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BDS, MDS - Oral Pathology and Microbiology

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Dr. Ashish Ranjan

MBBS, MD (Pharmacology)

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Testosterone Free

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Test Preparation

No special preparation required

Understanding Testosterone Free

What is Testosterone Free?

This test measures the amount of free testosterone in your blood. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in males. It controls sex drive, maintains muscle mass, and helps in the production of sperm. Women also have testosterone in their bodies, but in much smaller amounts.
A testosterone test may be used to diagnose conditions such as decreased sex drive, infertility, erectile dysfunction in men, and irregular menstrual periods in women.
The levels are highest during early morning and lowest in the evening. Low testosterone levels can also lead to low sperm count, low sex drive, and hair loss. Men who are diagnosed with low testosterone levels may benefit from testosterone supplements.

What is Testosterone Free used for?

To detect an abnormal testosterone level in males and females
To diagnose the cause of infertility in males and females
To diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction in males
To detect the cause of virilization (masculine physical features) in females
To find out the cause for PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)
To determine the cause of ambiguous genitalia (genitals that are not clearly male or female) in children
To diagnose the cause of delayed or early puberty

Interpreting Testosterone Free results

Interpretations

In males: 8.69 - 54.69 pg/mL

In females ( > 12 years)

Follicular phase: 0.45 - 3.17 pg/mL

Luteal phase: 0.46 - 2.48 pg/mL

Oral contraceptive: 0.55 - 2.01 pg/mL

Post menopausal: 0.29 - 1.73 pg/mL

Reference range may vary from lab to lab*

Answers to Patient Concerns & Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Testosterone Free

Frequently Asked Questions about Testosterone Free

Q. In what conditions can the testosterone levels decrease?

Low levels of testosterone can be seen in: (a) Pituitary or hypothalamic disease (b) Genetic diseases such as Klinefelter, Kallman syndrome, and Prader-Willi syndrome (c) Testicular dystrophy (d) Damage to testes due to heavy intake of alcohol, physical injury, or viral diseases like mumps (e) Chronic diseases like Diabetes

Q. Is there any preparation required before the test?

Inform the doctor about the medications you may be taking. No other specific preparations are usually required before this test.

Q. In what conditions can the testosterone levels increase?

In males, very high levels of testosterone can be seen in the following conditions: (a) Tumors of testicles (b) Tumors of the adrenal glands (c) Use of anabolic steroids (d) Early puberty (e) Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (deficiency of one of the enzymes to make hormones) in small babies and children. In females, high levels of testosterone can be seen in the following conditons: (a) Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) (b) Ovarian tumor (c) Adrenal gland tumor (d) Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

Q. What are the symptoms of low testosterone levels?

The symptoms of low testosterone levels in males may include: (a) Exhaustion (fatigue) (b) Depression (c) Impaired concentration (d) Loss of hair (e) Loss of muscle mass (f) Low sex drive (g) Low sperm count (h) Swelling in breasts (i) Impaired erection (j) Weak bones In females: (a) Fertility problems (b) Low sex drive (c) Absence of or irregular menstruation (d) Vaginal dryness (e) Weak bones

Q. What are the signs of high testosterone levels?

In females, the following can be signs of high testosterone levels: (a) Acne (b) Oily skin (c) Dark areas of skin (d) Deep voice (e) Enlargement of clitoris (f) Excessive hair on the face or body (g) Loss of hair (h) Absence of or irregular periods *As compared to females, males have high testosterone levels.

Q. What other tests are required along with Testosterone Free Test?

Depending upon the results of the tests, the doctor may advise 17-hydroxyprogesterone, Androstenedione, Biopsy, DHEA, Estrogen, FSH or LH, and Prolactin test.

Q. How is the blood sample taken?

The healthcare provider takes a blood sample from the arm. The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol. This is then followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood. Once the sufficient blood for analysis is withdrawn, the needle is removed. The site is then covered with a gauze pad.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the withdrawal of blood sample procedure?

As such there is no risk but in few cases, bruising, bleeding, and infection at the puncture site can be seen. In very few cases, there can be swelling of the vein after the blood is withdrawn.

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