Testosterone, a primary male sex hormone, plays a significant role in various bodily functions, influencing reproductive tissues, muscle mass, bone density, mood, and libido. This article explores whether an individual with one testicle can produce sufficient testosterone for overall health and well-being.
Understanding Testosterone Production
Testosterone production is primarily centered in the testes, regulated by signals from the brain. This system is known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis. The hypothalamus releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), which travels to the pituitary gland, stimulating it to release luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
LH then travels to the testes, targeting Leydig cells, which synthesize testosterone from cholesterol. As testosterone levels in the blood rise, a negative feedback loop signals back to the hypothalamus and pituitary gland, suppressing GnRH and LH, maintaining hormone balance. Small amounts are also produced by the adrenal glands.
Reasons for Having a Single Testicle
An individual might have only one testicle for several reasons, present from birth or acquired later. One common congenital cause is an undescended testicle (cryptorchidism), where one or both fail to move into the scrotum during fetal development. If not corrected, this may require surgical removal.
Surgical removal (orchiectomy) is another frequent reason, often due to testicular cancer, injury, or severe infections. Testicular regression syndrome, or vanishing testes syndrome, involves the disappearance of one or both testicles before or shortly after birth.
The Capacity of One Testicle to Produce Testosterone
A single healthy testicle is often capable of producing sufficient testosterone to meet the body’s needs. The body’s hormonal feedback system can compensate for the absence of one testicle. When one testicle is lost, the remaining one often increases its activity to maintain normal testosterone levels.
This involves the pituitary gland producing more luteinizing hormone (LH), which stimulates the Leydig cells in the remaining testicle to synthesize more testosterone. This allows the body to maintain testosterone levels within a healthy range, supporting sex drive, muscle mass, and bone density.
However, the capacity of the single testicle is influenced by its overall health, the reason for the loss of the other testicle, and an individual’s general health status. Men with one testicle may show higher levels of certain pituitary hormones, indicating the body’s increased effort to regulate this balance.
Recognizing and Addressing Potential Low Testosterone
Even with one testicle, individuals can experience symptoms of low testosterone (hypogonadism) if the remaining testicle is not producing enough. Common indicators include persistent fatigue, reduced sex drive, and changes in mood such as irritability or depression. Individuals might also notice a decrease in muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, or difficulties with concentration and memory.
If these symptoms are present, medical consultation is important for diagnosis. A healthcare provider will conduct a physical examination and inquire about medical history. Blood tests measure total testosterone levels, usually requiring two samples collected in the morning.
The American Urological Association considers testosterone levels below 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) as low, though symptoms are also considered. Management for low testosterone varies based on the cause and severity. Lifestyle adjustments, such as a healthy diet, regular exercise, and weight management, can support testosterone levels. If diagnosed, a healthcare provider may discuss testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). TRT can be administered through gels, injections, patches, or pellets, aiming to restore hormone levels and alleviate symptoms. Regular monitoring is advised if undergoing TRT.