Testosterone is an important sex hormone that plays a number of key roles in both men and women.
In men, testosterone is the main male sex hormone and is important in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testes and prostate. Testosterone is also important in promoting other sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body hair (3). These developments typically occur during puberty, the timing of which is heavily influenced by levels of testosterone (4).
Testosterone is also found in women, although in lower amounts than in men. It is typically produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands. In women, testosterone has less of an impact on sexual development, however it is important for bone strength and development, as well as maintenance of muscle mass.
Aside from the physical changes it causes, testosterone is believed to be involved in influencing people’s behaviour. It is believed that testosterone plays an important role in sexual arousal, relationship building, and also motivation and risk taking behaviours (5,6).