Although all the androgens exhibit similar functions, some are more potent than others. The pituitary gland, which is found at the base of the brain, controls the production of androgens. They also control the development and activity of the male sex organs as well as the development of secondary male characteristics, such as facial hair and the Adam’s apple. Testosterone fluctuations aren’t the only cause of acne. In rare cases, testicular tumors can lead to high testosterone in men. And a large randomized trial of testosterone, the T Trials, showed that men who received T had a greater improvement in mood than men who received a placebo. But the positive benefits of T therapy on mood is a potential life-changing benefit. Experts don't have a definitive answer to why testosterone impacts mood so deeply—after all, "the brain is a complicated thing," says Dr. Tamler. The theory is that "testosterone turns them on, so they're more productive in terms of creating the energy that the cells need." While researchers aren't exactly sure how exactly testosterone plays a role in energy yet, he says it's believed it might affect your mitochondria, which produce energy within cells.
