Arnaud Pontin (Image : AI / Gay Globe)
Do you know testosterone? It is talked about everywhere and often in Gay Globe articles, but few people know that it is one of the most important hormones in the human body, in both men and women.
People often think that this hormone is purely male, that it is linked to libido, or that, when used excessively, it can lead to exaggerated muscularity in young men and bodybuilders. But testosterone, of course, holds many more surprises than these somewhat overblown clichés.
What exactly is testosterone?
According to pharmaceutical and medical compendiums, testosterone is a hormone naturally produced by the body, primarily by the testicles in men and, in smaller quantities, by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It plays an important role in sexual development, libido, sperm production, muscle mass and bone strength.
But testosterone is not simply a “male hormone.” It also contributes to energy, body composition, mood and the maintenance of several essential functions. Its level naturally varies with age and from one person to another. A level that is too low or, conversely, abnormally high can have effects on health.
In men, testosterone plays a much broader role than the one generally attributed to it. It contributes to sexual desire, spontaneous erections, sperm production, the maintenance of muscle mass and strength, bone strength and the production of red blood cells. It also plays a role in energy, motivation, concentration and the overall balance of the body.
When testosterone levels become too low, a man may gradually experience a decrease in libido, unusual fatigue, reduced muscle strength and sometimes erectile difficulties. Some men also notice a decrease in body hair, an increase in body fat, mood changes, concentration problems or a general decline in motivation. In more significant cases, low testosterone can also affect fertility and bone health.
However, caution is necessary before attributing these symptoms to testosterone. Fatigue, reduced desire, erectile problems or weight changes can have many other causes. A true testosterone deficiency is therefore not diagnosed solely on the basis of symptoms: medical recommendations generally require the presence of symptoms compatible with a deficiency and confirmation of an abnormally low blood level, measured correctly and generally checked a second time in the morning.
In aging men, testosterone levels may gradually decline, but aging does not automatically mean having a testosterone deficiency. This distinction is precisely what is important when discussing hormone treatment.
And what about women?
In women, testosterone is also a natural and important hormone, even though it is produced in much smaller quantities than in men. It comes primarily from the ovaries and adrenal glands and contributes in particular to sexual desire, muscle mass, bone strength as well as the general maintenance of energy and well-being.
When its level becomes particularly low, some women may experience a decrease in sexual desire, increased fatigue, reduced muscle strength or a decrease in their general sense of well-being. These manifestations are nevertheless difficult to attribute solely to testosterone, as they can also be related to menopause, stress, sleep, certain medications or other hormonal changes.
The situation is therefore different from that of men: a simple blood testosterone test alone cannot determine that a woman is suffering from a “testosterone deficiency.” Specialists primarily consider the clinical context and symptoms. In some menopausal women experiencing a persistent sexual desire disorder, testosterone therapy may be considered under medical supervision, but its use must be precise and monitored.
Testosterone is therefore not exclusively a “male hormone.” It is part of the hormonal balance of both sexes and, in women as in men, its role goes far beyond sexuality alone.
What are the dangers of excessive unsupervised use?
Excessive testosterone use, particularly when used without a medical diagnosis, without blood testing and without monitoring, can become dangerous. It is especially important to distinguish testosterone prescribed to correct a genuine hormonal deficiency from the use of very high doses, particularly for the purpose of building muscle or enhancing performance. Supraphysiological doses carry much greater risks.
In men, one of the most significant effects is an excessive increase in red blood cells. The blood can become thicker, which may promote the formation of clots. High doses of testosterone can also suppress the body’s natural production of testosterone by the testicles and greatly reduce sperm production, sometimes with prolonged consequences.
Excessive use can also cause acne, an increase in muscle mass and body mass, an increase in breast size in some men, a decrease in testicular volume and fertility problems. It can also worsen or contribute to certain conditions, including sleep apnea.
The cardiovascular system also deserves particular attention. Scientific data are complex: recent studies have not demonstrated a general increase in heart attacks and strokes with properly prescribed therapy, but the Endocrine Society points out that risks remain, including an observed increase in pulmonary embolisms in some trials. At doses much higher than those used medically, cardiovascular and metabolic risks become particularly concerning.
There can also be possible psychological and behavioral effects with the use of very high doses of androgens: mood changes, irritability, aggression and, after stopping, a withdrawal syndrome that may be accompanied by a significant decrease in energy or mood.
In women, excess testosterone can lead to signs of virilization, including increased body hair, acne, changes in the voice and changes in body composition. Medical recommendations therefore emphasize monitoring for signs of androgen excess when a woman receives testosterone.
As a general rule, if a blood testosterone test demonstrates a low level of this hormone in the blood and specific symptoms accompany this decrease, a medical prescription, under supervision, can greatly contribute to improving the quality of life of people with testosterone deficiency.
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