Hello everyone, my name is Dr. Aniruddha Railkar and I am the award winning author of the book The Great Testosterone Myth: Honest Facts No Hype. In today’s blog, I am going to help you understand what testosterone is and the role it plays in our body.

Testosterone is a steroid hormone found in human beings and vertebrate animals. It is secreted by the testicles in a male and to a small extent by the ovary in the female. Typically, the amount of testosterone in adult male population is about 8 times higher than the corresponding amount in adult females. In males, testosterone is responsible for the development of reproductive organs. In addition, it is also responsible for the development of other sexual characteristics such as increase in muscle and bone mass, growth of body hair. Research has also shown that it prevents osteoporosis in males.

As we age, testosterone levels in males, decrease naturally about 1% per year after the age of 30. Decrease in testosterone causes decrease in muscle mass and libido. However, if the testosterone level goes below 300 ng/dL (nanogram per deciliter), then the condition is classified as hypogonadism. About 30% of males suffer from this condition.

But other factors such as obesity, diabetes and exposure to pollutants can also result in low testosterone. But it is important to recognize the difference between low testosterone due to aging and a medical condition called hypogonadism. It has also been referred to as andropause, androgen deficiency or late onset hypogonadism.

It plays an important role in the development of male reproductive tissues. Secondary role is development of external sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, growth of hair and general health. Osteoporosis which was believed to be a disease only affecting post-menopausal women, can also affect men who have low testosterone. Testosterone plays a major role in the body predominantly in males, but also to a lesser extent in females. It has an effect on the endocrine, reproductive, cardiovascular and central nervous systems. In addition, it has an effect on other systems as well.

As I approached my 40’s and 50’s the issue of low testosterone was on mind and I decided to do some research. I also talked to my doctor. Being in the pharmaceutical industry, I consulted the scientific literature. I came a cross a lot of information and it was very confusing. I felt that if I was confused, perhaps other males are too and that is what inspired me to write this book. I wanted to present the information to the male population such that it is easy to understand and they can make an informed decision about future steps.

If you would like to buy this book, please visit my website, www.thedrani.com.

Over the next few days and months, I will be providing additional information, so stay tuned.