Introduction
Testosterone is the androgen hormone responsible for male characteristics; nevertheless, both men and women produce most of it in the testes and ovaries, respectively. Other endocrine glands also contribute to this hormone level in smaller percentages.
Testosterone Production
The majority of testosterone is produced in the testes: the male reproductive organs sitting inside the scrotum that produce sperm and male sex hormones. Even though women may also produce testosterone in their ovaries, this hormone is predominant in men and, therefore, its amounts are significantly higher in male counterparts.
In men, testosterone is responsible for:
- Sperm production
- Fertility
- Muscle growth
- Bone mass development
In women, testosterone aids in:
- Regulating ovulation
- Menstrual cycles
- Pregnancy processes
The adrenal glands are another endocrine gland that produces testosterone in small amounts daily. The adrenal glands sit on top of each kidney and release various important hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol that are released when you’re under stress or experiencing an acute illness. These glands also produce the hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) which can be converted into testosterone.
Testosterone Control
The pituitary gland and hypothalamus are two small organs within the brain that help regulate the production and release of testosterone from the sex organs (testes and ovaries). These organs secrete chemical signals to control the body’s hormone levels, affecting how much testosterone is produced in your testes, for example.
The hypothalamus releases a hormone called gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which stimulates the pituitary gland to release another hormone: luteinizing hormone (LH). When LH is out in the bloodstream, it travels to the sex organs (testes and ovaries) to stimulate testosterone production. Finally, when testosterone levels increase, GnRH production is stopped and testosterone balance is achieved.
Having this said, if there is a disease or affection in any of the organs mentioned above, testosterone levels will be abnormal. Any of these conditions may have an influence:
- Adrenal tumors
- Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Ovarian or testicular tumors
- Hypogonadism
- Kallmann Syndrome
- Klinefelter Syndrome
Conclusion
Testosterone is primarily produced by the testicles in the male body. However, women also produce testosterone in their ovaries at a smaller rate, as this hormone plays a role in both male and female reproductive health and functioning.