Testosterone

Andy Chung Block E

** __Systematic (IUPAC) name__ :** (8//R//,9//S//,10//R//,13//S//,14//S//,17//S//)- 17-hydroxy-10,13-dimethyl- 1,2,6,7,8,9,11,12,14,15,16,17- dodecahydrocyclopenta[//a//]phenanthren-3-one **__Formula__ : C 19H28O2 **
 * __Testosterone__** or "king of hormones"


 * __Where and how is is made__**

T  estosterone  is certainly the most important hormone when it comes to sexual characteristics in men. Produced by the male testes, testosterone influences who men are physically, emotionally and sexually.

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.


 * __How does Testosterone affect our body__ **

The presence of testosterone is vital for the development of the most important male organs: the testes and penis. It also functions to produce facial hair, pubic hair and even accounts for the baritone in your voice. Without the presence of testosterone, many men would be weaklings. Testosterone is responsible for muscle and bone growth, as well as bone density. Your libido, or sex drive, is governed by how much testosterone your bo dy produces. If your body produces a low amount of testosterone, you will encounter issues in regards to your sexual desire.

 ** __Interesting fact(s)__ ** - Testosterone is the most important hormone in the male body for energy, libido, muscle size and strength. - Testosterone improves oxygen uptake throughout the body, helps control sugar, and helps regulate cholesterol. - Testosterone production naturally decreases with age. Beginning at around the age of 25 and sometimes decreasing as much as 10% per decade.

- Sometimes a man's testosterone level becomes lower than what is normal for his age. This can be caused by many factors and the effects of a low testosterone level can be very disturbing

- Some products may actually increase testosterone production. Athletes and body-builders have long known the effects of low testosterone on their strength, endurance and over all performance.

- There is even a correlation between low levels of testosterone and heart disease in men. 
 * __Bibliography__

Ho, Dan. "The Facts About Testosterone Production". Ezine Article. May 31 2010 at 10:46PM 

Kelland, Kate. "How does testosterone affect your body?". iOL. May 31 2010 at 09:59PM  **

Sherwood, Chris. "How Does the Body Make Testosterone?". eHow. May 31 2010 at 10:13PM 

Steidle, Chris. "testosterone basics: how testosterone is made". SeekWellness. May 31 2010 at 10:26PM 