Endocrine Magazine
Testes Weekly
The Scoop
The testes (or testicles) are a pair of sperm-producing organs that maintain the health of the male reproductive system. The testes are known as gonads. Their female counterpart are the ovaries.
What gland produces testosterone?
Testosterone production in the body. This important hormone is produced mainly in the testes in males (more than 95 percent) and in the ovaries in females; however, small amounts are made in the outer layer of the adrenal glands in both sexes.
Role it plays in puberty
During puberty, testosterone is involved in many of the processes that transition a boy to manhood, including:
- Healthy development of male sex organs
- Growth of facial and body hair
- Lowering of the voice
- Increase in height
- Increase in muscle mass
- Growth of the Adam’s apple
Disorders you can have in this gland
Hypogonadism is a testicular disorder associated with low testosterone. Having testosterone levels that are too low causes a variety of problems, including:
- Decreased sex drive
- Diminished muscle mass
- Low sperm count (reduced fertility)
- Loss of body hair