In men, testosterone and other androgens play a role in:
body fat distribution
bone density
hair on the face and body
mood
muscle growth and strength
production of red blood cells
production of sperm
sex drive
Testosterone and other androgens also play an important role in the following in women:
bone health
breast health
fertility
sex drive
menstrual health
vaginal health
Female bodies readily convert testosterone and other androgens they produce into female sex hormones.
Both females and males experience an initial surge of testosterone and estrogen during puberty, which lasts through young adulthood.
This production of sex hormones contributes to the development of secondary sex characteristics. These include deep voices and facial hair and higher voices and breast development.
Most females don't develop male characteristics because testosterone and other androgens act differently in their bodies, being quickly converted to estrogen.
However, when female bodies produce an excess amount of testosterone or other androgens, their bodies can't keep up with converting it to estrogen.
As a result, they may experience masculinization, also called virilization, and develop more male secondary sex characteristics, such as facial hair and male pattern baldness.
As men and women age, their bodies produce less testosterone, but it continues to play a role in maintaining health and libido for both.
