Benefits of Testosterone Hormone in the Human Body: A Systematic Review.

Abstract

Testosterone is a key hormone with a complex and essential role in the physiology of healthy individuals; it is crucial for developing and maintaining muscle mass and improved bone density. In addition to these physical features, testosterone is vital for reproductive health as libido, erectile function, and spermatogenesis, the process of sperm production; its impact extends across multiple bodily systems, highlighting its importance for physical traits and overall health and fertility. This study aims to explore the critical and multifaceted role of testosterone in the physiology of healthy individuals. The method was to search PubMed from the year 1993 until current data using MESH terms: ((((testosterone) OR (androgens)) OR (testosterone insufficiency)) AND (healthy patients)) AND (testosterone replacement))). The inclusion criteria are studies with descriptive, observational, and experimental approaches on healthy patients that evaluated the action of testosterone. The updated review indicates that testosterone hormone supplementation positively influences several aspects, including sexual function, bone health, muscle strength, mood (particularly in reducing depression), and vascular endothelial function. However, these findings are limited by the small sample sizes and the relatively few studies available on this topic, warranting further research to better understand the full scope of testosterone's effects. Recent landmark trials have demonstrated that testosterone therapy offers modest benefits, particularly for older men with low testosterone levels and symptoms of hypogonadism. These benefits include improvements in sexual function, bone health, muscle strength, mood, and vascular endothelial function in healthy individuals. Given the potential benefits of testosterone therapy, ongoing research and clinical exploration are highly recommended to deepen our understanding of its full range of effects and to refine therapeutic strategies. Doing more studies will help clarify the role of testosterone in both healthy individuals and those with testosterone deficiency, leading to better-informed treatment approaches for the future.