What Controls the Level of Testosterone in the Body?
There are a number of internal and external factors that contribute to the amount of testosterone that is produced by the human body.
Testosterone supply and function though, is decided by the HPG Axis, a symbiotic relationship between the endocrine system and the testes.
There are also a significant number of lifestyle factors that can also influence the amount of testosterone that your body produces.
The HPG Axis The hypothalamus and pituitary gland both influence the amount of testosterone that the body produces.
GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone) is secreted by the hypothalamus in response to low testosterone, which triggers the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland then releases lutinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone.
Testosterone is produced in the Leydig or interstitial cells in the testes and manufactured out of cholesterol.
The amount of LH and FSH circulating in the body will determine the amount of testosterone that is produced.
This system is known as the HPG Axis, where the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and gonads work together to maintain constant levels.
All of the systems are in constant flux, as they are affected by a number of variables, and are trying to maintain equilibrium in the body at all times.
There are other factors that would need to be taken into account if you are having a testosterone test in order to put the results into your specific context.
Testosterone also goes through natural rhythms and ups and downs through different circumstances in your life.
Men measure lower testosterone levels during marriage and when they enter fatherhood.
It has also been observed that men who follow low fat or calorie restricted diets have lower testosterone levels.
Some of these factors include: Age The older you are the lower your levels would be expected to be.
Your testosterone levels reach their peak by the time you reach 20 and then start to decline in your middle age years.
They will continue to decrease by about 25% for every ten years that you age.
Time of Day Testosterone production peaks at nighttime, which is why men have nocturnal erections.
If you measured your testosterone levels in the early hours of the morning, they are likely to be higher than at the end of the day.
Stress Chronic or prolonged exposure to stress has an inhibiting effect on testosterone production as your body enters 'fight or flight mode'.
It secretes a hormone called cortisol, which mobilizes your energy to perform a flight or fight function and shuts down your immunity, sexual system and digestion in order to be able to do this.
Chronic stress will send your body the message that the world outside is too dangerous to procreate in and produce less sperm.
Physical Activity Getting enough exercise gives testosterone levels a natural boost.
It also releases endorphins and makes you feel good.
A high sense of self-esteem or self-worth is also associated with higher testosterone levels, and the psychology of exercise can have a profound effect on your testosterone production.
Balance A healthy sex life, a balanced diet and adequate sleep are also important components of maintaining your testosterone at the right levels.
If your body is too tired, it is less likely to produce as much testosterone as it would when you were feeling stronger and more energized.
If your diet does not include enough dietary cholesterol or is too low in fat, your body may respond by producing less testosterone.
men who engage in sexual activity less frequently than others will also produce a lower amount of the sex hormone, as their bodies get accustomed to the change in sexual rhythm.
Testosterone supply and function though, is decided by the HPG Axis, a symbiotic relationship between the endocrine system and the testes.
There are also a significant number of lifestyle factors that can also influence the amount of testosterone that your body produces.
The HPG Axis The hypothalamus and pituitary gland both influence the amount of testosterone that the body produces.
GnRH (gonadotrophin releasing hormone) is secreted by the hypothalamus in response to low testosterone, which triggers the pituitary gland.
The pituitary gland then releases lutinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the testicles to produce testosterone.
Testosterone is produced in the Leydig or interstitial cells in the testes and manufactured out of cholesterol.
The amount of LH and FSH circulating in the body will determine the amount of testosterone that is produced.
This system is known as the HPG Axis, where the hypothalamus, pituitary gland and gonads work together to maintain constant levels.
All of the systems are in constant flux, as they are affected by a number of variables, and are trying to maintain equilibrium in the body at all times.
There are other factors that would need to be taken into account if you are having a testosterone test in order to put the results into your specific context.
Testosterone also goes through natural rhythms and ups and downs through different circumstances in your life.
Men measure lower testosterone levels during marriage and when they enter fatherhood.
It has also been observed that men who follow low fat or calorie restricted diets have lower testosterone levels.
Some of these factors include: Age The older you are the lower your levels would be expected to be.
Your testosterone levels reach their peak by the time you reach 20 and then start to decline in your middle age years.
They will continue to decrease by about 25% for every ten years that you age.
Time of Day Testosterone production peaks at nighttime, which is why men have nocturnal erections.
If you measured your testosterone levels in the early hours of the morning, they are likely to be higher than at the end of the day.
Stress Chronic or prolonged exposure to stress has an inhibiting effect on testosterone production as your body enters 'fight or flight mode'.
It secretes a hormone called cortisol, which mobilizes your energy to perform a flight or fight function and shuts down your immunity, sexual system and digestion in order to be able to do this.
Chronic stress will send your body the message that the world outside is too dangerous to procreate in and produce less sperm.
Physical Activity Getting enough exercise gives testosterone levels a natural boost.
It also releases endorphins and makes you feel good.
A high sense of self-esteem or self-worth is also associated with higher testosterone levels, and the psychology of exercise can have a profound effect on your testosterone production.
Balance A healthy sex life, a balanced diet and adequate sleep are also important components of maintaining your testosterone at the right levels.
If your body is too tired, it is less likely to produce as much testosterone as it would when you were feeling stronger and more energized.
If your diet does not include enough dietary cholesterol or is too low in fat, your body may respond by producing less testosterone.
men who engage in sexual activity less frequently than others will also produce a lower amount of the sex hormone, as their bodies get accustomed to the change in sexual rhythm.