,000 mg of maca, or placebo, for three months. After eight weeks, improvements were noted in sexual desire among the subjects who consumed maca (Gonzales et al 2002). L-Carnitine. L-Carnitine is an amino acid derivative that may be more active than testosterone in aging men who have sexual dysfunction and depression caused by an androgen deficiency (Cavallini G et al 2004).

Both testosterone and carnitine improve sexual desire, sexual satisfaction, and nocturnal penile tumescence, but carnitine is more effective than testosterone in improving erectile function, nocturnal penile tumescence, orgasm, and general sexual well-being. L-Carnitine was also more efficacious than testosterone for treating depression (Cavallini G et al 2004). Natural products to support prostate health Indole-3-carbinol (I3C): I3C protects against dangerous estrogen metabolites and subsequent prostate cancer. An adequate intake of I3C, through vegetables such as broccoli, Brussels sprouts, and cabbage, or via supplements, may be very helpful for aging men in both keeping undesirable estrogen metabolites such as 16-alphahydroxyestrone in check and decreasing their risk of prostate cancer. Studies have demonstrated that I3C increases the ratio of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16-alpha-hydroxyestrone. For men, this very well might mean a decrease in prostate cancer risk (Sepkovic et al 2001, Bradlow 2008).

In a study that examined the association of prostate cancer risk with estrogen metabolism, the authors said, “results of this case-control study suggest that the estrogen metabolic pathway favoring 2-hydroxylation over 16-alpha-hydroxylation may reduce risk of clinically evident prostate cancer” (Muti et al 2002). Pygeum: A bark extract from the native African cherry tree Pygeum africanum, has been used in Europe to treat BPH since 1960, and is currently the most commonly used therapeutic agent for this condition in France (Buck 2004). One theory for the anti-BPH action of pygeum involves the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent testosterone metabolite that may exacerbate BPH, via the enzyme 5-a-reductase (Wilt et al 2002). A recent study identified that N-butylbenzene-sulfonamide (NBBS) was isolated from P. africanum as a specific androgen receptor (AR) antagonist.

NBBS inhibits AR- and progesterone receptor (PR)- mediated transactivation, as well as endogenous PSA expression and growth of human prostate cancer cells (Papaioannou et al 2009). Saw Palmetto: In Europe, saw palmetto (Serenoa repens) has been used extensively as a drug for reducing symptoms of (BPH). Saw palmetto has multiple mechanisms of action: inhibition of 5-alpha-reductase; inhibition of DHT binding to the androgen receptor; reduction of the inflammatory component of prostate growth (by inhibiting COX-2 and an enzyme called 5-lipoxygenase); induction of apoptosis and inhibition of prostate cell proliferation (Debruyne 2002; Goldmann et al 2001; Paubert-Braquet et al 1997; Vacherot et al 2000). Its clinical benefits for prostate enlargement include reduced nocturnal urinary urgency (Pavone et al 2010), decreased residual urine volume in the bladder (Giannakopoulos et al 2002), and less discomfort from urination symptoms (Mantovani 2010).

Testosterone and Prostate Cancer: The Myth For more than 6 decades, the medical establishment erroneously conjectured that testosterone replacement therapy increases one’s risk of developing prostate cancer. This fear has made it standard practice for physicians to deprive hypogonadal male patients of testosterone replacement that could otherwise provide them with a world of cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, cognitive, metabolic and other health benefits, as discussed above. Remarkably, though, it appears that, in most cases, the opposite is true—lower levels of endogenous testosterone present a greater risk of prostate cancer than higher levels (Morgentaler 2009). A review of data from the National Institutes of Health revealed that, in men of advancing age, “high testosterone levels are not associated with an increased risk of prostate cancer, nor are low testosterone levels protective against prostate cancer” (Morgentaler 2006). A collaborative review of 18 prospective studies compared serum concentrations of androgen and estrogen in 3,886 men with prostate cancer with those in 6,438 healthy controls. The results showed no significant associations between the risk of prostate cancer and sex hormone levels (Roddam et al 2008).

In more than 500 men diagnosed with prostate cancer (followed over a mean of 8.7 years), high androgen levels were actually associated with a decreased risk of aggressive prostate disease, compared with no change in the risk of non-aggressive disease. Overall, levels of any steroid hormones (except estradiol) were not correlated with the risk of aggressive prostate cancer (Severi et al 2006). Abraham Morgentaler, an associate clinical professor at the Harvard Medical School, in his book Testosterone for Life, convincingly makes the case for the benefits and safety of high testosterone vs. the dangers of low testosterone. He also goes back to the original 1941 Nobel Prize-winning research (Huggins et al 1941) about testosterone and shows how these data have been misinterpreted and unquestioned for over 70 years. What You Need to Know: Optimizing Testosterone Levels in Aging Men Testosterone, the chief male hormone, is essential for libido and erectile function, and plays a crucial role in mood, energy, bone health, and body composition. Testosterone levels decline with age, usually beginning in a man’s mid-30s.

Diminishing testosterone levels have been linked with disorders such as depression, fatigue, obesity and cognitive decline. Low testosterone in men is strongly associated with metabolic syndrome, and may be a risk factor for type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Restoring testosterone to youthful levels offers men a wealth of health benefits, including benefits for heart health, body composition, mood, and memory. Bioidentical testosterone has not been found to have adverse effects on the healthy prostate gland—in fact, it may help improve prostate symptoms in men with low-normal testosterone levels. Testosterone therapy is contraindicated in men with prostate cancer. Regular blood testing can help you and your physician decide if testosterone therapy is right for you. Optimizing testosterone levels requires a multi-pronged approach that includes optimal diet, proper nutrition, nutritional supplements, exercise, and bioidentical testosterone. ​ Testosterone | definition of testosterone by Medical dictionary Testosterone | definition of testosterone by Medical dictionary testosterone [tes-tos´tĕ-rōn] the principal male sex hormone ( androgen ) that is produced by Leydig's cells of the testes in response to luteinizing hormone secreted by the pituitary gland . It is also produced by the adrenal cortex in both males and females.

