This sex hormone affects your life

How is testosterone produced in the body?

Testosterone is produced in both the male and female body and belongs to the steroid hormones.It is formed through several conversion steps from cholesterol and can partly be converted further into estrogens.

In the man, testosterone is mainly produced in the testes, especially in Leydig cells. A small portion is also produced in the adrenal cortex. Synthesis begins with the conversion of cholesterol to pregnenolone, which is then converted to androstenedione and finally to testosterone.

In the woman, testosterone production occurs mainly in the adrenal cortex, the ovaries and the placenta. In the ovaries, testosterone is produced primarily by the theca cells of the follicles. In granulosa cells it is converted by enzymes into estradiol, one of the main female sex hormones.

Testosterone production is controlled by the luteinizing hormone (LH), which is released by the pituitary gland when testosterone levels are low.

What does testosterone do in men?

The sex hormone testosterone is crucial for sexual development and has wide‑ranging effects on the male body. It promotes the development of male sexual characteristics such as testes and penis, body hair, a deeper voice and facial hair. Testosterone is also essential for sperm production and therefore for male fertility.

The hormone also has a significant influence on sexual desire and overall sexual function. On a psychological level, testosterone affects mood, mental well‑being and drive, often leading to greater confidence and a more positive outlook.

On a physical level, testosterone supports the development of muscle strength and mass and contributes to increased bone density, thereby strengthening the skeleton. It also affects body fat distribution and promotes fat loss, resulting in a typically male body composition. Testosterone is also involved in the production of red blood cells, which is why men often have higher hematocrit values than women.

Testosterone levels vary between men and fluctuate over the course of the day. From about age 40, endogenous production begins to decline slowly, a process sometimes referred to as andropause. Unlike female menopause, this process is gradual and less dramatic. Many men do not notice this decline, and in some the testosterone level remains relatively stable in older age.

What is the role of testosterone in women?

Testosterone has important functions in women. A healthy testosterone level contributes to libido and thus affects sexual desire. Testosterone also supports bone health by helping to maintain bone density and thus preventing osteoporosis. It is necessary for the development of muscle strength and mass.

Testosterone also plays a role in emotional health, contributing to mood stability and overall psychological well‑being. It supports fat loss and affects the menstrual cycle, which is important for a woman's reproductive health.

Testosterone also influences hair growth and skin health by regulating sebum production. Androgens, including testosterone, are important for the development and function of ovarian follicles, as they promote the synthesis of FSH receptors required for follicle growth and selection.

What effect does testosterone have on the psyche?

Testosterone has an important role in the central nervous system and therefore influences mental health. Low testosterone can lead to reduced cognitive performance and is often associated with depressive symptoms. These symptoms manifest as fatigue, lack of motivation and general loss of interest. In some cases, severe testosterone deficiency can even lead to a clinical depression, characterised by feelings of hopelessness and, in extreme cases, suicidal thoughts.

Anxiety disorders, including phobic fears and panic syndromes, are also related to testosterone levels. A testosterone deficiency can thus negatively affect mood and self‑esteem, leading to increased irritability and stress susceptibility. Testosterone also affects spatial perception, so a low level may impair certain cognitive functions.

When is the testosterone level too low?

A low testosterone level can have various causes in both men and women. Men can develop low testosterone due to gonadal insufficiency or from taking anabolic steroids.

In women, a low testosterone level can be caused by ovarian insufficiency. The use of ovulation suppressants or estrogens and Addison's disease can also lead to testosterone deficiency. Other possible factors in both sexes include liver cirrhosis, substance abuse or severe malnutrition.

What do elevated testosterone levels in the blood mean?

Elevated testosterone levels in the blood can have different causes in men and women. In men, reasons such as excessive testosterone intake through doping, testicular tumours, androgen resistance or defects of androgen receptors can lead to increased testosterone levels.

In women, overactivity of the adrenal cortex or the ovaries can cause a rise in testosterone levels. An adrenal carcinoma or precocious puberty are also often the reason for elevated testosterone values.

How to naturally increase your testosterone level: helpful tips

• Start exercising regularly. Short strength‑training sessions with weights or interval runs stimulate testosterone production.
• Pay attention to training intensity. Long endurance sessions can suppress testosterone production. Two to three workouts per week are ideal.
• It is recommended to reduce overweight and abdominal fat. Visceral belly fat in particular can promote the conversion of testosterone into estradiol, leading to lower testosterone levels.
• Watch your diet, avoid carbohydrates after 6 pm and favour fibre‑rich foods.
• Drink green tea. Green tea contains catechins that have been shown to increase testosterone production.
• Check your vitamin D level, as a vitamin D deficiency can cause low testosterone. 
• Healthy fats such as omega‑3 fatty acids are essential for hormone production, including testosterone. Include foods like salmon, avocados and flaxseed in your diet to support your testosterone level.
• Increase vitamin C intake to boost testosterone production. Add foods like oranges, peppers and broccoli to your meals to raise vitamin C intake.
• Zinc is an essential nutrient for testosterone production. Foods such as oysters, beef and pumpkin seeds are rich in zinc and can help raise testosterone levels.
• Reduce stress, as stress can release cortisol which inhibits testosterone production. Relaxation techniques such as meditation help lower cortisol and increase testosterone production.

Testosterone is indispensable for both men and women for physical and mental health. A balanced testosterone level is crucial for maintaining various physiological functions. A healthy lifestyle is recommended to ensure optimal hormonal balance.