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Structure & Function of Testosterone

Testosterone is the most important hormone determining sexual characteristics in males. Testosterone determines whether a baby will develop into a girl or a boy. In males, testosterone is primarily produced in the testes. In females, it is primarily produced in the ovaries. Small amounts of the hormone are produced in the adrenal glands in both sexes.

  1. Structure and Physical Characteristics

    • Testosterone is comprised of carbon, hydrogen and oxygen. The molecular weight of testosterone is 288.4 and the chemical name of the hormone is 17beta-Hydroxyandrost-4-en-3-one. It takes the form of solid crystals or crystalline powder and has a white or slightly creamy-white color.

    Functions

    • In males, testosterone plays a role in the development of the male sex organs (the penis and testes), the growth of bones, the production of sperm, the deepening of the voice, the development of facial and pubic hair, as well as the sex drive or libido. In women, testosterone is thought to play a role in the function of the ovaries, bone strength and sexual behavior.

    Effects of Excessive Testosterone

    • Having excessive naturally occurring testosterone is not a common problem among men. Most of what is known about the effects of excessive testosterone levels comes from studies conducted on those taking anabolic steroids or otherwise artificially increasing their testosterone levels. High levels of testosterone can cause a number of problems in men. These include high blood pressure, high cholesterol, elevated risk of blood clots, elevated risk of heart attack, damage to the heart muscle, enlarged prostate and liver disease. In addition, excessive testosterone can lead to low sperm count, shrinking of the testicles and even impotence. Among women, excessive testosterone may lead to many of the aforementioned problems as well as a decrease in breast size and deepening of the voice.

    Effects of Low Testosterone

    • There are a number of problems associated with having testosterone levels that are too low. In men, problems may include loss of muscle mass, brittle bones (along with an increased risk of fracture), irritability, poor concentration and depression. In addition, men with low testosterone levels may suffer from low libido, reduced sperm count, infertility and impotence. Among women, low testosterone may lead to lower bone strength, low libido and depression.

    Diseases and Conditions that Decrease Testosterone

    • In men, testosterone levels may be reduced by a direct injury to the testes, radiation treatment and infection or tumors of the testes. In addition, HIV/AIDS can reduce testosterone levels in men. In women, testosterone deficiency may be caused by diseases of the pituitary, hypothalamus or adrenal glands. In addition, estrogen therapy will reduce the amount of free and active testosterone in a woman's body.

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