Many of your bodily functions, from metabolism to growth, are controlled by chemicals produced
and distributed by your body’s endocrine system.
These chemicals are called hormones.
In total, there are about 50 different ones that travel through your bloodstream and affect
your development.
Today we're going to talk about testosterone, which is a hormone commonly associated with
one of the most traumatic periods of my life - puberty.
whoa whoa whoa!
Oh!
Animator, wait, what are we doing at a middle school?
Wait, is that MY middle school?
Is that ME?
Well, this is embarrassing…
But I guess if we’re going to talk about how testosterone affects your body, we might
as well get a first-hand look.
Oh, I remember this class, it was one of my favorites!
Don’t worry teach i got this.
Testosterone production is controlled by the brain’s hypothalamus and pituitary gland.,,
They determine how much is made by the testes and, in smaller quantities, by the ovaries
and adrenal glands.
Before birth, testosterone is responsible for regulating sex differentiation and the
development of sex organs.
Okay guys, get your giggles out now!
Let's move on!
I should also probably leave this class and let her teach.
Levels then fall and, except for a couple of rises during growth spurts throughout childhood,
don’t surge again until puberty.
During that time testosterone is responsible for many of the changes that take place.
These include the growth of facial and body hair, lowering of the voice, a growth spurt,
and increased muscle mass,,, all of which made our friend Triangle Bob the massive man
we love today.
Okay Triangle Bob!
Yeah!
Flex on em.
Alright!
Throughout adulthood, testosterone also plays a role in maintaining a sex drive, sperm production,
and the maintenance of muscles and bones.
It’s also thought to have an impact on the function of the ovaries, which require a balance
between testosterone and estrogen.
Clearly this hormone plays lot of important roles, so what happens if you have too much
or too little of it?
In children, too much testosterone can lead to an abnormally early puberty occurring before
the age of 8 or 9.
While too little can result in the underdevelopment of sexual organs during fetal development
or little to no changes during puberty.
In adults, because having a higher than normal testosterone level is so rare, most of what
doctors know about it comes from research on manufactured substances like steroids that
increase testosterone levels.
These have been found to lower sperm counts, increase risk of heart attacks, cause liver
disease and the swelling of the legs and feet.,
It can also be an indication of polycystic ovary syndrome,, which can cause irregular
periods leading to cysts and infertility.
Low levels of testosterone, referred to as low T or hypogonadism, can also cause a multitude
of issues, including the reduction of muscle bulk and body hair, mood disturbances, increased
body fat, reduced sex drive, impotence, osteoporosis, and issues with memory and concentration.
But, on the plus side, low t is treatable with supplementary injections and transdermal
patches on the skin.
Some people even elect to take testosterone as a way of affirming their gender identity.
It's just one example of what's called Hormone replacement therapy, or HRT, and it can do
wonders for long term outcomes in transgender men and non-binary people.
When it comes to testosterone, the correct balance is key.
And while this poor guy has a rough couple of years ahead of him, I think he turned out
pretty good, if I do say so myself.
Wait where are you going?
I promise i’M COOL!
No lots of people think i'm cool!
I got a whole youtube channel.
So what words of wisdom would you have for anybody going through puberty right now?
Also if you have any stories related to growing up and you're comfortable with sharing, let
me know in the comment section below.
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as always, my name is Blocko, this has been Life Noggin, don't forget to keep on thinking!