In the realm of hormones, Testosterone vs Estrogen represents a fundamental contrast.
These two vital hormones, with their distinct roles and effects on the body, shape our physical development, mood regulation, and sexual characteristics.
Though testosterone is present in males and females, research shows it is in significantly larger quantities in males than in females.
According to research revealed by the NIH, it was noticed that there is a 1% year-on-year decrease in Testosterone levels in adult males in the US.
This research points to one fact; people need to know more about these two hormones. This article will answer everything from their similarities, distinctions, functions, and effects a deficit of these hormones will have on the human body.
What Are Testosterone and Estrogen?
Testosterone is a male sex hormone. It is responsible for developing masculine features and maintaining secondary male characteristics such as muscle mass, hair growth, and sperm production. Another hormone known as follicle-stimulating hormone also contributes greatly to testosterone in men and women.
In women, testosterone levels are associated with libido (sex drive), energy levels, bone density, and strength.
Testosterone especially has formulated supplements that help increase testosterone levels. The testosterone production also helps regulate luteinizing hormone.
There are two types of testosterone: free testosterone and bound testosterone. The body’s testes naturally produce free testosterone, whereas bound testosterone is created by aromatase enzymes in fat cells that are converted into estradiol (a female sex hormone).
Estrogen is a vital hormone that occurs naturally in women. Estrogen receptors helps regulate the menstrual cycle and is responsible for a woman’s sex drive.
Estrogen levels rise and fall throughout a woman’s lifetime, based mainly on her age. At birth, girls have low levels of estrogen.
By puberty, they have higher levels of estrogen than boys do. This is because they start ovulating at an earlier age than boys do—the first hint of puberty happens right around age 10 in girls, while it happens around 12 in boys and helps in the development of primary and secondary sex characteristics.
Do note that delayed puberty can also be a problem.
What’s the Difference Between Testosterone and Estrogen?
Testosterone and estrogen are two critical hormones that play a role in men’s and women’s health. They regulate the production of other hormones like cortisol, insulin, and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). The two are often confused because they differ but have similar names and functions.
Your testes and adrenal glands make testosterone. It’s produced in response to stress and can be used by your body to build muscle mass and increase strength. When you’re not producing enough testosterone, you may experience low libido or erectile dysfunction.
Your ovaries and adrenal glands produce estrogen. It is essential in bone density, fat storage, mood regulation, hair growth, fertility control, skin health, and menstrual cycles.
The Male Hormone: Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles in men. It stimulates muscle growth, development, and sexual characteristics, such as the deep voice associated with menopause.
Effects of Testosterone
Testosterone is the hormone that helps men develop their bodies and grow facial hair, among other things. It also gives sex drive, strength, and muscle mass. Supplements for testosterone also help with muscle gain.
Women don’t produce testosterone in large quantities but are still affected by it—testosterone in women fuels the growth of their brains and keeps them from gaining weight.
Men
Women
Men
In men, testosterone is secreted into the bloodstream to be taken up by cells of the testes to produce sperm. Male body testosterone levels peak during adolescence and young adulthood.
There are several effects of testosterone on the body:
- Increase in muscle mass and strength, especially if combined with resistance training.
- Decrease in body fat and increase lean mass, especially with resistance training.
- Increased bone density and decreased bone loss, especially if combined with weight lifting or running.
- Increased energy levels and ability to burn fat, especially with a proper diet plan.
- Increased sex drive and erectile function can increase self-confidence, better interpersonal relationships, and more confidence when interacting with others.
- Testosterone increases libido and decreases the risk of heart disease in men over 50 diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) or high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia).
Women
Testosterone levels are lower in women than men but vary widely depending on genetics, environment, and lifestyle factors (i.e., diet). High testosterone may be related to an overactive thyroid gland or other health issues in some women.
Women’s bodies respond differently to testosterone than men’s, so some effects of testosterone may not be noticeable for most women.
Some of the more common effects are:
- Increased bone density
- Increased muscle mass
- Faster recovery from injury or illness
- Women with higher testosterone levels will begin to develop more masculine features, such as a deeper voice and facial hair, along with a lower production of estrogen and progesterone, which can cause symptoms like acne or unwanted hair growth on the face, chest, or back (such as beardruff or male pattern baldness).
The Female Hormone: Estrogen
Estrogen is a female hormone that’s responsible for many reproductive processes. It’s also essential for regulating mood, keeping the body healthy, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Effects of Estrogen On Sexual Function
Estrogen is a hormone produced primarily in the ovaries but also in small amounts in the adrenal glands, fat tissues, and breast tissue.
Estrogen is responsible for developing female characteristics, including breasts, hips, and the widening of arteries.
Estrogen is vital in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health in men and women.