Its chief function is to stimulate the development of the male reproductive organs, including the prostate, and the secondary sex characters, such as the beard. It encourages growth of bone and muscle, and helps maintain muscle strength. Testosterone is obtained for therapeutic purposes by extraction from animal testes or by synthesis from cholesterol in a laboratory. It is used to treat male hypogonadism and delayed male puberty as well as to relieve symptoms in some forms of metastatic breast cancer in females, and is used as the base for various esters (e.g., cypionate, enanthate, propionate). Women normally secrete a certain amount of male hormones; however, if the hormone balance is disturbed and there is overproduction of male hormones in a woman, masculinization may develop.

tes·tos·te·rone (tes-tos'tĕ-rōn), The most potent naturally occurring androgen, formed in greatest quantities by the interstitial cells of the testes, and possibly secreted also in small amounts by the ovary and adrenal cortex; may be produced in nonglandular tissues from precursors such as androstenedione; used in the treatment of hypogonadism, cryptorchism, certain carcinomas, and menorrhagia. Various preparations are used therapeutically. testosterone /tes·tos·te·rone/ (tes-tos´tĕ-rōn″) the principal androgenic hormone, produced by the interstitial (Leydig) cells of the testes in response to stimulation by the luteinizing hormone of the anterior pituitary gland; it is thought to be responsible for regulation of gonadotropic secretion, spermatogenesis, and wolffian duct differentiation. It is also responsible for other male characteristics after its conversion to dihydrotestosterone . In addition, testosterone possesses protein anabolic properties.

It is used as replacement therapy for androgen deficiency in males, in the treatment of delayed male puberty or hypogonadism, and in the palliation of certain breast cancers in females; used as the base or various esters (e.g., cypionate, enanthate, propionate). testosterone (tĕs-tŏs′tə-rōn′) n. 1. A steroid hormone, C19H28O2, produced primarily in the testes and responsible for the development and maintenance of male secondary sex characteristics. Testosterone synthesized from plant sources, often in the form of an ester, is used in the medical treatment of testosterone deficiency. 2. Any of several synthetic compounds that mimic the physiologic activity of testosterone, used as drugs in the medical treatment of testosterone deficiency and as doping agents by athletes. testosterone [testos′tərōn] a naturally occurring androgenic hormone. indications It is prescribed for androgen deficiency, for female breast cancer, and for stimulation of growth, weight gain, and red blood cell production. contraindications Cancer of the male breast or prostate, liver disease, pregnancy or suspected pregnancy, or known hypersensitivity to this drug prohibits its use.

adverse effects Among the more serious adverse effects are hepatic dysfunction, fluid retention, masculinization, acne, and erythrocythemia.

testosterone Endocrinology The principal and most potent of the C-19 androgenic steroids, produced from its precursor hormone, progesterone, by the Leydig cells of testis, and, in far lesser amounts, in the ovary and adrenal cortex, and drives the development and maintenance of ♂ sex characteristics Activity Nitrogen retention, buildup of protein, induction and maintenance of 2º ♂ characteristics–eg, facial hair; testosterone secretion is in turn regulated by LH, which is produced by the anterior pituitary Indications Treatment of sexual dysfunction, weight loss, depression Ref range ♂–total, 300–1000 ng/dL; free, 5.1–41.0 ng/dL; ♀–total, 20-90 ng/dL; free, 0.1–2.3 ng/dL ↑ in ♂ sexual precocity, hyperplasia of adrenal cortex, adrenogenital syndrome, polycystic ovary syndrome ↓ in Alcoholism, anterior pituitary gland hypofunction, estrogen therapy, Klinefelter syndrome–aka 1º hypogonadism, testicular hypoactivity. See Sublingual testosterone .

Cf Progesterone. tes·tos·ter·one (tes-tos'tĕ-rōn) The most potent naturally occurring androgen, formed in greatest quantities by the interstitial cells of the testes and possibly secreted also by the ovary and adrenal cortex of the suprarenal gland; used in the treatment of hypogonadism, cryptorchism, certain carcinomas, and menorrhagia. Compare: bioregulator testosterone The principal male sex hormone (androgen) produced in the INTERSTITIAL cells of the TESTIS and, to a lesser extent in the OVARY . Testosterone is ANABOLIC and stimulates bone and muscle growth and the growth of the sexual characteristics. It is also used as a drug to treat delayed puberty or some cases of infertility or to help to treat breast cancer in post-menopausal women. It may be given by mouth, depot injection or skin patch. The drug is on the WHO official list. Brand names are Andropatch, Restandol, Sustanon, Testogel and Virormone. testosterone a steroid ANDROGEN produced by the LEYDIG CELLS between the SEMINIFEROUS TUBULES of the TESTIS .

It causes the development and maintenance of accessory sex organs, the genitalia and the SECONDARY SEXUAL CHARACTERS . Testosterone Male hormone produced by the testes and (in small amounts) in the ovaries. Testosterone is responsible for some masculine secondary sex characteristics such as growth of body hair and deepening voice. Mentioned in: Anabolic Steroid Use , Hormone Replacement Therapy , Klinefelter Syndrome , Menopause , Saw Palmetto anabolic steroids usually refers to a group of synthetic drugs based on the male sex hormone testosterone secreted by the testes, and having similar anabolic and other androgenic actions to this and other androgens from the adrenal cortex in both sexes. These drugs are misused in sports, especially where enhanced power and strength are beneficial such as weight lifting and cycling. Used in conjunction with a training programme, they lead to an increase in muscle size and power. They may also lessen fatigue and improve tissue repair. Use in children can lead to premature fusion of the epiphyses, stunting skeletal growth. Side effects are common and potentially serious.

