Testosterone

What effect does testosterone have on the male body? The androgenic hormone testosterone is produced in men in the testes and in the cells of the adrenal glands. It already plays a considerable role in early puberty, when there is a massive development of secondary sexual characteristics such as male body hair, the voice breaking and a marked increase in muscle and bone mass. Some studies even mention testosterone acting in small male babies aged 4 – 6 months, when its influence shapes the "masculine" part of the future adult in the brain. It only has a substantial effect on a range of physical and mental functions in adulthood, however, when besides arousing the fighting spirit typical of men it also affects sporting performance. When the testosterone level falls — and it changes over the course of life, often unfortunately declining with age — a range of unfavourable effects occurs. What does a low testosterone level cause? A natural decline in testosterone production occurs roughly after the age of 35. Men only feel the first symptoms about a decade later, though. A reduced level shows up negatively not only in the quality of one's sex life but also in appearance and mental state. Greater fatigue causes a drop in productivity, a loss of muscle mass and an increase in fatty tissue, especially around the belly. These problems are often accompanied by osteoporosis and joint pain. A drop in testosterone can further result in, for example, poorer memory, disorders of libido, impotence, worse muscle recovery, sleep disorders or an inability to concentrate. In sport, testosterone ensures many important processes Keeping your testosterone level in the normal range pays off even if you're actively engaged in some physical activity. It doesn't have to be bodybuilding or weightlifting specifically. It has its effect in more traditional sporting activities too, such as cycling, swimming or skiing. Testosterone affects how quickly muscle tissue recovers after training, speed…