Testosterone is a sex hormone produced primarily in the male body, although females produce small amounts of the hormone. The testes produce most of the testosterone for a man's body. During male puberty, testosterone is responsible for the changes in the body, such as a deeper voice, pubic hair growth and enlargement of the penis and testes. As men age, testosterone levels begin to decrease. Low levels of testosterone cause symptoms such as a decreased sex drive, low sperm count and poor penile erections.
Stimulate Puberty
Boys who are at the age of puberty but do not begin to develop adult male characteristics may use testosterone supplements. Testosterone replacement therapy helps to stimulate puberty for young men who have low levels of the hormone. To treat the condition, the levels of testosterone begin low and increase in small amounts in order to help decrease the possibility of adverse reactions, according to MayoClinic.com. Taking supplemental testosterone helps stimulate testicle growth as well as develop the other secondary sex characteristics, such as beard growth and increased muscle mass. Adverse reactions include symptoms such as an inability to smell or taste, mood changes, acne, breast enlargement and difficulty sleeping, according to MedlinePlus.
Male Infertility
A deficiency of testosterone may cause fertility problems for some men. The testicles may not produce enough testosterone to produce healthy sperm. The pituitary gland and the hypothalamus help tell the testicles how much testosterone to produce. A dysfunction with these glands may not relay the message to produce more hormones. Using testosterone cream may help treat infertility for men with low levels of the hormone. For men experiencing poor or no penile erections, using testosterone replacement may help produce erections and increase sperm count.
Andropause
As a man ages, he can produce less testosterone. This decrease in testosterone, also referred to as andropause, may cause symptoms such as brittle bones, a decreased interest in sex and decreased muscle mass. Using testosterone replacement therapy can help treat these symptoms. Men who use hormone therapy for extended periods may increase the risk of developing an enlargement of breast or prostate tissue. Men using testosterone need to receive prostate cancer screenings, according to MedlinePlus.
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