They include psychological changes (notably aggression), liver damage, cardiovascular (raised blood pressure) and endocrine effects (masculinization in females, testicular atrophy and reduced sperm count in males.) See also adrenal glands, hormones; Table 1. Table 1: Hormones Several GI functions including bile flow, pancreatic enzyme and exocrine secretions Ingestion of food, distension of GI tract testis the male gonad , the site of spermatogenesis, whence sperm are discharged via the vas deferens into the urethra at ejaculation. This and also testicular endocrine function (secretion of testosterone and related hormones) are under the control of gonadotrophic hormones from the anterior pituitary, and in turn of the hypothalamus. testosterone male hormone (released primarily from interstitial cells of testes), but also from adrenal cortex and ovaries, in much smaller amounts tes·tos·ter·one (tes-tos'tĕ-rōn) Most potent naturally occurring androgen, formed in greatest quantities by interstitial cells of testes; used to treat some carcinomas, and other conditions.

testosterone the most important male sex hormone ( androgen ) produced by the Leydig cells of the testes in response to luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary. Its chief function is to stimulate the development of the male reproductive organs and the secondary sex characters, such as the crest. It is necessary for the appearance of normal male sexual behavior. It encourages growth of bone and muscle, and helps maintain muscle strength. It is occasionally secreted in large amounts also by granulosa-theca cell tumors of the ovary, especially in mares. testosterone cyclopentylpropionate, testosterone cypionate, testosterone propionate esters with a long period of activity. testosterone-responsive dermatosis a bilaterally symmetrical alopecia, primarily affecting the flanks, ventral abdomen and caudomedial aspect of the thighs of male dogs. The cause is believed to be hypotestosteronism. What is Testosterone? What is Testosterone?

By Rachel Rettner, Live Science Staff Writer | July 24, 2014 05:07pm ET MORE Credit: Zerbor | Shutterstock Testosterone is a male sex hormone that is important for sexual and reproductive development. The National Institutes of Health regards testosterone as the most important male hormone. Women also produce testosterone, but at lower levels than men. Testosterone belongs to a class of male hormones called androgens, which are sometimes called steroids or anabolic steroids. In men, testosterone is produced mainly in the testes, with a small amount made in the adrenal glands. The brain's hypothalamus and pituitary gland control testosterone production. The hypothalamus instructs the pituitary gland on how much testosterone to produce, and the pituitary gland passes the message on to the testes. These communications happen through chemicals and hormones in the bloodstream. Testosterone is involved in the development of male sex organs before birth, and the development of secondary sex characteristics at puberty, such as voice deepening, increased penis and testes size, and growth of facial and body hair.

The hormone also plays a role in sex drive, sperm production, fat distribution, red cell production, and maintenance of muscle strength and mass, according to the Mayo Clinic . For these reasons, testosterone is associated with overall health and well-being in men. One 2008 study published in the journal Frontiers of Hormone Research even linked testosterone to the prevention of osteoporosis in men. In women, the ovaries and adrenal glands produce testosterone. Women's total testosterone levels are about a tenth to a twentieth of men's levels. Low testosterone Levels of testosterone naturally decrease with age, but exactly what level constitutes " low T ," or hypogonadism, is controversial, Harvard Medical School said. Testosterone levels vary wildly, and can even differ depending on the time of day they're measured (levels tend to be lower in the evenings). The National Institutes of Health includes the following as possible symptoms of low testosterone: Reduced sex drive Loss of muscle mass or hair Bones becoming prone to fracture It is important to note, however, that conditions other than low T can cause erectile dysfunction, such as diseases in the nerves or blood.

Doctors typically to treat men for hypogonadism if they have symptoms of low testosterone and their testosterone levels are below 300 nanograms per deciliter. High testosterone High testosterone levels can cause problems in women, including irregular menstrual cycles, increases in body hair and acne, and a deepening of the voice. Women with polycystic ovarian syndrome have high levels of male hormones, including testosterone, which can be a cause of infertility. Testosterone therapy For people who are worried about low or high testosterone, a doctor may perform a blood test to measure the amount of the hormone in the patient's blood. When doctors find low-T, they may prescribe testosterone therapy, in which the patient takes an artificial version of the hormone. This is available in the following forms: a gel to be applied to the upper arms, shoulders or abdomen daily; a skin patch put on the body or scrotum twice a day; a solution applied to the armpit; injections every two or three weeks; a patch put on the gums twice a day; or implants that last four to six months. Men using testosterone gels must take precautions, such as washing hands and covering areas where the gel is applied, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration .

Women and children should not touch the gel or the skin where the gel or patch is applied. In older men with true testosterone deficiencies, testosterone treatment has been shown to increase strength and sex drive, experts say. But sometimes, symptoms of erectile dysfunction are due to other conditions, including diabetes and depression, according to the Mayo Clinic . Treating these men with testosterone hormone won't improve symptoms. As a side effect, testosterone treatment lowers sperm count , so Michael A. Werner , a specialist in andropause, or "male menopause," recommends that men who desire future fertility avoid testosterone treatments. Other side effects include increased risk of heart problems in older men with poor mobility, according to a 2009 study at Boston Medical Center. The treatment can also increase the risk of sleep apnea, promote prostate and breast growth, and even encourage the development of prostate cancer, according to the Mayo Clinic . This article is for informational purposes only and is not meant to offer medical advice. Jessie Szalay contributed to this article. Further reading sex hormone | Britannica.com Click here to search Sex hormone THIS ARTICLE IS A STUB. You can learn more about this topic in the related articles below.

Similar Topics Sex hormone, a chemical substance produced by a sex gland or other organ that has an effect on the sexual features of an organism. Like many other kinds of hormones, sex hormones may also be artificially synthesized. See androgen ; estrogen . Learn More in these related articles: androgen any of a group of hormones that primarily influence the growth and development of the male reproductive system. The predominant and most active androgen is testosterone, which is produced by the male testes. The other androgens, which support the functions of testosterone, are produced mainly by... hormone: Hormones of the reproductive system organic substance secreted by plants and animals that functions in the regulation of physiological activities and in maintaining homeostasis. Hormones carry out their functions by evoking responses from specific organs or tissues that are adapted to react to minute quantities of them. The classical... in history of medicine: Sex hormones Not the least of the advances in endocrinology was the increasing knowledge and understanding of the sex hormones. This culminated in the application of this knowledge to the problem of birth control.

