Everyone knows that testosterone is typicallymale hormone. He is the main representative of the androgen group and is responsible for the formation of the body and the behavior of each man. But not everyone knows that testosterone in small amounts is produced by the female body.
Male hormone and its functions
Testosterone is classified as a steroid sexhormones. This substance is synthesized in the adrenals and testes (Leydig cells) in men. An interesting fact is that Leydig cells are present in the newborn's body, but after a while they completely disappear. The formation of new cells is observed in boys during sexual development - it is at this time there is an increase in testosterone levels in the blood. The natural level of this hormone persists until about 60 years, after which it begins to slowly fall.
Steroid hormones perform a number of very important functions:
in the embryonic period of development under the influence of testosterone, the scrotum develops and the testes drop into it;
in the period of active puberty, this male hormone is responsible for the growth and development of external genitalia (scrotum, penis and testicles);
under the influence of testosterone, there is an increase in the size of the larynx and a thickening of its mucous membrane - thus, in men, the voice becomes more coarse and deeper;
this hormone also affects the skin - itbecomes thick and abundantly covered with sebaceous glands. By the way, it is because of the increased secretion of sebum that adolescent boys are more likely to suffer from acne more than girls;
testosterone is responsible for male hair type;
sex hormones affect developmentthe musculoskeletal system - the bones become thicker, while the pelvis remains narrow and the shoulders are wide. In addition, androgens interfere with the deposition of subcutaneous fat and stimulate the growth of muscle mass;
Steroid sex hormones are responsible for certain forms of behavior - the desire for dominance, aggression and assertiveness. They are also responsible for the formation of a normal sexual desire.
Male hormones are not only testosterone, but also a number of other steroid compounds that are similar to it. This group includes:
androstenedione,
dehydroepiandrosterone,
dihydrotestosterone is the most active hormone in the androgen group (its activity is 10 times higher than that of testosterone).
Male hormones in women
In the female body, androgen hormonesare synthesized in the ovaries and adrenal glands, and their concentration is about 20 times lower than in the male body. Most hormones stay in the body in a related form, and only a small amount remains active. Testosterone performs rather important functions, as it is responsible for protein synthesis in the tissues of the uterus, as well as for the maturation of follicles.
But in some cases, the testosterone level inblood rises sharply. This may be due to genetic disorders, a malfunction in the thyroid gland or hypothalamic-pituitary system, the presence of inflammation or the formation of malignant cells. Either way, an increased amount of free male hormones in the blood can not but affect the work of the female body.
Such a violation can be observed as a smallgirls, and have an adult woman. The male hormone in childhood can lead to the formation of a typically male figure, unnatural hair growth and the abnormal development of the female genital organs. That is why such a child should be shown to a doctor as soon as possible.
In more mature age, the abundance of testosteroneaccompanied by the growth of facial hair (antennae and whiskers), chest (especially around the nipples). In addition, a woman’s voice may become rougher, in a word, typical male signs begin to appear. On the other hand, today it is proved that testosterone can influence the behavior of a woman - she becomes more aggressive, a strong sexual desire wakes up, and a tendency to dominate. As a rule, such women cannot become pregnant and bear a child. This condition requires careful treatment.