Men
Women
Men
In men, testosterone is secreted into the bloodstream to be taken up by cells of the testes to produce sperm. Male body testosterone levels peak during adolescence and young adulthood.
There are several effects of testosterone on the body:
- Increase in muscle mass and strength, especially if combined with resistance training.
- Decrease in body fat and increase lean mass, especially with resistance training.
- Increased bone density and decreased bone loss, especially if combined with weight lifting or running.
- Increased energy levels and ability to burn fat, especially with a proper diet plan.
- Increased sex drive and erectile function can increase self-confidence, better interpersonal relationships, and more confidence when interacting with others.
- Testosterone increases libido and decreases the risk of heart disease in men over 50 diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD) or high cholesterol levels (hypercholesterolemia).
Women
Estrogen is a female sex hormone that plays a vital role in the development of the reproductive system and the maintenance of the female body. It also plays a vital role in the growth and maturation of bones, muscles, and breast tissue.
The main effects of estrogen are:
- Estrogen has many effects on the body. These include:
- Maintains bone density
- Increases muscle mass
- Decreases fat levels in women (fat cells will also shrink)
- Estrogen can also cause changes to behaviors in women, such as:
- Changes in mood (feeling more energetic or depressed)
- Changes in appetite (reduced appetite)
The Female Hormone: Estrogen
Estrogen is a female hormone that’s responsible for many reproductive processes. Estrogen plays an essential for regulating mood, keeping the body healthy, and helping to maintain a healthy weight.
Effects of Estrogen
Estrogen is a hormone produced primarily in the ovaries but also in small amounts in the adrenal glands, fat tissues, and breast tissue.
Estrogen is responsible for developing female characteristics, including breasts, hips, and the widening of arteries.
Estrogen is vital in maintaining bone density and cardiovascular health in men and women.
Men
Women
Men
In men, estrogen can maintain reproductive systems and sexual function. Estrogen can also have anabolic effects, meaning that it can help build lean muscle mass.
The effects of estrogen on men are not fully understood, but it appears that it plays an essential role in maintaining healthy sperm count and sperm motility (ability to move).
Women
Estrogen is a female sex hormone that plays a vital role in the development of the reproductive system and the maintenance of the female body. It also plays a vital role in the growth and maturation of bones, muscles, and breast tissue.
The main effects of estrogen are:
- Estrogen has many effects on the body. These include:
- Maintains bone density
- Increases muscle mass
- Decreases fat levels in women (fat cells will also shrink)
- Estrogen can also cause changes to behaviors in women, such as:
- Changes in mood (feeling more energetic or depressed)
- Changes in appetite (reduced appetite)
Testosterone Deficiency Disorders
Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, regulating the body’s male reproductive function. These include sexual characteristics, bone density, muscle mass, hair growth, fat distribution, strength, and mood.
When testosterone levels are low, the body can experience numerous symptoms due to hormone imbalances:
Poorer Cognitive Health
Testosterone is one of the most critical hormones in a man’s body. It’s responsible for his sexual and reproductive functions, as well as his physical appearance.
But in recent years, researchers have found that testosterone also affects normal function of the brain and the central nervous system.
They discovered that men with lower testosterone levels were more likely to develop cognitive problems like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease later in life.
Mood Disorders
In men, low testosterone is associated with low mood. This is because the brain’s reward center is primarily driven by testosterone.
When this hormone is low, men can experience symptoms of depression, such as lethargy, lack of motivation, and decreased interest in sex or hobbies they once enjoyed.
Loss of Bone Density
Low testosterone can also cause loss of bone density, which affects men differently than it does women.
Women are more likely to see a loss of bone density as thinning hair or thinning skin (which may be mistaken for aging).
However, for men, a loss of bone density can lead to osteoporosis—a condition in which bone mass become brittle and break easily due to inadequate calcium and vitamin D intake.
Sexual Dysfunction
Low testosterone can cause many problems, including erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, ejaculation control, and reduced sexual pleasure.
However, many low-testosterone symptoms aren’t directly related to these issues—they’re just as common among men with healthy testosterone levels.
Low Sperm Count
The most common symptom is low sperm count. This occurs when the number of sperm in the ejaculate falls below what’s needed for conception (usually around 20 million sperm per milliliter).
If this doesn’t happen because your body isn’t making enough testosterone, you may have a low sperm count.
Estrogen Related Disorders
Estrogens are female hormones that promote healthy cardiovascular function, but when estrogen levels become too high or too low, it can lead to several health problems. The most common estrogen-related disorder is having too much estrogen (or too little progesterone).
This can lead to conditions such as:
Infertility and Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome
Infertility is the inability to conceive a child after one year of regular unprotected sex. The cause of infertility varies among couples, but in most cases, it’s related to a problem with the male or female reproductive system.
