Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. Its production – stimulated by the luteinizing hormone (LH) from the pituitary gland – mainly takes place in the Leydig’s intermediate cells of the testes.

Testosterone plays an important role in the development of the genital organs and the development of the male appearance during puberty. As a neurohormone, it provides drive, stress processing, mental balance and can increase sexual desire (libido). It is important in the context of semen production and has a muscle-building effect.

This is how testosterone works in the body

A lack of testosterone has many effects in men: a decline in performance, driving disorders, the tendency to depressive moods, chronic fatigue, sleep disorders, hot flashes, lack of concentration, decrease in libido and erectile ability, reduction in sperm production and reduction in testicular volume. A decrease in the muscles, increased fat storage in the abdominal area and a reduction in body size and bone density are also typical. In extreme cases, the appearance becomes feminized and osteoporosis occurs.

Testosterone and coronary artery disease

Testosterone for libido

psyche

hair loss

Prostate cancer

Causes of Testosterone Deficiency

Genetic testicular malformations and androgen receptor defects, but also mumps-related testicular inflammation (orchitis) during childhood, liver diseases, hemochromatoses, autoimmune diseases (anti-Leydig cell antibodies) or chronic infections can lead to reduced production of the Hormones testosterone is coming. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, pituitary tumors and treatment with cortisone preparations also have a negative impact on the synthesis of testosterone, such as testicular injuries, obesity, nicotine or alcohol abuse. A natural reason for the drop in testosterone, which can nevertheless have the consequences mentioned above, is aging.

How is testosterone used in therapy?

If the body does not produce enough testosterone, substitution therapy with natural testosterone can take place.

In addition to monthly injections, tablets or plasters, there is the option of applying the natural bioidentical testosterone to the skin daily in the form of a transdermal application using a gel. This allows a very constant hormone level to be built up with the lowest possible dosage. Skin patches also have a good effect but are rarely used because they have often caused skin irritation and are “visible”. The supply via tablets is outdated because it does not correspond to a natural substitution, but rather to a high-dose pharmacotherapy.

In order to achieve optimal testosterone levels, the blood hormone status should be checked regularly.

Possible side effects of testosterone

With precise testosterone therapy and blood level control, no undesirable side effects occur with testosterone therapy. In individual cases, the following side effects can occur: worsening of existing prostate enlargement, gynecomastia (increase in breast tissue), polycythemia (increase in blood cells such as erythrocytes and thrombocytes).

In the case of untreated prostate cancer, testosterone substitution should be avoided. Testosterone treatment should not be used in the extremely rare cases of male breast cancer.