After an initial stage of hesitancy, the contraceptive pill, with its basic rationale of preventing ovulation, was accepted by the vast majority of family-planning organizations and many... Endocrine system The blood and urinary levels of 17-hydroxycorticosteroids, hormones that affect protein, fat, and carbohydrate metabolism and that are produced by the adrenal glands, rise during pregnancy; but there is no increased effect from the hormones, because their higher level is more than offset by the increased levels of transcortin, a protein that inactivates them. Symptoms and signs; biological tests ...upon the production by the placenta (the temporary organ that develops in the womb for the nourishing of the embryo and the elimination of its wastes) of chorionic gonadotropin, an ovary-stimulating hormone. In practice, the tests have an accuracy of about 95 percent, although false-negative tests may run as high as 20 percent in a series of cases. False-negative reports are frequently obtained... animal reproductive system A direct relationship exists between behaviour and the functional state of gonads.

Reproductive behaviour induced principally but not exclusively by organic substances called hormones promotes the union of sperm (spermatozoa) and eggs, as well as any parental care accorded the young. There are a number of reasons why behaviour must be synchronized with gonadal activity. Chief among these are... Parental care ...to the eggs the warmth from the adult’s body. It has been shown that, like much of parental behaviour in the higher vertebrates, brood patches and “broodiness” are controlled by several hormones, combined with visual and tactile stimuli. Chief among these hormones is prolactin, which also controls the production of pigeon milk, a cheeselike substance produced only in the crops of... Hormonal influences ...the forepart of the brain. These cells then secrete a substance that stimulates the anterior pituitary gland, which is located at the base of the brain, to produce an array of regulatory substances (hormones), called gonadotropins, that are carried by the blood to the gonads (ovaries and testes), where they directly stimulate the development of eggs and sperm. The gonads, in turn, produce the... Hormones ...this and on occasion may have won in women’s Olympic competitions.

In other cases, those somewhat less severely affected, during adolescence when the hidden testes begin to secrete their own male hormones in abundance, the falsely female characteristics become suppressed, and the voice, beard, breasts, and sexual interest take on the pattern of the male. What were thought to be girls in their... Seasonal or periodic sexual cycles ...or female. In most animals, the reproductive glands wax and wane according to the seasons; that is, with an annual rhythm or else with a shorter cycle. Hormones are mainly in control of this rhythm. Sex hormones, male or female, respectively, are produced by the gonads themselves and cause or maintain their growth and at the same time cause the various secondary sexual characteristics of the... in birth control: Hormonal contraceptives Hormonal contraceptives use artificially synthesized derivatives of the natural steroid hormones estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is responsible for the growth of the lining of the womb (endometrium), which occurs early in the menstrual cycle. Progesterone is produced in the second half of the cycle and in great quantities in pregnancy. It makes the mucus in the lower part of the... in human sensory reception: Effects on behaviour ...humans.

The most sexually provocative perfumes have a high proportion of musk or a musklike odour. Genuine musk is derived from the sexual glands of the musk deer and is chemically related to human sex hormones; odour sensitivity in humans varies with the menstrual cycle. in human development: Hormones and growth Testosterone, secreted by the interstitial cells of the testis, is important not only at puberty but before. Its secretion by the fetal testis cells is responsible for the development of certain parts of the male genital apparatus. If testosterone is not secreted at a particular and circumscribed time, the genitalia develop into the female form. in crustacean: Hormones The brain and thoracic nerve centres produce hormones that promote the development of the sex organs. In addition, certain glands attached to the male reproductive ducts control the development of the male reproductive system; their removal from a young male will cause it to develop into a female. The female ovary also acts as an endocrine organ; its endocrine secretions control the development...

in steroid: Sex hormones Steroids that have a phenolic ring A (i.e., those in which ring A is aromatic and bears a hydroxyl group) are ubiquitous products of the ovary of vertebrate animals. These are the estrogens, of which estradiol is the most potent. They maintain the female reproductive tissues in a fully functional condition, promote the estrous state of preparedness for mating, and stimulate... in growth: Internal factors The sex hormones secreted from the pituitary gland interact in a complex way to regulate the growth of the gonads. The gonads in turn produce estrogen and progesterone in females and testosterone in males; these hormones control the development of human secondary sexual characteristics—body hair, enlargement of mammary glands in females, and growth of the vocal cords in males. Although... in menstruation In some animals a variety of external stimuli act through the central nervous system on the hypothalamic region of the brain. The hypothalamus controls the release from the pituitary gland of hormones that induce ripening of ovarian follicles—ova and the cellular structures that enclose them. These pituitary hormones, called gonadotropic hormones, are carried to the ovaries by way of the...

in premenstrual syndrome (PMS) Though they are the major subject of current research, the causes of PMS are not yet established. The most widely accepted theories centre on hormonal changes (the rapid fluctuation of levels of estrogen and progesterone in the bloodstream), nutritional deficiencies (particularly in regard to the vitamins—notably B vitamins—that affect nerve transmission in the brain), and stress... in gynecomastia True gynecomastia is related to hormonal imbalance, or the increase in estrogenic hormones in the male. Tumours located elsewhere in the male body may cause the estrogen abnormality; in these cases, gynecomastia is a secondary disorder of the other maladies. Tumours of the testes or of the pituitary gland are commonly the cause of gynecomastia. Elderly men show a greater incidence of this... in Edward Adelbert Doisy ...emeritus 1965–86). From 1922 to 1934 he worked with the embryologist Edgar Allen in developing assay techniques that facilitated research on sex hormones.

