Low testosterone exposure in the womb can lead to obesity, diabetes and heart disease!

The serious health problems you suffer in life could be due low exposure to testosterone in the womb. The study shows how men’s testosterone levels may be determined even before they are born. Understanding why some men have less of the hormone than others is important because testosterone is crucial for life-long health. Low levels of the hormone have been linked to obesity, diabetes and heart disease. Researchers have shown that the cells responsible for producing testosterone in adults – known as Leydig cells – are derived from a specific population of stem cells found in the testes. The team found evidence of these stem cells in the developing testes of babies, rats, mice and marmosets in the womb. Leydig cells do not develop until puberty but the team showed that their function is impaired if their stem cell forefathers are exposed to reduced levels of testosterone in the womb, researchers said.
The study led by scientists from the Medical Research Council (MRC) Centre for Reproductive Health at the University of Edinburgh is the first to provide evidence of how events in the womb could influence male health in later life.
‘There is increasing evidence that a mother’s diet, lifestyle and exposure to drugs and chemicals can have a significant impact on testosterone levels in the womb. We need a better grasp of these factors so that we can give reliable advice to pregnant women to protect the health of her unborn child,’ Professor Richard Sharpe said.
The study was published in the journal PNAS.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone refers to the male sex hormone which contributes to the development of male sex organs, secondary sexual traits and sperm. It is made in the testes and the amount of testosterone produced is controlled by the hypothalamus and the pituitary gland in the brain.
Playing sports and engaging in physical activity like running too can boost testosterone levels. Some people use steroids which contain testosterone in order to build a pumped-up body. However, this is not recommended as steroids can cause several problems like baldness, impotence and suicidal tendencies.
Even women produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands but the amount is significantly lower than in men. High testosterone levels in women can lead to problems like facial hair, irregular menstrual cycles and a deepening of the voice.
Studies have also shown that testosterone is responsible for making men better drivers, vitamin D from sunlight increases your testosterone levels and pomegranate juice is a great way to boost testosterone levels in men.