Testosterone

Testosterone influences sexual development, behavior, sperm production, and health.

1. DHT and physical traits: Testosterone can be converted to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT supports beard growth and is also involved in scalp hair loss; it is described as a major androgen for libido, strength, connective-tissue repair, and aggression. 1

2. Behavior and anxiety: Testosterone can lower anxiety and stress thresholds and is associated with novelty-seeking, libido, and competitive behavior. Testosterone and estrogen pathways also contribute to aggression-related effects. 2 3

3. Lifestyle and Tongkat Ali: Deep, adequate sleep is important for hormone optimization. Tongkat Ali has been reported to support free testosterone, in part by liberating some testosterone bound to sex hormone-binding globulin. 4 5

4. Hormone treatment and fertility: External testosterone can suppress the body’s own testicular hormone signaling and greatly reduce or eliminate sperm production. HCG may help offset this by stimulating the testes. 6

5. Sperm development: Testosterone from Leydig cells and androgen-binding protein (ABP) from Sertoli cells are both necessary for spermatogenesis and sperm maturation. 7