From the Research
Testosterone is primarily produced in the testes in men, which accounts for about 95% of total testosterone production, as supported by the most recent study 1. In women, the ovaries produce smaller amounts of testosterone. Additionally, both men and women produce a small amount of testosterone in the adrenal glands, which sit on top of the kidneys. The production of testosterone begins in the brain, where the hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which signals the pituitary gland to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH then stimulates specialized cells called Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, as described in the study 2. This hormone is essential for male sexual development, muscle mass maintenance, bone density, red blood cell production, and overall energy levels. In women, testosterone contributes to sex drive, bone strength, and muscle maintenance, though at significantly lower levels than in men. Testosterone production naturally peaks during adolescence and early adulthood, gradually declining with age, particularly after age 30 in men, as noted in the study 3. Some key points to consider include:
- The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis plays a crucial role in regulating testosterone production, as discussed in the study 2.
- Testosterone replacement therapy may be beneficial for older men with biochemical primary hypogonadism, as suggested in the study 3.
- The androgen receptor mediates the classic action of androgens on target organs, regulating nuclear receptor gene transcription, as described in the study 1. Overall, understanding the production and regulation of testosterone is essential for managing related disorders and maintaining overall health, as highlighted in the studies 2, 3, 1.