Estrogen-related disorders are conditions that can cause infertility. These include polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), endometriosis, and uterine fibroids.
Irregular Cycles
Irregular cycles are typical for women and are often caused by hormonal imbalances. Estrogen can cause irregular cycles in women, while progesterone can cause them in men.
If you have had an irregular period recently, you should see your doctor to rule out any underlying problems.
Painful Intercourse
Estrogen-related disorders, such as painful intercourse, are common and can be a source of significant pain and discomfort for women.
When you have a painful intercourse problem, you may not know how to help yourself. You must contact a doctor as soon as possible so they can get started on the right treatment plan.
Weight Fluctuations
In addition to its health effects on women’s bodies, excess estrogen has also been linked to weight gain in men.
Estrogen levels can fluctuate throughout the year depending on the woman’s menstrual cycle—with higher levels during ovulation than menstruation—and may also vary according to environmental factors like diet and exercise routines.
Poor Cardiovascular Health
Estrogen-related disorders can cause poor cardiovascular health.
Estrogen has been linked to increased risk for heart disease by decreasing levels of HDL cholesterol (the “good” cholesterol), increasing levels of LDL cholesterol (the “bad” cholesterol), increasing triglycerides in the red blood cells, and causing blood clots.
High Testosterone in Women
High testosterone levels can be a sign of something wrong.
However, if your doctor checks your normal testosterone levels, you may have hyperandrogenism (a condition in which a woman’s body produces too much testosterone).
It is a scarce condition, but it does happen. Diagnosing is essential to know what to do if it happens.
Causes
Symptoms
Causes
High testosterone in women is caused by many factors, including genetics, a deficiency of DHEA, and even an overactive pituitary gland.
Genetics: The most common cause of high testosterone in women is genetic; if you have a family member with the condition, you will likely develop it.
DHEA Deficiency: Many women have low levels of DHEA because their bodies cannot produce it independently. This can result in low energy levels, fatigue, and symptoms like acne and hair loss.
Overactive Pituitary Gland: An overactive pituitary gland can cause high testosterone levels in women with no other cause for their condition.
This is usually due to stress or trauma experienced during childhood or adolescence (such as abuse), which stimulates the secretion of adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH).
Symptoms
If you’re a woman and your testosterone levels are too high, you can start to experience symptoms of hyperandrogenism.
These include:
- Facial hair growth
- Increased muscle mass (bodybuilders)
- Increased bone density (athletes)
- Increased libido and sexual desire (women who are on birth control pills or taking other medications)
Low Testosterone in Men
Low testosterone in men is a condition that can cause many problems, including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression.
Low testosterone does not happen overnight—it develops slowly from normal aging or from injury or illness that causes damage to your testicles.
Causes
Symptoms
Causes
Low testosterone in men is relatively common but difficult to diagnose. Low testosterone in men has many causes, including age, genetics, and medication.
Here are some of the most common:
Lifestyle: Excess stress, poor diet, and lack of exercise can all contribute to low testosterone levels.
Medical conditions: Low testosterone is often caused by medication such as birth control pills or prostate cancer treatments.
Other medical conditions that can cause low testosterone include hypogonadism (low levels of the male sex hormone), malnutrition, and illnesses such as anemia.
Obesity: Obesity is associated with low testosterone levels.
Symptoms
Low testosterone levels in men are a severe problem that can lead to various health issues, including weight gain, fatigue, depression, and impotence. If you have low testosterone, seeking medical help as soon as possible is essential.
Here are some symptoms that may indicate that your testosterone levels are too low for optimal health:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased sex drive
- Fatigue or loss of energy
- Depression
- Loss of muscle mass or strength
- Difficulty concentrating or memory problems
- Decreased mental agility
Low Estrogen in Women
The body produces estrogen and progesterone, but the human body mostly comprises estrogen. Estrogen is responsible for the development of female sexual characteristics. Low estrogen levels can cause a wide variety of problems in women.
Causes
Symptoms
Causes
Several reasons can cause low estrogen levels in women. One of the most common causes of low estrogen is menopause. Menopausal symptoms occur when the ovaries stop producing eggs, and estrogen levels begin to decline. There is also something known as postmenopausal women, who have been through menopause.
Menopausal women can be anywhere between the ages of 45 and 55. Still, it’s often triggered by a drop in the body’s natural estrogen production and a decrease in its ability to respond to it.
Other factors that lead to low estrogen include:
Age: Low levels are more common in women over 50 years old.
Weight: Women who are obese tend to have lower estrogen levels than women with healthy body weight.
Medical Conditions: Certain medical conditions like endometriosis or fibroids may cause an imbalance in hormone levels, resulting in low estrogen levels for some women.
