Testosterone

Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone, it is responsible for genital development, beard growth, muscle development and general male characteristics. The measurement of serum or plasma levels is an index of leydig cell function and high or low values correlate well with hypo or hyper gonadism. In females small amounts of testosterone are produced by the adrenals and ovaries. High levels of testosterone in females indicates excessive androgen production and are found in progressive hirsutism and virilization, Cushing’s syndrome and a deficiency in one or more of the specific enzymes required for normal steroid biosynthesis.