Endogenous testosterone levels refer to the concentration of the naturally produced androgen hormone within an individual’s body, synthesized primarily by the testes in males and the ovaries and adrenal glands in females. This measurement reflects the body’s native endocrine output, distinct from any externally administered hormone therapy. Optimal endogenous levels are crucial for maintaining bone density, muscle mass, libido, and overall metabolic health in both sexes.
Origin
The term combines ‘endogenous,’ meaning originating from within an organism, and ‘testosterone,’ derived from testis and sterol, indicating its source and chemical class. The measurement of these levels became a clinical standard with the development of radioimmunoassay techniques in the mid-20th century.
Mechanism
The regulation of endogenous testosterone is governed by the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Gonadal (HPG) axis, a classic negative feedback loop. The hypothalamus releases GnRH, stimulating the pituitary to release LH and FSH, which in turn signal the gonads to synthesize and secrete testosterone. Circulating testosterone then feeds back to the hypothalamus and pituitary to modulate future production, maintaining a stable concentration.
Breast cancer treatments can significantly alter women's endogenous testosterone, influencing overall well-being and requiring precise hormonal recalibration.
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