For example, the genitals may not enlarge, facial and body hair may be scant, and the voice may not deepen normally. Adolescent boys with too little testosterone may not experience normal masculinization. A "feedback loop" closely regulates the amount of hormone in the blood. They travel from one organ or another place in the body, usually through the bloodstream, and affect many different bodily processes. What's more, testosterone plays other important roles in health and disease that may surprise you. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Many older men with low testosterone experience significant improvements in quality of life, energy, mood, and sexual function with appropriate hormone therapy. Many men begin experiencing noticeable symptoms in this decade as levels continue declining. The decision to pursue testosterone therapy isn't determined by age alone. All men in their 50s with symptoms should have comprehensive hormone testing including total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, and related markers. This explains why some men with "normal" total testosterone still experience symptoms. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) increases with age, binding more testosterone and making it unavailable. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician. Testosterone therapy does not appear to increase the risk of prostate cancer, but it can stimulate the growth of prostate cancer cells. Doctors also watch out for high red blood cell counts, which could increase the risk of clotting. As a result, there is some controversy about which men should be treated with supplemental testosterone. Women may have a testosterone deficiency due to diseases of the pituitary, hypothalamus or adrenal glands, in addition to removal of the ovaries. Men taking testosterone replacement must be carefully monitored for prostate cancer. There are times when low testosterone is not such a bad thing. Affected women may experience low libido, reduced bone strength, poor concentration or depression. Testosterone is necessary for fetal development during pregnancy because it helps control the development of the male reproductive system. Healthcare professionals recognize the wide variability of laboratory ranges. This article will use the terms "male," "female," or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. All health decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified physician.
