What makes Testosterone so Important?  

What do you think of when you hear the word Testosterone? In most cases, the first things people think of are an overly aggressive man or other common manly stereotypes.  

According to the research being done at Harvard Health, testosterone is so much more than its reputation would suggest. Men and women need the proper amount of testosterone to develop and function normally. However, the optimal amount of testosterone is far from clear and can vary based on the individual. 

Below we discuss everything you need to know about testosterone and how to interpret your testosterone levels.  

The Importance of Testosterone in Men:  

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males and plays several important roles, such as: 

• The development of the penis and testes 
• The deepening of the voice during puberty 
• The appearance of facial and pubic hair starting at puberty; later in life, it may play a role in balding 
• Muscle size and strength 
• Bone growth and strength 
• Sex drive (libido) 
• Sperm production 

Testosterone may also help maintain a normal mood. There may be other essential functions of this hormone that have not yet been discovered. 

Is Testosterone Important for Women?  

Harvard Health states that testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. It’s one of several androgens (male sex hormones) in females. These hormones are thought to have important effects on: 

• Ovarian function 
• Bone strength 
• Sexual behavior, including normal libido (although evidence is not conclusive) 

The proper balance between testosterone (along with other androgens) and estrogen is essential for the ovaries to work normally. While the specifics are uncertain, it’s possible that androgens also play a vital role in normal brain function (including mood, sex drive, and cognitive function). 

Having too much Testosterone: 

Harvard Health states that the problems below are associated with abnormally high testosterone in men.  

• Low sperm counts, shrinking of the testicles and impotence  
• Heart muscle damage and increased risk of heart attack 
• Prostate enlargement with difficulty urinating 
• Liver disease 
• Acne 
• Fluid retention with swelling of the legs and feet 
• Weight gain, perhaps related in part to increased appetite 
• High blood pressure and cholesterol 
• Insomnia 
• Headaches 
• Increased muscle mass 
• Increased risk of blood clots 
• Stunted growth in adolescents 
• Uncharacteristically aggressive behavior (although not well studied or clearly proven) 
• Mood swings, euphoria, irritability, impaired judgment, delusions 

Among women, perhaps the most common cause of a high testosterone level is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This disease is common. It affects 6% to 10% of premenopausal women. 

The ovaries of women with PCOS contain multiple cysts. Symptoms include irregular periods, reduced fertility, excess or coarse hair on the face, extremities, trunk, and pubic area, male-pattern baldness, darkened, thick skin, weight gain, depression, and anxiety. One treatment available for many of these problems is spironolactone, a diuretic (water pill) that blocks the action of male sex hormones. 

Women with high testosterone levels, due to either disease or drug use, may experience a decrease in breast size and deepening of the voice, in addition to many of the problems men may have. 

Having too Little Testosterone:  

More often than not, issues found with low testosterone are found in men more than women, but women can also have adverse effects when suffering from a testosterone deficiency.  

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in adult men include: 

• Reduced body and facial hair 
• Loss of muscle mass 
• Low libido, impotence, small testicles, reduced sperm count and infertility 
• Increased breast size 
• Hot flashes 
• Irritability, poor concentration and depression 
• Loss of body hair 
• Brittle bones and an increased risk of fracture 

As surprising as it may be, women can also be bothered by symptoms of testosterone deficiency. For example, disease in the pituitary gland may lead to reduced testosterone production from the adrenal glands disease. They may experience low libido, reduced bone strength, poor concentration or depression. 

Testosterone Testing:  

If you have experienced signs of abnormal levels of testosterone outlined above the best thing you can do is get a blood test. My Labs Direct offers one of the most accurate and convenient testosterone tests on the market. Our Advanced Testosterone Panel provides detail about your testosterone levels and how they may be impacting your sex drive, energy levels, mood, body weight, and much more by measuring the following:  

• Free Testosterone 
• SHBG 
• Total Testosterone 
• Bioavailable Testosterone 
• Free Androgen Index 

If you have any questions, concerns or need testing, we can help. Contact My Labs Direct at 877-355-7978 or visit MyLabsDirect to learn more.