Testosterone

Testosterone

The primary male hormone, an androgen that generates characteristics associated with male sexuality.

Androgen

A male sex hormone that promotes the development and maintenance of male characteristics.

Leydig cells

Cells in the testes that produce testosterone.

Dehydroepiandosterone (DHEA)

An intermediate molecule in the production of testosterone.

Luteinizing hormone (LH)

A gonadotropic hormone secreted by the anterior pituitary that stimulates testosterone production.

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH)

A gonadotropic hormone that helps control the reproductive processes.

5 alpha reductase

An enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.

Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)

A potent form of testosterone that binds to receptors in target cells and has significant biological effects.

Erythropoiesis

The process of producing red blood cells, stimulated by testosterone.

Negative feedback mechanism

The process by which rising levels of testosterone signal the hypothalamus and pituitary to reduce hormone secretion.

Anabolic effects

The tissue binding effects of testosterone leading to muscle growth and other masculine characteristics.

Zona reticularis

The layer of the adrenal cortex where weak androgens like DHEA and androstenedione are produced.

Primary sexual characteristics

Physical changes necessary for reproduction, such as the enlargement of the penis and testes.

Secondary sexual characteristics

Features that develop during puberty, not essential for reproduction, but associated with masculinity.

Hypothalamic pituitary axis

The complex set of interactions between the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, and gonads that regulates testosterone levels.

Testosterone replacement therapy

A treatment to restore testosterone levels, which is under research for its benefits and risks.