Testosterone, the "male" hormone: many of us have heard of it, but how many of us really understand what it is, what it does, and how it can impact sport performance? The following information is meant to help you understand more about testosterone, and specifically how it will impact your boy's sport performance.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a steroid hormone, and it is actually found in both males and females. In males, testosterone is mainly produced in the testes. In females, it is produced in small amounts by the ovaries. Both sexes produce some testosterone in the adrenal cortex. Testosterone is commonly thought of as a hormone that regulates sex drive, and it also stimulates male sperm production, but this is only part of what it does.

Why do we need testosterone?

Testosterone affects many of our body's systems, including bone, muscle mass, fat storage, red blood cell production, and even mood. Abnormal levels of testosterone can negatively affect both men and women.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Low testosterone causes a variety of symptoms, mainly in males. These symptoms include:

• low energy
• weight gain
• thinner bones
• depression
• decrease in sex drive

Testosterone naturally decreases as a man ages, but there are diseases that can affect the levels, including kidney disease and alcoholism. A diet that is more widely varied in available plant foods can help combat the weight gain of low testosterone and also encourage testosterone production.

How does testosterone affect my boy's sports performance?

Crazy thing about boys--testosterone actually makes them warmer! If your boy likes to wear shorts in winter, don't stress about it - In all seriousness, experts recommend that boys not concentrate on only one sport before puberty. Going through puberty impacts sports performance in many ways. It's obvious that the increase in size, testosterone, and muscle strength has a positive impact on sports, but during the actual growth spurts associated with puberty, the body is temporarily clumsy due to quick increases in height and weight that throw off a boy's center of gravity. So during puberty, let your boy experience a lot of different sports before deciding to focus on one before he is physiologically ready for it.

Is there a way to increase testosterone naturally?

There is, and it depends mainly on diet. You don't need to give a boy synthetic testosterone to increase sports performance. Studies show that boys and men can increase testosterone naturally by eating a wide variety of micronutrients. Getting enough fat in your diet helps, and eating the right kind of carbs, but the most important thing is to eat healthy. Resistance training will also increase testosterone levels. For treatment of medical issues arising from low testosterone, consult a doctor about synthetic testosterone.

Testosterone is the hormone mainly produced in males, but is a lot more than just a sex hormone. Testosterone affects mood, bones, muscle mass and red blood cell production. To be in the best possible health and encourage testosterone production, eat a healthy diet that includes a variety of micronutrients. Doing this will also help boost sports performance naturally, without synthetic testosterone.

Kevin Jones has mastered a busy lifestyle with work and fitness combined with family life. He writes offering solutions for personal fitness and time management as well as keeping families fit together by utilizing activities and diet. You can read more of Kevin's writings by connecting with him online; LinkedIn - Twitter