Testosterone Test: When to Consider a Serum Testosterone Test

Hormones play a vital role in the proper functioning of the human body. They are chemical messengers produced by glands in the endocrine system and released into the bloodstream to regulate various bodily functions. Hormones help to maintain homeostasis, or balance, in the body by controlling processes such as metabolism, growth and development, sexual function, and mood.

Both male and female hormones are involved in many different processes in the body, and imbalances or deficiencies in certain hormones can lead to various health problems. For this reason, it is essential to maintain a healthy endocrine system and ensure that hormones are getting produced and regulated correctly.

If you want to know about the sex hormone - testosterone - read more to understand how total testosterone is measured and analyzed in men and women.

Understanding the Testosterone Test: An Overview

The testosterone hormone is produced primarily by the testicles in men and the ovaries in women, although the adrenal glands also produce small amounts in both sexes. The hormone is responsible for developing male sex organs and secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair and a deeper voice. It plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and sperm production. Female testosterone hormone, on the contrary, helps women regulate their menstrual cycles and estrogen production.

How is a Testosterone Test Helpful?

Healthcare professionals measure Total testosterone through a blood test called - Testosterone test or a Testosterone level test. The test helps diagnose conditions such as:

• Imbalance in testosterone levels
• Hypogonadism (low testosterone production)
• Hyperandrogenism (excess testosterone production)

Experts can also use this test to monitor testosterone replacement therapy in men with low testosterone levels.

Testosterone levels can fluctuate throughout the day and are affected by various factors, such as age, stress, and diet. For this reason, professionals recommend undertaking testosterone tests in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest.

Test values can generally vary depending on the laboratory that performs the test. It is important to note that serum testosterone tests (also called S testosterone tests) are not recommended for pregnant or pregnant individuals, as testosterone levels can be elevated during pregnancy.

What Does the Testosterone Test Show?

Testosterone exists in your body in two forms: Free Testosterone and Total Testosterone. According to medical experts, your body can conveniently use Free testosterone, as it's not attached to anything. 

In general, the testosterone test shows:

• Total testosterone: Total testosterone measures both free and attached testosterone.
• Free testosterone: Free testosterone shows free testosterone only, and medical experts rely on this test to diagnose certain medical conditions.

When Do You Need to Undertake the Testosterone Test?

Healthcare providers recommend testosterone tests in males when they showcase low testosterone symptoms and their associated medical conditions. In general, low testosterone symptoms in men include:

• Development of breast tissue
• Erectile dysfunction.
• Hair loss
• Infertility and low sex drive
• Low muscle mass

Medical experts recommend women undertake the testosterone test if they experience symptoms of high testosterone, like:

• Acne
• Excess facial or body hair
• Irregular periods
• Deepening of voice
• Irregular weight gain

Undergoing the Testosterone Test: Basic Requisites

A testosterone level test generally begins with a blood test. Before undergoing the test, your healthcare professional will ask you to stop any medication or steroids to avoid side effects in the body.

You can get your free testosterone test at any diagnostic center near you. However, healthcare experts recommend getting it done from a certified test center for accurate results.

How is the Testosterone Test Performed?

Medical experts perform the testosterone blood test in the following manner:

• They prepare the injection to draw blood from your vein.
• After finding the vein, the medical practitioner wraps it tightly to restrict your movement while taking your blood for sampling.
• Once enough blood gets collected in the vial, they place a band-aid to prevent excessive bleeding.

Testosterone Test Results: What Do They Signify?

Got a total testosterone test and are unsure of the results? Depending on your sex, your total testosterone levels should be in the prescribed range.

Normal Testosterone Test Levels

The normal testosterone levels in men and women are in the following range:

• Men: The normal level of testosterone in men lies between 300 to 1,000 ng/dL.
• Women: Normal levels in women range from 15 to 70 ng/dL.

In general, testosterone level is low in men until puberty; it starts hitting its peak range by 19, then gradually declines throughout life. Even women have low testosterone till puberty, which peaks around 17 or 18, and then gradually decreases. 

If your result is higher or lower than the range, your doctor can prescribe medication to compensate for the gap.

Read More: Proven Way to Increase Testosterone Levels in Man

Understanding testosterone levels

It's known that testosterone levels decrease with age and other health conditions. According to medical experts, the testosterone level in men after 30 decreases at a 1% rate, and in some cases, by 2%. The testosterone level also decreases naturally in obese people.  

Males even experience another medical problem called hypogonadism (or low testosterone). Experts classify a medical condition as hypogonadism only when the individual has low testosterone levels but also experiences its associated symptoms.

You may also show visible symptoms even if your total testosterone result values lie within the range. In this scenario, your healthcare practitioner may recommend undertaking a physical examination.

A physical examination becomes vital for men if they have the following symptoms:

• A significant loss of facial hair
• A loss of height
• Signs of gynecomastia (an abnormal increase in breast tissue size)
• Abnormal weight gain

If you're a woman, your doctor will perform a physical examination due to the following symptoms:

• Acne on the face
• Abnormal hair growth randomly in the chin or cheek
• Thinning or balding in the head

Why Choose HealthcareOnTime for a Testosterone Test?

You can trust HealthcareonTime to undertake the total testosterone test since they are a NABL/ISO-accredited diagnostic center with a PAN India presence. As a part of Thyrocare, we provide high-quality healthcare facilities administered by trained professionals only and offer affordable testosterone test prices.