Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, but women also have small amounts of this hormone in their bodies. It is a steroid hormone, produced mainly in the male testes and female ovaries. A small amount of this hormone is also produced by the adrenal gland.

During the process of sexual maturation in boys, testosterone is one of the main contributors to physical changes such as increased muscles, a lower voice (muteness) and hair growth .

Optimal testosterone levels are important in adulthood and even into old age.

In adults, normal levels of this hormone are very important for good health, reduced risk of disease, sexual function and many other factors.

In addition, increasing testosterone levels can result in rapid increases in muscle mass and vitality in just a few weeks.

Interestingly, testosterone also plays an important role in women's health and sexual wellbeing.

The research is quite clear: regardless of gender or age, you should make sure you have healthy testosterone levels.

Normal testosterone levels in men are between 3 and 11 ng/mL and are mostly protein-bound. The small, so-called free fraction of testosterone should be in the range of 50 to 210 pg/mL. Being within these limits, there is no cause for concern. Worse, when this level starts to fall or rises dangerously. Then it can have negative consequences.

Symptoms of testosterone deficiency

Testosterone deficiency (so-called hypogonadism) usually appears in men in their fifties. It is a completely natural process. It is characterised by typical clinical and biomechanical symptoms, i.e. reduced serum levels in the blood.

In particular, a significant decrease in its concentration has a negative impact on quality of life. Men suffering from testosterone deficiency most often suffer from a lack of any physical strength, lose muscle mass, and struggle with fat gain.

Testosterone deficiency also causes weakened bones and can even lead to osteoporosis. Low testosterone levels increase the likelihood of coronary heart disease, and the risk of death is almost twice that of men with normal levels.

In younger people, testosterone deficiency can be linked to disorders of the testes or higher centres - the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

In cases of testosterone deficiency, we can distinguish specific symptoms such as:

• decreased physical activity and sexual desire;
• reduced spontaneous morning and night-time erections;
• gynaecomastia, i.e. a feeling of discomfort in the breast glands;
• reduced body hair, reduced need to shave;
• reduction in testicular volume;
• reduction in muscle mass and strength.

And non-specific symptoms:

• decreased energy, motivation, self-confidence;
• lowered mood, irritability;
• impaired memory and concentration;
• sleep disturbances, insomnia;
• slight anaemia;
• increased body fat mass (increased BMI);
• reduced physical and mental performance.

Testosterone deficiency can cause, among other things, type 2 diabetes, metabolic syndrome, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, heart disease, osteoporosis and even lead to infertility.

How to deal with testosterone deficiency?

Research confirms that regular physical activity has a beneficial effect on normal testosterone levels. Exercise helps to maintain the above hormone at optimal levels and also leads to an increase in it. If you have a testosterone deficiency, it is a good idea to supplement your diet with eating protein products such as meat, dairy products, fish and eggs.

Vegetables such as Brussels sprouts, cauliflower, broccoli and cabbage in particular are worth eating to improve testosterone levels in the body. The compound indole-3-carbinol contained in them not only has a positive effect on testosterone levels, but, according to research, may even protect against prostate cancer.

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Symptoms of excess testosterone

It is not only a testosterone deficiency that has a negative effect on our body, an excess of the hormone is also not good for us.

An excess of testosterone should not occur on its own. It may be the cause of an ongoing disease (e.g. cancer), but more often it is the cause of unjustified use of preparations that increase the level of this hormone.

The main symptoms of excess testosterone are:

• priapism, or prolonged erection;
• gynaecomastia;
• alopecia (hair may disappear from the head, but will appear in increased amounts elsewhere on the body - on the back, abdomen, breasts or legs);
• the appearance of pimples on the face and back;
• aggression;
• mental disorders (sleep disturbances, anxiety, mood swings, delusions and hallucinations);
• neurological disorders (dizziness and headaches, memory and skin sensory disturbances);
• reduced immunity, joint swelling, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea.

Excess testosterone can cause heart disease, liver disease, prostate problems and even infertility (as with a deficiency of the hormone).