Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone which is 15 to 20 times higher in men than women. In both the sexes, testosterones are produced in endocrinal glands which are the testis and the ovaries. This hormone is derived from cholesterols.

Functions of testosterones

• Fetal development- testosterones are said to play a major role in developing the gender of the child.
• Secondary sexual character- in males, this hormone is important for the onset of puberty where growing boys develop deeper voice, grow muscle mass, facial hair growth and the development of the male genital organ.
• Libido- healthy level of testosterones ensures that the person has an active sexual life and decreases the chances of erectile dysfunction.
• Metabolism- in men testosterones ensures a faster metabolism due to which there is person has lower body fat and allows faster healing.
• Fertility- in men it can help to maintain a healthy quality and count of sperms so that men can reproduce.

Effects on body weight-

Studies have shown that testosterone levels can affect the metabolism of the body. Men who have a balanced circulation of this hormone n their body have a healthy basal metabolic rate due to which additional fat is burnt down to increase energy and fat storage in the body decreases.

Effect of increased level of testosterones-

In women who are on testosterone therapy, they tend to gain weight. The weight gain is more because of increase in muscle mass and bone density than increase in fat content. This occurs as testosterones help in increasing the level of muscles in the body and make the women appear muscular and manly. In males also, it has similar affects. This is one of the reasons which make men and women who are under testosterone therapy gain weight. Testosterones can also drastically increase the appetite due to which people eat more calories than the amount that is burnt. This in turn tends to make them gain weight.

Effect of decreased level of testosterones-

Testosterones help in normal functioning of the metabolism. Studies conducted on fat men revealed that men who had access weight have low level of testosterone. Low testosterone decreases the basal metabolic rate due to which the rates at which the fats are burnt to convert them into calories are low. A decrease in the level of testosterones is termed as hypogonadism and as been linked to various other problems such as erectile dysfunction, low sperm count, fatigue, mood changes and weaker bones. Studies have also revealed that low level of testosterones can cause increase in the abdominal fat especially in men. As men age, their level of testosterone decreases due to which the stomach continues to protrude. This is one of the reasons why old men tend to have a huge paunch. For men who are suffering from this disorder, there is testosterone replacement therapy but this should be taken under medical guidance as it can lead to an increase in the level of testosterones which can again cause an increase in weight.

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