Endogenous Testosterone refers to the principal male sex hormone, an androgen, that is naturally synthesized and secreted within the body. Its primary production occurs in the Leydig cells of the testes, with lesser amounts generated by the adrenal glands and ovaries. This steroid hormone is essential for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics, the maintenance of muscle mass, bone density, and libido in both sexes. Monitoring endogenous levels is fundamental in diagnosing and managing hormonal health issues across the lifespan. Its production is tightly regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis.
Origin
The term combines “endogenous,” from the Greek endon meaning within, and genes meaning producing, signifying its internal origin. “Testosterone” is a portmanteau derived from testis and sterol and the chemical suffix -one. The clinical and scientific understanding of this crucial hormone is central to modern endocrinology.
Mechanism
The synthesis of endogenous testosterone begins with cholesterol, which is converted through a series of enzymatic steps into pregnenolone, then into DHEA, and eventually to testosterone. Luteinizing Hormone (LH), released by the pituitary gland, is the primary stimulator of Leydig cell production. Once synthesized, testosterone acts by binding to the androgen receptor within target cells to modulate gene expression, promoting anabolic effects and maintaining reproductive function.
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