Doisy and his associates isolated the sex hormones estrone (theelin, 1929; the first estrogen to be crystallized), estriol (theelol, 1930), and estradiol (dihydrotheelin, 1935). Vitamin K, a substance that encourages blood clotting, had... Articles Articles Hormones and Your Skin by Dr. Claudia Aguirre About one hundred years ago humans doubled their life expectancy. This was a monumental feat, given that the number of years the average person was expected to live was a relatively constant number throughout most of human history. Nutrition, modern medicine and technology were mostly responsible for this dramatic change. In 2007, average life expectancy was 80.4 years for women, and 75.3 years for men.1 This gap may be narrowing, but one thing is clear – there is virtually a new population in the human experience, and women are the chief contributors. The aging female client is the backbone of our industry. Anti-aging skin care, led by cosmeceutical sales, is the leader in the multibillion dollar skin care industry, and it is not going away anytime soon.

Female life expectancy has increased dramatically over the years, while the age of menopause onset has remained stable at around 50 years of age. This means more and more women live in a hormone-deprived state, a relatively new phenomenon in human existence.4 There is no decisive reason as to why women in particular live long past their reproductive years, but there is an interesting hypothesis that may shed some light. In fact, it is called the “grandmother hypothesis” and it argues that having an older female to help nurture children ensures that the younger generation reaches its maximal evolutionary potential. That is, having Granny around the house to help with the kids ensures they are well-behaved, fed and safe so they too can have long, healthy lives. Although extended longevity seems like a great advantage of the 21st century, it opens up a lot of doors for age-related changes and disease. Many of these changes also take place on the skin, so having a full understanding of how hormones – and the lack of them – affect skin will benefit the professional skin therapist in everything from consultation and skin analysis to providing effective and realistic solutions to the aging, hormone deprived client.

The Role of Hormones One of the most important factors involved in the initiation of aging is the endocrine system. Particularly important for women, the endocrine system produces and regulates hormones, which decline, sometimes drastically, with age. Hormones are chemical messengers that are produced in organs such as the ovaries, adrenal glands and thyroid glands. Sex steroid hormones, thyroid and growth hormones are involved in many different functions such as growth, immune, reproductive and metabolic functions, and even hunger and stress. Unlike extrinsic aging, which requires external factors like ultraviolet (UV) radiation, lifestyle and pollution to cause deep wrinkling and photodamage, intrinsic skin aging is governed by our own body’s biological clock. Dryness, fine wrinkling and paleness is all part of the natural process of skin aging. Many factors are involved in intrinsic skin aging: genetic mutations, increased inflammatory signals, decreased lipid production and decreased hormone levels. These hormone changes are now being more closely examined to reveal just how important they are to skin health, especially in women. How do these hormones act on the skin? And specifically how do they impact skin aging? Estrogen When it comes to popular hormones, estrogen takes the prize for most widely known and discussed.

However, there are many misconceptions about this elusive and incredibly important substance. First of all, it is not purely a female hormone. True, it is primarily made in the ovaries and is abundant in females, but it is also found in males and made in different tissues outside of the ovaries. Secondly, the word estrogen actually encompasses a group of chemically similar hormones, so it is not a single substance. Estrogens include estradiol, the most abundant form in adult females, estriol, the primary estrogen during pregnancy and estrone, which is produced during menopause. Interestingly, in females, estrogens are made by converting the male hormones, known collectively as androgens, into estrogens. And these androgens are initially derived from cholesterol, the primary steroid that gives rise to many steroid hormone families. The conversions from cholesterol to androgens, or from androgens to estrogens, is all made via the actions of certain key enzymes. Without these enzymes, conversion would not be possible. The skin, among its myriad of functions, also has the necessary components to produce both cholesterol – and derive sex steroids from it – within the skin.

In the skin, estrogens affect skin thickness, wrinkle formation and skin moisture. Estrogens can increase glycosaminoglycans (GAGs), such as Hyaluronic Acid, to maintain fluid balance and structural integrity. They can also increase collagen production in the skin, where they maintain epidermal thickness and allow skin to remain plump, hydrated and wrinkle-free.2 During periods of elevated hormonal activity, such as pregnancy or with some oral contraceptives, skin pigmentation is exacerbated in certain sun-exposed areas such as the forehead, nose and cheeks. This phenomenon, known as melasma, is strictly hormone-related and is a clear example of hormonal effects on the skin pigmentation. The skin is not the only external feature that benefits from estrogens. Besides resulting in plump, healthy skin, estrogens can also make hair grow long and healthy. During pregnancy, women often experience hair growth, where the anagen phase is prolonged. The plummeting post-partum and even menopausal estrogenic levels cause thinning and falling hair, sometimes resulting in clinically significant hair loss, the so-called telogen effluvium. In essence, estrogens help our skin and hair remain youthful.

Of course, with puberty, menstruation and menopause, progesterone is also a key player. However, the research is still scant in this area. Future research will hopefully shed some light on the interactions between estrogens and progesterone, to better understand these described changes in skin and hair. Testosterone Testosterone is the chief male sex hormone and is the primary reason for everything that makes a man, well… male. Coarser hair, thicker and oilier skin, and generally a later onset for showing signs of skin aging are all due to testosterone. Female pattern alopecia, or baldness, is attributed to increased androgen levels and is the most common cause of hair loss in women. With age, the estrogen-androgen ratio becomes unbalanced, and changes are seen following menopause. Since androgens, and in particular testosterone, are involved in skin sebum production, females may experience increased oiliness or even adult acne when hormones become unbalanced during menstruation or menopause. The effects of androgens on skin are important in both male and female clients, as both can experience effects of altered androgen levels. Thyroid Hormones The thyroid is a small butterfly-shaped gland situated just in front of the voice box.

The thyroid gland makes two thyroid hormones which affect metabolism, brain development, breathing, body temperature, muscle strength, bone health, skin dryness, menstrual cycles, weight and cholesterol levels. Again, balance is key when it comes to these hormones. Too much, and skin can become warm, sweaty and flushed. Too little, and skin becomes dry, coarse, thick and even sweating is decreased. Thyroid dysfunction can also lead to thinning hair and eventual hair loss. The Female Menopause In our culture, menopause is frequently seen in a negative light, as something that requires medical attention and signifying a time of loss. Women are bombarded with messages about the impending doom of menopause even before they begin to have children. It is no wonder, then, that women tend to develop a negative body image during this transitional period. However, this transitional period is a completely natural process that must be understood in order to be appreciated. Only then can women take charge of their bodies and transition to menopause in a healthy and positive manner. So what occurs on the skin during perimenopause – the transitional period before menopause – and after menopause?

