There are various places all over the internet to read about testosterone, but you never know if you can trust the source to give you the real facts. A urologist, on the other hand, has dedicated their life to understanding and helping people with concerns related to the male reproductive and hormonal systems. London Andrology hosts two dedicated urologists available for a private consultation. Here are 5 facts about testosterone they want you to know.

1. Testosterone peaks during puberty, levels out, then steadily declines

Testosterone is highest when a man is between the ages of 17 to 19 and then levels out shortly after these years. After the age of 30, testosterone levels begin to decline at a regular rate of about 1% per year.

There is no cause for alarm as the body continues to create testosterone even though the pace at which it produces the hormone begins to slow. This can sometimes bring a decrease in libido, but there are many options to boost testosterone and libido to maintain sexual performance.

2. Men need testosterone for sperm production

Sperm is produced in the testes, the same place that testosterone production and release into the body occurs. Testosterone along with other hormones are responsible for signalling the body to produce sperm. Problems with the testicles can result in problems with both testosterone levels and sperm production.

When fertility problems occur, checking testosterone levels is a common part of the evaluation process. In cases where there is a male factor in an infertility case, boosting testosterone may be part of the prescribed solution.

3. Low testosterone can cause problems from depression to memory failures

Low testosterone is most known for affecting a drop in libido, but this isn’t the only negative result. Lowered levels of testosterone can also result in:

• Loss of muscle mass
• Lowered sexual performance
• Poor concentration
• Mood swings
• Sleeping difficulties
• Memory loss
• Osteoporosis

Any concerns about low testosterone should be brought to your doctor or urologist. A simple physical examination followed by a blood test can check testosterone levels and whether the testes are healthy and functioning.

4. Testosterone is produced in the testes but regulated from the brain

Both men and women have testosterone, and both men and women have different optimal levels of testosterone. For men, testosterone is produced by the way of signals in the brain that tell the testes to produce sperm. In women, it’s produced in the ovaries. Testosterone is also produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands in both sexes.

The pituitary gland and hypothalamus gland in the brain is where the levels of testosterone are monitored and regulated. These glands regulate many of the hormones in the body, testosterone being only one of multiple hormones required for healthy functioning.

5. High testosterone is not necessarily a good thing

Some bodybuilders and athletes might consider a high testosterone level a good thing, but this isn’t quite true. Abnormally high levels of testosterone can be just as damaging as abnormally low levels of testosterone.

Negative effects of overly high testosterone levels include:

• Low sperm counts
• Insomnia
• Acne
• Increased aggression and anxiety
• Increased risk of heart attack
• Increased risk of blood clots

You should talk to a health professional if you are concerned about your testosterone levels. A urologist specialises in male reproductive system along with other systems in the male body, and will be able to provide for you the most information and options.