Testosterone plays multiple important roles in the body, such as: When testosterone levels rise too high, the brain sends signals to the pituitary to reduce production. A 'feedback loop' closely regulates the amount of hormone in the blood. The pituitary gland then relays signals to the testes to produce testosterone. Signals sent from the brain to the pituitary gland at the base of the brain control the production of testosterone in men. It is essential to the development of male growth and masculine characteristics. Testosterone is the major sex hormone in males. They travel from one organ or another place in the body, usually through the bloodstream, and affect many different bodily processes. Hormones are the body's chemical messengers. Learn all about the sex hormone here, including its primary benefits. There's more to testosterone than guys behaving badly. For example, did you know that testosterone is a key player in prostate cancer? Or, that women need testosterone, too? What's more, testosterone plays other important roles in health and disease that may surprise you. Testosterone's role in bad behavior is largely a myth. When you think of testosterone, what comes to mind? Macho men? Aggressive, impatient, type A behavior? Road rage? Violence?