During the transition into menopause, often characterized by hot flashes, female skin may appear flushed, red and blotchy. Estrogens have anti-inflammatory properties, so the loss of these hormones can also lead to increased inflammation, which can exacerbate certain conditions like rosacea. As discussed, estrogens play a major role in the collagen and elastin network of the skin. Losing estrogens means losing dermal collagen production. So skin thins out, loses elasticity and sets the stage for wrinkle formation. Estrogens also regulate GAGs in the skin, and losing these hormones results in dehydrated, itchy skin. Estrogenic loss also reduces the number of blood vessels in the skin, resulting in pale skin with a lack of nutrients traveling to the skin’s surface.2 In all, we get pale, thin and dry skin. Since the drop in estrogen is sudden and more drastic than other hormones such as testosterone, it can also lead to an increase in androgenic characteristics such as increased facial hair. This is a sensitive time in a woman’s life, and it is imperative to treat the aging female client undergoing this hormonal transition with respect and understanding.

Given the severity of the biological changes, is there anything we can do to rejuvenate the skin in an older woman? Is Hormone Replacement Therapy the Answer? At the forefront of the menopausal skin treatments are topical steroid hormones. A relatively new field in skin care, it is not yet a plausible solution due to lack of research and existing side effects. Nevertheless, research has shown improvements in skin elasticity, moisture and skin thickness in women using either topical or oral hormone replacement therapy (HRT). However, HRT does not always prove to be fully beneficial. For example, a recent study showed that sun-damaged skin does not improve with estrogen treatment.3 Moreover, side effects have even shown increased pigmentation on cheeks after hormonal therapy.2 The research on male skin and hormone therapy is even more scant. So you can see that much more work is needed in this general area. What Can We Do For the Menopausal Client? Despite the growing research on medicated hormonal treatments on the skin, there are many options available already to turn dry, itchy and thinning skin into smoother, fresher skin. Since collagen production is drastically affected during hormonal loss, it is imperative to use ingredients that boost collagen production in the skin.

Retinoids, including Retinol, are part of the Vitamin A family with a great track record in increasing collagen and controlling pigmentation. Vitamin C, which has also been shown to boost collagen production, also brightens skin and evens out skin tone. Peptides that increase production of elastin, collagen and GAGs like Palmitoyl Tripeptide-38 and Palmitoyl Pentapeptide will benefit dry, loose skin by plumping and firming skin effectively. To battle the fires brought on by hot flashes and increased inflammation, look for anti-inflammatory ingredients like Avena Sativa Extracts, Chamomile and Bisabolol, even peptides that control neurogenic inflammation, as this can exacerbate symptoms. A dehydrated epidermal barrier benefits greatly from essential fatty acids, phytosterols and ceramides. Of course during hot flashes, we may want to constrict the capillaries with topical caffeine and avoid lifestyle trigger factors such as heat, sun and alcohol. Antioxidants can be an amazing powerhouse of rejuvenation – ingredients such as Superoxide Dismutase, Gingko Biloba, and White and Green Tea extracts to further protect the skin from oxidative damage.

Professional treatments for the aging client should take into consideration the loss of these vital hormones, so design a menu to specifically address these concerns. Focus on increasing hydration, stimulating collagen production and re-energizing the skin. Aside from the above ingredients, the use of invigorating essential oils can also provide hydration, nourish and heal skin. Using oils like Rosewood and Jasmine to provide intense hydration and Carrot Seed, Argan and Rosehip Oils to boost antioxidants, improve elasticity and reinforce the epidermal lipid barrier are all great treatment options with the added bonus of providing aromatherapy during this particularly stressful time. What Is Testosterone? | Hormone Health Network Bradley D. Anawalt, MD Alvin Matsumoto, MD Testosterone is the main sex hormone that men have. It controls male physical features. The testes (testicles) make testosterone. Women have testosterone too, but in much smaller amounts than in men. Why is testosterone important for boys and men? Testosterone helps bring on the physical changes that turn a boy into a man. This time of life is called puberty.

Changes include Growth of the penis and testes Growth of facial, pubic, and body hair Deepening of the voice Building muscles and strong bones Getting taller Men also need normal amounts of this hormone to make sperm and be able to have children. How does testosterone work? The brain and pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain (see image below), control production of testosterone by the testes. From there, testosterone moves through your blood to do its work. Your testosterone levels change from hour to hour. They tend to be highest in the morning and lowest at night. Testosterone levels are highest by age 20 to 30 and slowly go down after age 30 to 35. What can go wrong with testosterone levels? For many reasons, testosterone can become—and stay—too low. Less often, testosterone levels can become too high. When this hormone is not in balance, health problems can result. Ask your doctor if you should get your testosterone level checked if you have any of the problems mentioned below. You can get treatment to fix hormone problems.

Low testosterone Early symptoms (changes you feel) and signs (abnormalities that your doctor finds) of low testosterone in men include A drop in sex drive Poor erections Low sperm count Enlarged or tender breasts Later, low testosterone can lead to decreased muscle and bone strength, less energy, and lower fertility. Some things can temporarily lower testosterone, for instance, too much exercise, poor nutrition, or serious illness. Living a healthy lifestyle with regular exercise and a good diet helps maintain normal testosterone levels. High testosterone When young boys have too much testosterone, they can start puberty too early (before age 9). Some rare conditions, such as certain types of tumors, cause boys to make testosterone earlier than normal. Young boys also can have too much testosterone if they touch testosterone gel that an adult man is using for treatment How do you know what your testosterone level is? To measure your testosterone level, your doctor can order a blood test. The test should be done in the morning between 7:00 and 10:00. If the result is not normal, you should repeat the test to make sure of the result. In healthy men, testosterone levels can change a lot from day to day, so a second test could be normal.

