Boost Your Testosterone: Everything You Need to Know About the Hormone of Desire
Testosterone is one of the most essential hormones for both men and women, influencing sexual health, fertility, energy levels, muscle development, and overall well-being.
Though often labeled a “male hormone,” testosterone plays a crucial role throughout the entire body—regulating libido, supporting bone strength, and even affecting mood and cognitive performance.
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| Boost Your Testosterone: Everything You Need to Know About the ‘Hormone of Desire |
Understanding how testosterone works, how it is measured, and what causes low or high levels is key to maintaining optimal health.
This guide explores everything you need to know about testosterone, its functions, normal levels, symptoms of imbalance, medical testing, natural boosters, and its complex relationship with prostate cancer.
Testosterone: Role, Levels, Production, and How to Increase the “Hormone of Desire”
Testosterone is the most important androgen hormone in the body. It is responsible for the appearance of male sexual characteristics, such as body hair. High testosterone levels may indicate hyperthyroidism in men or an ovarian tumor in women.
Definition: What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone belongs to the group of hormones called androgens. It is the most powerful one.
In men, it is mainly produced by Leydig cells located in the testicles. A small amount of this “male hormone” is also produced by the adrenal glands (located above the kidneys).
In women, testosterone is produced in small quantities by the adrenal glands and the ovaries. The adrenal glands produce more than the ovaries.
What Is the Role of This Male Hormone? What Does It Do?
In Men
During fetal development, testosterone plays a key role in the masculinization of organs. During male puberty, testosterone levels rise significantly. This leads to the appearance of male secondary sexual characteristics, such as body hair growth, development of sexual organs, deepening of the voice, and the onset of libido.
Testosterone is also essential for the maturation of sperm cells—it controls spermatogenesis and is therefore crucial for male fertility. This hormone also protects against osteoporosis and contributes to healthy bones. It is indispensable for muscle growth as well.
In Women
Although testosterone is considered a “male” hormone, it also plays a role in female libido by potentially increasing sexual desire—though this effect remains controversial scientifically. It contributes to bone growth, bone health, memory, and cognitive performance. It may strengthen the heart by increasing cardiac muscle mass and potentially reduce the risk of heart attacks.
Why Order a Testosterone Test?
In Men
A testosterone blood test may be prescribed if a dysfunction of the sexual glands (testicular insufficiency) is suspected.
In Women
A test may be ordered if a woman shows excessive hair growth in normally hairless areas—this is called hirsutism.
How Is Testosterone Measured?
Testosterone (free and total) is measured via a blood test taken from the elbow crease.
Preparation for the Test:
Blood must be drawn fasting, in the morning, without taking androgens or anti-androgens beforehand.
Avoid physical exertion before the test, and do not test after a surgery or prolonged rest.
Bring your prescription and insurance documents.
Blood Testosterone Levels (Testosteronemia)
Normal Values
Men
| Age | nmol/L | µg/L |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 yrs | < 0.70 | < 0.20 |
| 10–20 yrs | 1.70–17.50 | 0.50–5.00 |
| 20–45 yrs | 10–30 | 3.00–8.50 |
| 40–60 yrs | 7–28 | 2–8 |
| 60–75 yrs | 3.5–17.5 | 1–5 |
| > 75 yrs | 0.40–9.00 | 0.15–2.50 |
Women
| Age | nmol/L | µg/L |
|---|---|---|
| 1–10 yrs | < 0.50 | < 0.15 |
| 10–20 yrs | 0.50–3.10 | 0.15–0.90 |
| 20–45 yrs | 0.50–3.10 | 0.15–0.90 |
| 45–60 yrs | 0.50–2.80 | 0.15–0.80 |
| > 60 yrs | 0.30–1.70 | 0.10–0.50 |
Physiological Variations
In Men
Newborns have high levels, which decrease shortly after birth, then rise again until about 3 months.
Levels rise sharply at puberty.
Adult men have testosterone levels twice as high in the morning as in the evening.
Levels decrease with age.
Continuous physical exertion reduces testosterone levels.
In Women
Childhood patterns are similar to boys.
Levels rise during puberty.
In adults, levels are higher in the morning due to adrenal secretion.
Testosterone is slightly higher before ovulation.
