Introduction

• Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in the male body. However, it is also present and needed in the female body for the same process, just in lesser quantities. Testosterone is responsible for the changes that come on around puberty in men such as the voice lowering, enlargement of the penis and testes and hair growth. It is also the key hormone behind the male libido, or the desire to have sex. In women, it is largely responsible for enhancing the female libido and sexual function.
  
  

Where it's Made

• Testosterone can be made in three different places. For men, most of the testosterone is made in the testicles. For men and women, small amounts of testosterone can be made by the adrenal glands. For women only, small amounts can also be made in the ovaries.
  
  

How it's Made

• Testosterone productions starts with signals that are transported from the pituitary gland and the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus produces a hormone called gonadotropin. This hormone transmits to the pituitary gland, which is then stimulated to produce follicle-stimulating hormones. These hormones run from the pituitary gland to the testicles and tell the testes to produce testosterone. The brain is then able to sense when the body has enough or too much testosterone and regulate its production through the pituitary gland.
  
  

Shortage

• A shortage of testosterone in the body can be caused by any problems associated with the testes, hypothalamus, or pituitary gland. Not getting enough testosterone for men can mean a decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction. In women, it can result in a lowered libido.