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Testosterone is a steroid hormone that while commonly thought of as a male sexual hormone, is important in the health of both men and women.


Testosterone is a steroid hormone that is produced by both men and women but is created in much larger quantities in men and is responsible for stimulating the development of male sexual characteristics. In a male fetus testosterone promotes the development of the penis, scrotum and other parts of a male reproductive system associated with sperm production.

In men, testosterone is mainly produced in the testes. The brain sends a signal to the pituitary gland, which then carries a message to the testes to produce testosterone. If levels become high, the brain tells the pituitary gland to slow down production.

The adrenal cortex also produces secretes some testosterone and in females, the hormone is produce in the ovaries. Females require testosterone to assist in ovary function, to help with bone strength and to boost sexual desire. There is also some evidence that it may play a part in healthy brain function in both men and women. For both sexes, normal levels of testosterone are necessary for a healthy body.