Words to know a male sex hormone, such as testosterone. endocrinologist (EN-doh-krih-NOLL-uh-jist): a doctor who treats people who have hormone problems. hormone (HOR-mohn): a chemical made in a gland in one part of the body. The hormone travels through the blood to another part of the body, where it helps other cells do their job. hypogonadism (HI-po-GO-nad-iz-um): a low testosterone level or sperm count, or both. sex hormone: a hormone that affects and is made by the reproductive (sex) organs. It is responsible for secondary sex traits, such as facial hair in men. Questions to ask your doctor Is my testosterone level normal? Do I need more tests? Do I need treatment? How long will I need treatment? Does the treatment have side effects? How often should I have check-ups? Should I see an endocrinologist for my care?

Where to learn more Male Hormone Panel™: Patient Overview | DiagnosTechs™ Male Hormone Panel™ Introduction > About Us > Test Panels > Male Hormone Panel™ > MHP™ Patient Overview Historically, age-related male hormone changes have not been considered problematic, because fertility in men persists until an advanced age. In contrast, women undergo ovarian function failure and require multiple hormone replacements. More careful evaluation in males, however, shows progressive age-related changes, including: Decreased muscle mass and strength. Decreased vigor or low energy Decreased libido Nervousness and depression Hair loss These changes usually begin in a man’s forties and fifties and point towards hormone imbalances and deficiencies which may be considered the male equivalent of menopause, which is called andropause. Male Hormone Panel: Patient Overview What You Can Do About Male Hormone Imbalance Optimal health is dependent on a balance of hormones, not just a single hormone. Currently, men with low androgen hormones can benefit from hormone replacement therapy. Men with imbalances in their levels of androgen to estrogen and progesterone can also benefit from hormone supplements. Supplemental hormones can be given by mouth, injection, skin patch or implant.

Androgen supplementation, in states of deficit, improves alertness and produces a feeling of well-being, with a reduction in abdominal fat and enhanced lean body mass. Testosterone production in males is mainly a testicular function. The pituitary sex hormones luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) stimulate and regulate this function. Specifically, LH stimulates testosterone production in the testicles. This process is under negative feedback, meaning that testosterone levels regulate LH secretion. FSH and testosterone stimulate sperm production. Why Measure Male Hormones? Measurements of hormones can be used in two general ways: • To estimate the body’s own production as a baseline test. • To measure levels of hormones after supplementation in therapeutic monitoring. Baseline measurements show normal and abnormal levels of six distinct hormones, shown in the boxes in Diagram 1. If the levels are too low, too high or hormone ratios are outside of expected limits, an objective treatment plan can be developed for the patient. Symptoms are not a substitute for measuring hormone levels, because many symptoms may involve non-hormonal factors. Using appropriate tests for monitoring hormone therapy is crucial in establishing the appropriate dosing regimen.

This reduces the chance of undesirable side effects and maximizes beneficial effects. For example, excessive use of androgens (testosterone, androstenedione, DHEA and testosterone derivatives) can activate subclinical prostatic tumors which are androgen-dependent. Monitoring is especially important in older males. By the age of 70, at least 50% of men have subclinical prostate cancer. These individuals are especially susceptible to growth stimulation by androgens. The roles of the seven tested hormones are highlighted in the following descriptions of each: DHEA - Is the precursor for both male and female hormones— and anti-stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands. Unmonitored intake can easily alter the delicate balance between male and female hormones. Androstenedione - Is a weak (androgen) and a precursor to both male and female hormones. Unmonitored intake in men can cause excessive female hormone production with minimal male hormone production. In women, unmonitored intake usually causes excess male hormone production with body and facial hair stimulation. Testosterone - Is the main testicular androgen and is a precursor to the highly potent dihydrotestosterone male hormone.

Excessive amounts of testosterone promote hardening of the blood vessels, aggression, prostate problems and an increase in total cholesterol. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) - Is made from testosterone in certain tissues. The rate of its production is controlled by the level of free active progesterone. Excess DHT causes prostate enlargement and thinning of scalp hair. Progesterone - Is a hormone important to both men and women. It is a natural calming agent to our nervous system. It also keeps in check excessive DHT production and counterbalances the effects of excessive estrone. Unmonitored intake can lead to breast enlargement, depression and weight gain. Estrone - Is an estrogen that both men and women produce in the fat cells. The more fat, the more estrone, which in turn promotes fat deposits. It is produced from androstenedione, and excess of estrone can cause breast enlargement and contribute to prostate enlargement. In males, a certain low level of estrone is mandatory to balance the androgens. Estradiol - Is another estrogen that is much more powerful than estrone. It is partially formed in the testes but mostly in the perepheral tissues from both the testicular and adrenal androgens.

What We Test and What It Tells You Using a saliva sample, the regular MHP panel measures seven hormones: DHEA, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, estrone, estradiol and progesterone. The expanded panel measures these seven hormones plus FSH and LH. The hormone levels in saliva reflect the active tissue concentrations, while blood contains mostly protein- bound hormones, whose active levels can only be estimated at best. Urine contains both the active hormones and numerous metabolites and can only provide a gross estimate of hormone production over time. Active fraction measurements from saliva are superior to blood and urine for use in diagnosis and treatment.

This Test is For You if You Are: Middle-aged and experiencing any of these conditions: Impaired libido Baldness and/or extremity hair thinning Fat accumulation around the waist Urinary problems such as pain, frequency or urgency— or interrupted stream Changes in sleeping habits Lack of enthusiasm for life Increase in bad cholesterol—decrease in good cholesterol Osteoporosis Middle-Aged Men, Too, Can Blame Estrogen for That Waistline - The New York Times The New York Times Science |Middle-Aged Men, Too, Can Blame Estrogen for That Waistline Search Continue reading the main story It is the scourge of many a middle-aged man: he starts getting a pot belly, using lighter weights at the gym and somehow just doesn’t have the sexual desire of his younger years. The obvious culprit is testosterone, since men gradually make less of the male sex hormone as years go by. But a surprising new answer is emerging, one that doctors say could reinvigorate the study of how men’s bodies age. Estrogen, the female sex hormone, turns out to play a much bigger role in men’s bodies than previously thought, and falling levels contribute to their expanding waistlines just as they do in women’s.