Symptoms
Low estrogen in women and menopausal women is a prevalent condition, usually caused by a hormone imbalance.
When your estrogen levels are low, you may experience symptoms such as:
- Hot flashes
- Breast tenderness
- Vaginal dryness and irritation
- Headaches
- Fatigue
High Estrogen in Men
High estrogen in men is a condition in which the body produces too much estrogen. This can be because of a hormone imbalance or because of an illness.
High estrogen levels are not good for your health, especially if you have a history of cardiovascular disease, diabetes, dilate blood vessels or high cholesterol.
Causes
Symptoms
Causes
Estrogen is a female hormone essential in menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and ovulation. In men, it’s produced in the testes and adrenal glands.
When estrogen levels are too high, it can cause problems such as acne, excess hair growth on your chin or face (called hirsutism), and infertility.
High estrogen in men is caused by excess estrogen production, which conditions like excess body fat tissue, insulin resistance, etc., can cause.
Symptoms
If you want to know if high estrogen levels are affecting your body, check out these common symptoms:
- Fatigue
- Low libido (sex drive)
- Depression or moodiness
- Anxiety
- Inability to concentrate or think clearly
Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone
There are many ways to boost testosterone, but not all are safe or effective. Here are some of the most popular ways to do it:
Follow a Healthy Diet
Many people think they must eat a certain way to boost their testosterone.
The most important thing is to find something you enjoy eating and ensure it’s full of healthy fat tissue, protein, and carbohydrates—the three primary food groups.
You should also avoid overeating sugar, which can lower your testosterone levels!
Intake of Vitamins, Minerals, and Amino Acids
The way to boost testosterone naturally is by consuming a lot of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids needed for hormonal balance.
A good diet will also help increase testosterone levels in the body by providing adequate amounts of protein and fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin D, vitamin K2 (menaquinone), zinc, magnesium, calcium, and selenium.
Opt for Testosterone Supplements
Supplements like L-arginine in red meat can boost nitric oxide (NO) levels, enhancing blood flow to key tissues like muscles.
This increase in blood flow in blood vessels helps increase testosterone production in men with deficiencies in this crucial compound.
Exercise Regularly
If you still need to exercise regularly, start. The more often you move your body and get your heart rate up, the better your testosterone level will be.
When exercising, try to keep it short and intense (like sprinting) rather than long and easy (like walking).
Testosterone Replacement Therapy
If dietary changes aren’t enough for you or you’ve tried them but still aren’t seeing results, consider seeing a doctor about testosterone replacement therapy also known as hormone replacement therapy.
Testosterone therapy helps restore low levels of circulating hormones by replacing them with synthetic versions made in a lab instead of being produced naturally in your body by glands like the testicles.
FAQs On Testosterone And Estrogen
What is more important, testosterone or estrogen?
Both testosterone and estrogen are important sex hormones with distinct roles.
Testosterone is crucial for muscle development and male characteristics, while estrogen is vital for reproductive and female functions.
The importance of each hormone depends on an individual’s specific needs and biological makeup.
Can you get hard on estrogen?
Yes! Estrogen does increase horniness. For example, estrogen makes your partner feel more attractive when you’re in a relationship.
They might be more likely to initiate sex and feel more sexual desire. It’s not unusual for people to feel hornier during relationships—it’s part of the cycle of falling in love!
Does estrogen increase horniness?
Yes! Estrogen does increase horniness. For example, estrogen makes your partner feel more attractive when you’re in a relationship.
They might be more likely to initiate sex and feel more sexual desire. It’s not unusual for people to feel hornier during relationships—it’s part of the cycle of falling in love!
What does it feel like to be on estrogen?
Being on estrogen can vary from person to person. It may result in changes such as softer skin, breast development, and reduced body hair growth.
Emotional changes may also occur, including mood stabilization and decreased libido.
Do you gain weight on estrogen?
Women who take estrogen supplements should be aware of potential risk factors, including weight gain. Estrogen can increase your appetite and encourage you to eat more than usual.
If you’re concerned about weight gain on estrogen, talk to your doctor about other options for treating menopause symptoms.
You may be able to reduce your calorie intake or add exercise into your daily routine to help control your weight.
Conclusion: What Is The Function of Estrogen and Testosterone?
Testosterone and estrogen are both essential sex hormones in your body. Testosterone helps you build muscle, maintain bone density, and increase the size of your testes. Supplements for boosting testosterone in older people have also been proven healthy and effective.
Estrogen therapy helps maintain healthy bones, breast tissue, and reproductive organs. Both sex hormones play an essential role in keeping your body healthy.
While no one’s more important than the other, we recommend consulting a doctor before changing your supplement regime.
We hope that by reading this article, you have more information about the differences between Testosterone and Estrogen than you ever wanted!
