Testesterone Total
Testosterone Total
- This test is meant to measure the level of hormone testosterone in the blood
- No special preparation is required.
- This test would provide one value for the level of hormone testosterone.
What is Testosterone Test ?
This is a test to measure the level of hormone testosterone in the blood. Even though testosterone is called a male hormone, it is found in females also. In males this hormone is produced by testes while in females it is produced by the ovaries. The normal levels of testosterone in males is higher than in females. Testosterone helps in the growth of muscles, penis, testes and hair. It also contributes in making the voice heavier. Its boosts the sex drive and helps the sperms to mature.
The pituitary gland in the brain controls the amount of testosterone your body makes. It does this by using other signaling hormones such as luteinizing hormone.
Most of the testosterone in the blood attaches to 2 proteins: albumin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Some testosterone is not attached to proteins. This testosterone is called free testosterone. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also referred to as bioavailable testosterone. This is the testosterone that is easily used by the body.
Reported Parameters
- Total Testosterone
- Free Testosterone
All The Questions that you might have
- When is this test done ?
- How to interpret the test results ?
- What problems are caused in females by high testosterone levels ?
This test is done for males if your doctor suspects low levels of testosterone is causing the following symptoms:
- Large breasts
- Low sex drive or lack of interest in sex
- Trouble getting 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
- Anemia
Symptoms of low testosterone in females include:
- Fertility problems
- Missed or irregular menstrual periods
- Osteoporosis
- Low sex drive
- Changes in breast tissue
- Vaginal dryness
The results of this test are given in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Normal test results show total testosterone levels of:
-
270 to 1,070 ng/dL for men (depending on age)
-
15 to 70 ng/dL for women
If your testosterone levels are higher or lower than normal, you may have a condition that affects your testosterone production. If your levels are higher than normal, you may have a tumor on the testes or ovaries.
Females with high levels of testosterone may have polycystic ovary syndrome. This condition can cause:
- Infertility
- Lack of menstruation
- Acne
- Obesity
- Blood sugar problems that can lead to type 2 diabetes
- Extra hair growth, especially on the face