After menopause, levels decrease due to increased gonadotropins.
High Testosterone (Hypertestosteronemia): Causes
In Children
High testosterone may indicate:
Precocious puberty (development of secondary sexual characteristics before age 10 in boys).
Pseudo-precocious puberty due to abnormal adrenal androgen production (e.g., congenital adrenal hyperplasia, Cushing syndrome, tumors).
Female pseudohermaphroditism, causing genital ambiguity at birth.
In Men
High testosterone may result from:
Feminizing testicular syndrome (androgen resistance with high LH).
External testosterone or gonadotropin administration.
In Women
High testosterone may be due to:
Idiopathic hirsutism (increased DHT and testosterone).
Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
Virilizing ovarian tumors.
Low Testosterone (Hypotestosteronemia)
In Children
Low testosterone may indicate:
Puberty delay (Klinefelter syndrome, absence of testicles, gonadotropic insufficiency, androgen resistance).
In Men
Low testosterone may result from:
Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism
Low testosterone, FSH, and LH due to hypothalamic or pituitary issues (tumors, trauma, meningitis effects, sarcoidosis).
Pituitary-origin hypogonadism (Kallmann syndrome, Prader-Willi, prolactinoma).
Other associated conditions: ACTH issues, GH deficiency, hemochromatosis, thalassemia.
Hypergonadotropic Hypogonadism
High FSH/LH but low testosterone due to Leydig cell failure (Klinefelter syndrome, orchitis, trauma, chemo, radiation).
Also caused by:
Estrogen or anti-androgen treatment.
LHRH analog treatments for cancer.
Signs of Low Testosterone
According to the French Urology Association, symptoms may vary significantly.
Sexual Symptoms
Reduced sexual desire and libido
Fewer spontaneous (especially morning) erections
Poorer erection quality
Erectile dysfunction
Delayed ejaculation
Other Symptoms
Fatigue
Anxiety
Mood changes
Weight gain
Reduced vitality
Hair loss
Irritability
Muscle weakness
Sleep disturbances
General feeling of malaise
Testosterone influences physical and psychological sexual drive, so quality of life may decline when levels drop.
Treatment: How to Boost Testosterone Levels?
If testing shows a testosterone deficiency, a doctor may prescribe replacement therapy to correct symptoms. Treatment must be done under strict medical supervision due to possible side effects such as acne, weight gain, hot flashes, and benign prostate enlargement.
Treatment Options
Oral capsules (may be covered by insurance)
Transdermal gel (not covered; applied daily)
Intramuscular injections (covered; every 2–4 weeks)
Lifestyle Measures
To support hormonal health:
Reduce alcohol consumption
Reduce stress
Improve sleep
Exercise regularly
These steps also support general health.
Foods That May Boost Testosterone
Eggs
Pomegranate
Avocados
Fresh raw garlic
Ginger
Oysters
Small fatty fish
Green vegetables and cruciferous vegetables
Testosterone and Prostate Cancer Risk
For decades, prostate cancer was believed to be linked to excess testosterone. Today, scientific evidence challenges this idea.
According to Swiss researchers, no study has proven that higher testosterone increases prostate cancer risk. The effect of testosterone on the aggressiveness of prostate cancer remains debated.
The Androcan Study (published in Hormones and Cancer) even suggests the opposite:
Low testosterone levels may be associated with more severe prostate cancer.
After analyzing over 1,300 patients with localized prostate cancer:
Half of those with low testosterone had aggressive cancer
Compared to 30% of those with normal levels
Research is ongoing to better understand testosterone’s role in prostate cancer.
Conclusion
Testosterone is far more than a sexual hormone—it is a vital regulator of many physical and mental functions. Whether in men or women, maintaining the right testosterone balance supports energy, fertility, muscle strength, bone health, and emotional stability.
When symptoms of deficiency or excess appear, a medical evaluation is essential to determine the cause and guide proper treatment. Lifestyle habits, diet, and medical supervision all play a key role in restoring hormonal balance.
As research continues to evolve, especially regarding prostate cancer, experts emphasize the importance of personalized medical care rather than assumptions based on outdated beliefs.
Knowing your hormone levels and understanding how to support them is a major step toward better long-term health.