The discovery of the role of estrogen in men is “a major advance,” said Dr. Peter J. Snyder, a professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, who is leading a big new research project on hormone therapy for men 65 and over. Until recently, testosterone deficiency was considered nearly the sole reason that men undergo the familiar physical complaints of midlife. The new frontier of research involves figuring out which hormone does what in men, and how body functions are affected at different hormone levels. While dwindling testosterone levels are to blame for middle-aged men’s smaller muscles, falling levels of estrogen regulate fat accumulation, according to a study published Wednesday in The New England Journal of Medicine, which provided the most conclusive evidence to date that estrogen is a major factor in male midlife woes. And both hormones are needed for libido. Continue reading the main story “Some of the symptoms routinely attributed to testosterone deficiency are actually partially or almost exclusively caused by the decline in estrogens,” said Dr. Joel Finkelstein, an endocrinologist at Harvard Medical School and the study’s lead author, in a news release on Wednesday. Advertisement Continue reading the main story His study is only the start of what many hope will be a new understanding of testosterone and estrogen in men.

Dr. Snyder is leading another study, the Testosterone Trial , which measures levels of both hormones and asks whether testosterone treatment can make older men with low testosterone levels more youthful — by letting them walk more quickly, feel more vigorous, improve their sexual functioning and their memories, and strengthen their bones. Smaller studies have been promising but unreliable, and estrogen has not been factored in. “We had ignored this hormone in men, but we are studying it now,” said Dr. Alvin M. Matsumoto, a testosterone and geriatrics researcher at the University of Washington School of Medicine and the V.A. Puget Sound Health Care System, who is a Testosterone Trial researcher. “We are just starting out on this road.” Both men and women make estrogen out of testosterone, and men make so much that they end up with at least twice as much estrogen as postmenopausal women. As levels of both hormones decline with age, the body changes. But until now, researchers have focused almost exclusively on how estrogen affects women and how testosterone affects men. Dr. Finkelstein’s study provides a new road map of the function of each hormone and its behavior at various levels. It suggests that different symptoms kick in at different levels of testosterone deficiency.

Testosterone, he found, is the chief regulator of muscle tone and lean body mass, but it takes less than was thought to maintain muscle. For a young man, 550 nanograms of testosterone per deciliter of blood serum is the average level, and doctors have generally considered levels below 300 nanograms so low they might require treatment, typically with testosterone gels. But Dr. Finkelstein’s study found that muscle strength and size turn out to be unaffected until testosterone levels drop very low, below 200 nanograms. Fat accumulation, however, kicks in at higher testosterone levels: at 300 to 350 nanograms of testosterone, estrogen levels sink low enough that middle-aged spread begins. Photo Ben Iverson took part in a study of men aged 20 to 50 who agreed to have their testosterone production turned off for 16 weeks. The study is being repeated to measure vitality in older men. Credit Nathan Weber for The New York Times As for sexual desire and performance, both require estrogen and testosterone, and they increase steadily as those hormone levels rise.

Researchers say it is too early to make many specific recommendations, but no one is suggesting that men take estrogen, because high doses cause feminine features like enlarged breasts. Although doctors prescribe testosterone gels for men whose levels fall below 300 nanograms per deciliter, that cutoff point is arbitrary, and there is no clinical rationale for it, Dr. Finkelstein said. Often men take the hormone to treat complaints like fatigue, depression or loss of sexual desire, which may or may not be from low levels of testosterone. The data suggest that men with levels around 300 nanograms who complain of sexual problems may want to try testosterone, but those who complain of flagging muscle strength should not blame testosterone deficiency, Dr. Finkelstein said. But, he added, “symptoms of low testosterone tend to be quite vague.” Today, millions of men are using testosterone gels, fueling a nearly $2 billion market. For their study, Dr. Finkelstein and his colleagues recruited 400 men aged 20 to 50 who agreed to have their testosterone production turned off for 16 weeks.

Half then received varying amounts of testosterone, while the other half also got a drug that shuts off estrogen synthesis so the researchers could assess the effects of having testosterone but not estrogen. Advertisement Continue reading the main story It turned out to be surprisingly easy to recruit subjects, Dr. Finkelstein said. One, Ben Iverson, joined in part for the $1,000 subjects were paid. “That, to me, was enticing,” he said. He was a 28-year-old Harvard graduate student at the time and is now an assistant professor of finance at Northwestern University. Although Mr. Iverson’s wife looked askance at the injections to block testosterone production, Mr. Iverson ended up getting enough testosterone in the gel he was assigned to use. The worst were the testosterone-suppressing injections, which required him to use a huge needle in his abdomen once a month, he said. He found out when the study ended that he was in a group that got enough testosterone to keep his levels in a normal range. “I literally did not notice any difference at all,” Mr. Iverson recalled. The worst symptoms were in men whose estrogen production was shut down — they got intense hot flashes. Now Dr.

Finkelstein is repeating the study with older men. The Testosterone Trial is looking at them too. For that study, Dr. Snyder and his colleagues recruited nearly 800 men aged 65 and older who have low testosterone levels. The men take either a placebo or enough testosterone to bring their level to between 400 and 800. Investigators are assessing walking speed, sexual functioning, vitality, memory, red-blood-cell count, bones and coronary arteries. The yearlong study will be completed next year. Next, researchers said, they want to do a large study like one conducted with thousands of women in 2002 that asked about long-term risks and benefits of hormone therapy. Does testosterone therapy lead, for example, to more prostate cancer? Does it prevent heart attacks? “We still don’t know the answers to the clinical questions,” Dr. Matsumoto said. “Does it prevent things that are really important?” A version of this article appears in print on September 12, 2013, on Page A1 of the New York edition with the headline: Middle-Aged Men, Too, Can Blame Estrogen for That Waistline. Order Reprints | Today's Paper | Subscribe

Question: Which is the chief male sex hormone?
Answer: Testosterone