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What is a testosterone test?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone and anabolic steroid in males. It is produced by the testes in boys and in much smaller quantities by the ovaries in girls. Adrenal glands in both boys and girls also produce some amount of the hormone.Â
Testosterone is key to the development of male reproductive tissues like the prostate and testes, promoting secondary sexual characteristics like an increase in muscle and bone mass as well as the growth of body hair. A testosterone test measures the blood level of the hormone and is used to identify the reason for sexual problems like low sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
Not just for men, a testosterone test is an important test that is used to understand the workings of the reproductive system in both genders.
Frequently Asked Questions:
What is a testosterone test used for?
In males, the test is done for erectile dysfunction, reduced sex drive, or inability to impregnate a partner. Low testosterone levels indicate a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which controls the production of testosterone. In females, the test is used for missing periods, inability to get pregnant, hair growth on face or chest, PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome) causing higher testosterone levels.
Understanding the test results of a testosterone test
Age, gender, health history, and the test method can affect the test results. Normal total testosterone levels are 280 to 1,100 ng/dL for men, 15 to 70 ng/dL for women. Higher or lower results point towards the condition that affects testosterone production. Higher than normal results indicate the possibility of a tumour on the testes or ovaries. Â
Why do I need a testosterone test?
Early or delayed puberty or signs of masculine characteristics developing in girls call for the test. You may also need it to check for damage or disease of the testes, ovaries, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland or to check for steroid use. Evaluating testosterone levels help your doctor evaluate your fertility or menstrual problems and sexual function.
What happens during a testosterone test?
In this simple procedure, blood is drawn into a test tube from a vein in your arm (venipuncture) and sent to a laboratory for the test. Early morning peak testosterone levels are best for sampling. Levels of testosterone vary from hour to hour and day to day. Hence, observed high or low levels might need a repeat test.
What does a testosterone blood test show?
Testosterone travels through your blood in two ways – either attached to proteins albumin and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or free, i.e., without attachment to any proteins. The testosterone blood test result usually shows total testosterone levels – free and attached. Your doctor may also seek only free testosterone measurement to diagnose certain observed conditions.
When should testosterone be tested?
A testosterone test should be done in males for symptoms like fatigue, depression, trouble concentrating, loss of hair/muscle mass, swollen breasts, weak bones, erectile dysfunction, and low sperm count. It should be done in females for fertility problems, vaginal dryness, skipped or no menstrual periods, low sex drive, enlarged clitoris, weakened bones, acne and oily skin, skin darkening, excess facial/body hair, deep voice, and hair loss.
What are the signs of high testosterone?
Signs of high testosterone in men are aggressive and irritable behaviour, acne and oily skin, worsening sleep apnea, increase in muscle mass, lower sperm count, and shrunken testicles. In women, the signs are acne and oily skin, skin darkening, deep voice, enlarged clitoris, excess hair on face or body, baldness, and skipped or no periods. If you are experiencing these symptoms, get a free second opinion here.
What happens when a man's testosterone is low?
With low testosterone level, a man experiences delayed onset of puberty, less hair on body, enlarged breasts, low sex drive or lack of interest in sex, trouble getting and holding an erection, low sperm count and other fertility problems, changes in the testicles, weak bones, irritability, trouble concentrating, loss of muscle mass, hair loss, depression, fatigue, and anemia.
How long does a testosterone test take?
A testosterone test usually takes less than five minutes. Venipuncture by a health technician involves drawing blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. A small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. The laboratory test and results come in a day or two.
How much testosterone is too much?
Abnormally high testosterone levels (hypergonadism) are reproductive glands (gonads) – male testes / female ovaries, overproducing hormones. In males, testosterone levels are too high if total testosterone and free testosterone are above 950 ng/dL and 30 ng/dL respectively. Your level usually lowers by about 1% every year. Adult females (19+) normally range between 8–60 ng / dL.
 Book an appointment or Get a free second opinion from our experts at Yashoda Hospitals today.
References:
- https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/test-testosterone.html
- www.webmd.com/a-to-z-guides/testosterone-test
- www.urmc.rochester.edu/encyclopedia/content.aspx?contenttypeid=167&contentid=testosterone_total
- www.everlywell.com/blog/testosterone/unhealthy-testosterone-levels-men
- https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test
- www.healthline.com/health/high-testosterone-in-women#symptoms
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