Testosterone Total

Also known as Serum Testosterone, Bioavailable Testosterone

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Understanding Testosterone Total

What is Testosterone Total?

A Testosterone Total test measures the quantity of testosterone, a male sex hormone, in the blood. It is used to detect conditions such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, and early or delayed puberty in males and menstrual irregularities or hormonal issues, like increased facial hair, in females.

Testosterone is a sex hormone mainly produced by the reproductive organs, testes in males and ovaries in females. It plays a key role in the development of secondary features in males. This hormone regulates the changes that happen in boys during puberty, including the growth of hair, muscles, penis, and testes. The deepening of the voice, sex drive, and sperm production in men are also mediated by this sex hormone. While it is chiefly a male sex hormone, testosterone is also produced in women in small amounts and affects the overall growth and development of muscles and reproductive tissues.

Deranged testosterone levels can cause changes in health and physical appearance. Your doctor may advise a Testosterone Total test to diagnose testosterone-associated medical conditions or monitor their treatment response. This test may also be used to monitor hormone levels in people receiving testosterone replacement therapy and in transgender men who are on hormone therapy.

Usually, no special preparation is required for a Testosterone Total test. You may eat and drink as per your daily routine. However, it should be noted that the levels of testosterone are highest during the early morning and lowest in the evening. The levels of testosterone increase with exercise and the levels decrease with age.

Test result ranges are approximate and may differ slightly between labs depending on the methodology and laboratory guidelines. Talk to your doctor about your specific test results. The results will help the doctor determine your medical condition, make recommendations for lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise, decide whether or not medication will be required to manage your condition, and formulate your overall treatment plan.

What is Testosterone Total used for?

A Testosterone Total test is done:

If infertility is suspected in men.
If a person has decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction.
In boys with either early or delayed sexual maturity.
In females who have male traits such as excessive body hair (hirsutism), are infertile, or have irregular or absent periods.
To monitor treatment response in people who have had abnormal testosterone levels in the past or are undergoing hormone therapy.
In people who take medicines that may affect their testosterone levels.

What does Testosterone Total measure?

A Testosterone Total test measures the level of testosterone hormone in the blood. Testosterone is a sex hormone that is mainly found in men but is also present in women in small amounts. The appearance of male physical characteristics is also due to this hormone.

The production of testosterone hormone is regulated by luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland. As the levels of testosterone rise, the production of LH decreases which in turn slows down the production of testosterone. Similarly, when the levels of testosterone fall, it leads to an increase in LH production, which in turn stimulates testosterone production.

Most of the testosterone circulating in the blood gets attached to two proteins: albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and some of it remains unattached which is called free testosterone. Free testosterone and albumin-bound testosterone are also known as bioavailable testosterone as they are easily available for the body to use for proper functioning.

Interpreting Testosterone Total results

Interpretations

In adult men:

19 - 49 years: 249-836 ng/dL
50 years and older: 193-740 ng/dL

In adult women:

19 - 49 years: 8-48 ng/dL
50 years and older: 2-41 ng/dL

Reference range may vary from lab to lab

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

Frequently Asked Questions about Testosterone Total

Q. What are the signs of low testosterone levels in men?

The signs of low testosterone levels in men include decreased muscle mass, lack of body and facial hair, very small testicles, and development of breast tissue.

Q. Will taking supplements help to raise testosterone levels?

Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Testosterone supplements may help raise its levels but the results may vary amongst individuals. Your doctor will determine if taking a supplement is the right therapy for you.

Q. Why do women need a Testosterone Total test?

Women also produce testosterone but in small amounts. It is needed to maintain hormonal balance and normal bodily functions. If a woman’s body is producing too much testosterone, she may have abnormal facial or body hair growth, abnormal or no menstrual periods, or may even be infertile. A Testosterone Total test, together with other tests, can help the doctor understand the symptoms and treat the condition effectively.

Q. What additional tests can be advised along with a Testosterone Total test?

The additional tests that can be advised along with a Testosterone Total test include prolactin test, anti-mullerian hormone test, estrogen test, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate test, follicle-stimulating hormone test, and luteinizing hormone test. The doctor will advise any additional tests that may be needed depending on an individual’s needs.

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