Bodybuilding supplements is a hormone that men produce in their testes. It builds a man’s muscles, deepens his voice and makes his penis grow. It also helps make sperm and keeps his sex drive strong. Women also make testosterone, but in much smaller amounts.

There’s a lot more to this hormone than macho behavior and road rage, but that’s what most people think of when they hear the word “testosterone.” In fact, the hormone plays a major role in many important areas of health and disease that may surprise you.

Testosterone levels rise when a man has sex, but they drop when he doesn’t. This is why erectile dysfunction can be caused by low levels of the hormone. But a man’s level of the substance can also be affected by certain medications, diet and other conditions.

Testosterone and Masculinity: Debunking Myths and Embracing Facts

A blood test is the best way to check for a high or low level of testosterone. A doctor will take a blood sample from your arm, usually in the morning when testosterone is highest.

Your doctor will want to know your medical history and what medications you’re taking before testing for the hormone. He or she will also recommend that you get a pap smear and HPV vaccination if you haven’t already. These preventive measures can lower your risk of cervical cancer and other sexually transmitted infections. In some cases, doctors may prescribe testosterone to treat certain conditions. They’ll carefully weigh the pros and cons of this treatment with you before recommending it.