In Kaduna, some residents took to the streets in celebration after power was finally restored to their community. A viral video posted on Thursday by an X user, #Imranmuhdz, captured the locals enthusiastically chanting “Nepa, Nepa tadawo” in Hausa, showing their joy over the return of electricity.
On Wednesday, the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) announced that power had been partially restored to seven northern states after severe outages caused by the vandalism of the Shiroro-Kaduna transmission line. This incident had severely impacted power supply, leaving Lafia, Makurdi, Jos, Kaduna, Kano, Bauchi, and Gombe without electricity for nine days.
According to TCN, electricity was reconnected to the affected areas at 4:56 PM on Wednesday after repairs were completed on the 330kV Ugwuaji-Apir transmission line 1.
Testosterone: Overview, Function & Levels
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the body, primarily in the
testes, that plays several key roles in health and well-being.
–
It is a type of sex hormone (androgen)
–
It influences physical traits, including muscle mass, strength, and bone density
–
It also impacts sexual function and fertility
Functions of Testosterone
–
Supports libido and sexual motivation
–
Regulates sperm production
–
Contributes to energy levels and overall vitality
–
Helps maintain red blood cell count
Normal Levels of Testosterone
–
For men: Normal testosterone levels typically range between 300-1000 ng/dL
–
For women: Levels are much lower, usually between 15-65 ng/dL
Signs of Imbalanced Testosterone Levels
–
Low testosterone (hypogonadism) may cause
fatigue, muscle loss, and low libido
–
High levels can lead to various health issues, including cardiovascular problems and infertility
### Testosterone
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testes in males and, to
a lesser extent, by the ovaries in females. It belongs to
a class of hormones known as steroids, specifically androgens.
Testosterone plays a critical role in human physiology, influencing growth, development, reproduction, metabolism, and overall health.
### Is testosterone a steroid?
Yes, testosterone is classified as an endogenous steroid hormone.
Like other steroids, it is synthesized within the
body by enzymes and is involved in various bodily functions.
While often associated with male characteristics, testosterone also plays roles
in female physiology, particularly during reproductive processes.
### What does testosterone do?
Testosterone serves multiple functions:
– **Growth and Development**: It stimulates growth of secondary sexual
characteristics, such as facial hair, muscle mass, and bone density.
– **Reproduction**: It is essential for sperm production and sexual function in males.
– **Metabolic Regulation**: Testosterone influences energy metabolism, helping the body manage
fat stores and regulate glucose levels.
– **Mood and Behavior**: It can impact emotional well-being,
libido, and cognitive functions, though these effects vary by
individual.
### Testosterone and fetal development
During fetal development, testosterone is crucial for the formation of male genitalia and the differentiation of gender roles.
In females, it also plays a role in establishing baseline hormone levels necessary for
future reproductive health.
### Testosterone and puberty
Puberty is marked by a surge in testosterone levels, triggering physical and emotional changes.
For males, this leads to increased muscle mass, deeper voice, and
facial hair. For females, it contributes to breast development and reproductive
maturation.
### Testosterone and adult males
In adult men, testosterone levels remain relatively stable but can fluctuate based on aging, health, and lifestyle factors.
High levels may contribute to conditions like hyperandrogenism, while low levels can indicate hypogonadism or other hormonal imbalances.
### Testosterone and adult females
Adult women produce testosterone as part of their endocrine system, though in smaller amounts than males.
This hormone supports reproductive health, libido, and overall well-being, though its levels can be influenced
by factors like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
### How are testosterone levels controlled?
Testosterone production is regulated by the hypothalamus and
pituitary glands through a negative feedback loop. The body also
uses feedback mechanisms to maintain homeostasis, ensuring testosterone levels remain within a healthy range.
### What tests measure testosterone levels?
Medical professionals typically use blood tests or saliva
tests to measure testosterone levels. These tests help
determine if hormone levels are within the normal
range or indicate potential imbalances.
### What are normal testosterone levels by age?
Normal testosterone levels vary by age and gender:
– **Males**: 300–1200 ng/dL (men); younger males
may have lower levels around 700 ng/dL.
– **Females**: 15–75 ng/dL; higher levels in premenopausal women may range up
to 500 ng/dL.
### What causes high testosterone levels?
High testosterone can result from conditions like hypergonadotropism,
polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or excessive production due to tumors.
In males, it could also be caused by anabolic steroid
use.
### High levels of testosterone in males
Excess testosterone in men may lead to symptoms like increased facial and body
hair, fatigue, acne, and mood swings. It can also contribute to conditions like sleep apnea and cardiovascular
issues.
### High levels of testosterone in females
In women, high testosterone levels are often due to PCOS or other
endocrine disorders. Symptoms may include
hirsutism (excess hair growth), weight gain, and irregular menstrual
cycles.
### What happens when testosterone levels are too low?
Low testosterone can result in a condition called hypogonadism, leading to symptoms like
fatigue, reduced libido, muscle weakness, and bone density loss.
It is more common in men over 50 but can affect women as well.
### Low testosterone in fetal development
In the womb, low testosterone levels may impact male genitalia development and could contribute to conditions like hypospadias (undescended testicle).
### Low testosterone in puberty
During puberty, delayed development of secondary sexual characteristics due to low testosterone may indicate issues
like obesity or hypogonadism.
### Low testosterone in adults
Adults with consistently low testosterone levels may experience an array of
health problems, including cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
### When should I see my doctor about my testosterone levels?
If you experience symptoms like fatigue, weight loss, sexual dysfunction, or changes in body composition, consult a healthcare provider.
They can recommend blood tests to assess hormone levels and determine if intervention is necessary.
### Care at Cleveland Clinic
The Cleveland Clinic offers comprehensive care for hormonal
imbalances, including testosterone level testing and
management. Their expert physicians provide personalized treatments based on individual needs.
### References
– National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK).
– Mayo Clinic.
– American College of Endocrinologists.
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