As we talk about the changes in voice and facial hair in boys as they grow older, we usually associate them with puberty. Do you know the reality behind this change? It is actually the role of hormones that result in these bodily changes. 

Now, next question arises, 

What are hormones? 

Hormones are the elements in the body that change a child’s body into an adult’s. They affect almost every aspect of development in the human body, be it muscular or emotional. Puberty is the result of hormonal development in the body. 

But it doesn’t mean that only male body changes due to hormones. 

Males and females have different hormones in their bodies, which affect different emotions and actions in the body.

Here is everything you need to know about hormones and how they change your body with age.

What is testosterone and how does it affect a male’s body? 

We have often noticed certain changes in a boy during his teenage years. Voice changes, facial hair, and muscle development are the physical attributes that indicate puberty is occurring in a male’s body. 

The main hormone in a male is testosterone, which results in these physical changes in the body. The level of testosterone determines the range of physical changes in a male’s body.

Testosterone, as a hormone, is not just associated with being the cause of muscular buildup in males. It is the primary architect of the male facial structure. A high level of testosterone in the body during puberty leads to the lateral growth of the jawbone. The development of the cheekbones and the prominence of the skin are a result of this hormone.

As the level of testosterone fluctuates in the body over time, you can see significant changes in the facial structure of a male.

Facial structure development due to testosterone

You must have noticed that male’s appearance changes with his age. There are several natural and physical factors involved in this change. Here, we will try to understand the role of testosterone in facial structure development:

• The level of testosterone in the body affects the skin quality. High levels of testosterone boost collagen production, which tightens the skin and gives the face a younger, more attractive appearance. Low levels of this testosterone reduce collagen synthesis, affecting one’s appearance. There are visible facial changes as the level of testosterone reduces in the body. Drooping eyelids, sagging skin, and a rounder appearance are some changes that indicate reduced hormone levels in the body.

• Testosterone is responsible for defining the facial features in a male’s body. This includes maintaining the muscle tone, which gives a refined jawline and prominent cheekbones. Apart from improving the skin quality with collagen production, this hormone increases bone density. Low levels of testosterone affect fat distribution in the face, which leads to a double chin and less angular jawline. With low bone density, the jawline loses its prominence.
• Testosterone is a very crucial hormone in the male body. The levels of this hormone affect the skin texture. Testosterone regulates the production of sebum in the skin. High levels of this hormone cause excess oil production, leading to acne and other skin issues. Low levels of this hormone cause dry skin and a pale appearance. Low levels of testosterone can be indicated by the washed-out look of the face.

Just like every human, you must have looked at an old photo of yourself with a question:

“I was totally different years ago. But why not anymore?”

You should remember that this appearance change is not only due to aging and stress. Hormones also play an important role in changing your appearance. 

Now, you must be wondering how testosterone can shape the face. Isn’t it? 

Here is your answer. 

1. Testosterone helps to maintain cheekbones, jawline and overall facial symmetry. But if testosterone levels are low then you may experience a softer facial structure around the jaw and chin. 
2. The human face has muscles and low testosterone can reduce its firmness and tightness. This is a slow process that can change your look. 
3. Testosterone regulates skin thickness, sebum levels and collagen production. So, with lower levels of testosterone, your skin may look drier, fine lines, less vibrant and thinner which is known as ‘aging before time’ in daily life. 
4. With low testosterone, you may experience a rounder appearance, fatty or double chin, facial puffiness, patchy beard growth and thinner facial hair etc. 

But it doesn’t mean that only testosterone is responsible for this change. Other factors like aging, diet deficiency, poor sleep pattern, chronic stress, weight change, alcohol, smoking or genetics are also contributors. 

How to associate facial changes with low testosterone levels? 

You might be noticing certain changes on your face, such as droopy eyes, a pale complexion, and a double chin. Even though you maintain a healthy weight and your overall appearance looks fine, these facial changes might be indicating something. Sudden facial changes might be a result of low testosterone in the body. Your hormonal health can be gauged through your face, which changes with the changing levels of hormones in the body.

• A decrease in facial hair, a patchy beard with thin hair, is an indication of dropping hormone levels. The ‘vanishing’ beard might be a result of low androgen levels.

• Testosterone is responsible for fat distribution and muscle strength in the face. Your droopy eyes and double chin might be an indication of dropping testosterone levels in the body. You might notice your face looking puffy and inflamed; this is due to a hormonal imbalance, which causes a loss of facial muscle tone.

• Testosterone determines your skin texture. Collagen, which keeps your skin tight and radiant, is produced depending on the level of testosterone in the body. Dropping levels of this hormone may result in premature aging. Fine lines and wrinkles are signs of aging, which are a result of low collagen production.

• Your face might carry a tired and worn-out look even when you are well rested. Testosterone also affects blood circulation in the face. Low levels of it cause the skin to look pale and tired. You might not feel exhausted, but you might look fatigued.

Now, very important question: 

Can these changes be reversed? 

And the answer is ‘YES’. 

If not completely then at least, partially. 

Improved testosterone can improve vitality, skin quality, facial muscle tone etc. But if you want assured results then lifestyle changes will also play a crucial role. Focus on stress management, proper diet, quality sleep and training. 

All the information mentioned above suggests one thing: that your face is a reflection of the internal chemistry of the body. If you are noticing some of these facial changes, it might be due to dropping hormone levels. It’s a sign to get a blood panel test to keep track of your hormone levels.