Sexual Hormones: What They Are and How They Improve Male Health

Sexual hormones are produced in the testicles – for men – and in the ovaries – for women, playing vital roles in life. Learn more!

Generally, hormones are true chemical messengers produced by the endocrine system. In the case of sexual hormones, they enable sexual development and the maintenance of reproductive capabilities.

In men, the set of sexual hormones is called androgens. Testosterone is the most well-known and significant, but there are others like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), androstenedione, estradiol, among others.

What is the function of male sexual hormones in the body?

Male sexual hormones are primarily responsible for the development of sexual organs and characteristics, such as body hair, voice depth, and fat distribution, in addition to sperm production in the testicles.

They also play an important role directly at the moment, as they regulate sexual function, including libido, erection, and ejaculation.

These hormones also contribute to regulating the metabolism of fats, proteins, and carbohydrates.

When do sexual hormones start being produced in the body?

Sexual hormones are produced during fetal development.

Testosterone starts being produced around the 8th week of gestation, and gradually increases, peaking around the 20th week of gestation, approximately.

In the early years of life, production temporarily drops but increases again during puberty and youth.

After this brief period, the hormone levels naturally start to decline. The issue is that, in some men, especially older ones, the levels can become too low.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

When testosterone levels are below normal, a man may experience symptoms that primarily impact his sexual life, but can also affect his overall health and daily routine.

Low testosterone levels can lead to difficulty or inability to achieve or maintain an erection, in addition to decreasing sexual desire, negatively affecting a man’s sexual life. Sperm production drops, and fertility is compromised.

This deficiency can also cause a decrease in bone density and muscle mass and an increase in fat, in addition to a decline in strength and physical stamina.

Low testosterone can also affect insulin sensitivity, which is reduced. This represents a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes.

Men with low levels of the hormone also tend to suffer from depression and anxiety, sleep problems, and difficulties with memory and concentration, which reduces quality of life.

Does low testosterone cause erectile dysfunction?

Indeed, low testosterone can make it harder for a man to achieve an erection and, among those who do, it’s not always possible to maintain it until the end of sexual intercourse.

However, it’s worth noting that the drop in the hormone is not always the sole reason for erectile dysfunction. It can be a contributing factor to the condition, especially in older men, but it’s crucial to investigate its origin.

Which exam discovers the level of testosterone in the body?

With a blood test ordered by a doctor, it’s possible to know the level of testosterone in your body.

However, there are variations of this exam, since the hormone is present in different forms and states in the human body, with different implications for your health.

The most common tests are for total and free testosterone. The first measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood, considering what is bound to carrier proteins or free and available for use by the body.

It’s also possible to measure testosterone bound to SHBG, a protein that helps regulate the levels of sexual hormones in the body, and also acts in the liver, thyroid, and testicles. It’s an exam that can help diagnose and monitor conditions like erectile dysfunction and infertility.

Based on the reported symptoms, the doctor can request the necessary exams to evaluate your case.

What to do to increase testosterone levels?

Treatment for low testosterone levels may include medication, hormone therapy, and lifestyle changes.

If the results indicate low testosterone, the best course of action to increase this hormone’s levels is to seek medical treatment.

Some medications can help increase testosterone levels, such as pills, injections, patches, gels, and implants. In certain cases, the most suitable treatment will be hormone replacement directly.

Adopting an active and balanced lifestyle, considering including diet, exercise, sleep, and stress reduction, is also crucial for increasing testosterone levels and reducing presented symptoms.

What are the types of hormone?

Humans have not only sexual hormones. These chemical messengers regulate many physiological processes in our body.

Some of the main types of hormones are:

Stress hormones
Growth hormones
Pancreatic hormones
Gastrointestinal hormones
Reproductive hormones
Thyroid hormones

Hormones, especially sexual ones, with a focus on testosterone, make a difference in men’s health, well-being, and quality of life. Therefore, it’s important to pay attention to symptoms of a decline.

If your interest in sexual activity has decreased, if your penis is not becoming erect as before, or if relationships end without you being satisfied, pay attention. Contact us to check how your hormones are doing and what you can do to have a better quality of sexual life for longer.