The Testosterone test measures the amount of the hormone testosterone in your blood. Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men but is also found in women in lesser amounts. Sex hormones are responsible for the sexual and reproductive development in both genders. The body functions optimally when testosterone levels are within normal range. A testosterone level that is too high or too low can cause health problems in men and women.

Testosterone circulates in the blood as bound testosterone (attached to proteins) and free testosterone (unbound to proteins). The Total Testosterone test measures the total (free and bound) testosterone level in the blood. It is a common test done to evaluate symptoms of high or low testosterone levels. It helps diagnose the cause of problems like early or delayed puberty in boys, low sex drive and infertility due to low testosterone in men, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women that are often associated with high testosterone levels.

Stress can disrupt the hormonal balance, leading to symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, and mood changes. In bustling cities like Bangalore where stress levels are on the rise, getting a Testosterone test can help identify and manage hormonal problems early.

Here is what you need to know before getting a Testosterone test:

Prerequisites

This test does not require fasting. However, your doctor may advise fasting for a few hours if any other tests that require fasting are ordered with the Testosterone test.

The best time to get tested

You can be tested at any time during the day at your convenience.

Who Should Do the Testosterone Test

The test is generally recommended for individuals who experience symptoms of testosterone imbalance. In teenagers, this test may be ordered to diagnose the cause of early or delayed puberty. In adult men, the test is usually done for symptoms of low testosterone, such as:

• Low sex drive

• Difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction)

• Enlarged breasts

• Lack of facial or body hair

• Low sperm count or other fertility problems

• Loss of muscle mass

• Weak bones

• Anaemia

• Fatigue

In women, this test is usually done for symptoms of high testosterone, such as:

• Excessive hair growth on the face or body

• Hair loss on the scalp

• Reduced breast size

• Irregular or absent periods

• Acne

• Difficulty getting pregnant

The Testosterone test may also be done to monitor your health if you are on any medications that impact testosterone levels.

Cautions before taking Testosterone test

Before the test, you may be asked to stop taking medicines that affect testosterone levels, including antifungal medicines like ketoconazole and hormone medicines. In addition, you may ask your doctor about any dietary restrictions needed before the test, as some fruits and vegetables, wine, and tea, can impact testosterone levels.

The Testosterone test may be advised for the following reasons:

Detecting Abnormal Testosterone Levels

The Testosterone test is done to evaluate symptoms of high or low testosterone levels and diagnose any underlying disorder that affects testosterone production.

For Males: Testosterone levels naturally decrease with age. Low testosterone can affect the mood, sex drive, and muscle mass in men. Conditions like thyroid problems, chronic illnesses such as liver or kidney disease, pituitary gland disorders, or testicular problems (injury or infection) may cause low testosterone. High testosterone may be seen with testicular tumours, adrenal gland disorders, or steroid use.

For Females: The test is often used to identify high testosterone levels. High testosterone in women may be caused by conditions like PCOS, pituitary disorders, ovarian tumours, or adrenal gland disorders.

Diagnosing Health Conditions

Testosterone testing aids in determining the causes of early puberty, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or delayed puberty, such as Klinefelter syndrome.

Monitoring Health

Testosterone testing is done to monitor health if you have a history of an abnormal testosterone level. Testing is also done if you are taking medications that may affect your testosterone levels. For transgender men undergoing masculinizing hormone therapy, regular Testosterone testing is done to monitor hormone levels.

The tables below provide a comprehensive interpretation of the test results, by age group and gender:

Males

Females

Interpretation

Low testosterone in males: Major causes include hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, testicular failure, hyperprolactinaemia, hypopituitarism, certain liver and kidney diseases, and severe illness.

Testosterone levels are normally much lower in females compared to males. Extremely low testosterone levels in women may be due to disorders of the adrenal glands, ovaries, or pituitary gland.

Your doctor will interpret the test results based on your age, symptoms, health history, and the results of any other tests done, and explain what they mean to you.