Testosterone Role in Libido in Men and Women: for Medical Practitioners
Testosterone and its Role in Libido
The Testosterone hormone is mainly produced in the testes in men and ovaries in women. Also, it’s produced by the adrenal glands in both genders, but in small amounts. It plays an important role in the development of male sexual characteristics, such as muscle mass, bone density, body hair growth, and manly voice, as well as a critical role in reproduction. Also, it plays a significant role in the production of red blood cells and the maintenance of overall health.
Testosterone Impact on Libido
Regarding sexual function, testosterone is one of the primary hormones that impact libido in both men and women. In men, testosterone levels peak during puberty and start to decline gradually after the age of 30. As testosterone levels decline with age, some men experience a decrease in sexual desire, difficulty in erection, and a decrease in semen quality.
In women, testosterone is also important for sexual function and libido. Its levels in women are much lower than in men, but they still play a role in sexual desire. Women with low testosterone levels may experience low sexual desire, difficulty in achieving orgasm, and reduced satisfaction.
The exact mechanism by which testosterone impacts libido. in both genders is not fully understood, but it is thought to involve several physiological processes.
Testosterone Impact on Libido Physiologically
As a medical practitioner, you may want more in-depth physiological details about how testosterone impacts libido, here we are!
Testosterone impacts libido in several physiological ways. One of the primary ways is through its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The HPG axis is a complex system involving the connection between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads (testes in men and ovaries in women). This system regulates the production and secretion of hormones involved in sexual development and function, including testosterone.
In men, testosterone is produced by the Leydig cells in the testes in response to the luteinizing hormone (LH) secreted by the pituitary gland. LH is regulated by gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) secreted by the hypothalamus. Testosterone then acts on various tissues in the body, including the genitalia, to promote sexual development and function.
In women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries and adrenal glands, also in response to LH. It plays a role in sexual desire, as well as the growth and maintenance of the clitoris, labia, and vaginal tissues.
Testosterone impacts libido by enhancing sensitivity to sexual stimuli. This effect is mediated by the androgen receptor, a protein that binds to testosterone and transmits signals to the cell. When testosterone binds to the androgen receptor in the brain, it activates pathways that increase sexual motivation and desire.
SUMMARY
Testosterone plays a significant role in sexual function and libido in both genders. Physiologically, It impacts libido by enhancing sensitivity to sexual stimuli, increasing blood flow to the genitals, and regulating other hormones involved in sexual function. By understanding these physiological mechanisms, medical practitioners can better diagnose and treat conditions related to testosterone levels and sexual function.
SOURCES
[1] https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24101-testosterone
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23378050/
[3] https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
[4] https://www.everydayhealth.com/testosterone/mens-health/
[5] https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/testosterone-and-the-heart
[6] https://www.drelist.com/blog/role-of-testosterone-men/
[7] https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/neuroscience/hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal-axis
