The Testosterone test assesses the concentration of the hormone testosterone in your bloodstream. While testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, women also have it in smaller amounts. This hormone plays a crucial role in sexual and reproductive development for both genders. Optimal bodily functions are maintained when testosterone levels remain within their normal range.

Abnormal levels of testosterone can lead to various health issues in both men and women. Testosterone exists in the blood as either bound (attached to proteins) or free (unattached to proteins). The Total Testosterone test measures both forms.

This test is commonly used to diagnose symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels, including early or delayed puberty in boys, reduced sex drive and infertility in men, and conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, which are often linked to elevated testosterone levels.

High stress, common in busy cities like Delhi, can disrupt hormonal balance, causing symptoms such as weight gain, hair loss, and mood swings. A Testosterone blood test can help identify and address these issues early.

You should consider the following preparations before getting tested:

Prerequisites

Generally, fasting is not required for the Testosterone test. However, if combined with other tests that necessitate fasting, your doctor might advise fasting for a few hours beforehand.

The best time to get tested

You can schedule the Testosterone test at home at any time of the day that suits you.

Who Should Do the Testosterone Test

The Testosterone test is ideally suited for the following individuals:

Men: Recommended for adult men experiencing low testosterone symptoms such as:

• Low libido

• Erectile dysfunction

• Enlarged breasts

• Loss of facial or body hair

• Low sperm count or fertility issues

• Reduced muscle mass

• Weak bones

• Anaemia

• Persistent fatigue

Teenagers: Helpful in diagnosing early or delayed puberty in teenagers.

Women: Advised for symptoms of high testosterone including:

• Excessive facial or body hair

• Scalp hair loss

• Smaller breast size

• Irregular or absent menstrual cycles

• Acne

• Infertility

The test can also be used to monitor your health if you are on medications affecting testosterone levels.

Cautions before taking Testosterone test

The Testosterone test may ordered for several reasons as below:

Identifying Abnormal Testosterone Levels:

• The test helps assess symptoms of high or low testosterone and diagnose underlying disorders affecting testosterone production.

• For Men: Testosterone levels decline naturally with age, impacting mood, sex drive, and muscle mass. Low levels can result from pituitary gland disorders, thyroid issues, chronic disorders of the liver or kidney, or testicular issues (injury or infection). High levels may be due to testicular tumours, adrenal gland disorders, or steroid use.

• For Women: This test is commonly used to detect high testosterone levels, which can be caused by conditions like PCOS, ovarian tumours, pituitary disorders, or adrenal gland disorders.

Monitoring Health:

• Regular testing is important for individuals with a history of abnormal testosterone levels or those on medications that affect testosterone. For transgender men undergoing masculinizing hormone therapy, it helps monitor hormone levels effectively.

Diagnosing Health Conditions:

• Testosterone testing is crucial for determining the causes of early puberty, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or delayed puberty, such as Klinefelter syndrome.

The comprehensive interpretation of the Testosterone-Total test has been depicted in the table given below:

Males

Females

Interpretation

Decreasing Testosterone in Males: Principal causes are hypopituitarism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, severe illness, hyperprolactinaemia, testicular failure, and certain liver and kidney diseases.

Testosterone Levels in Females: Testosterone levels are naturally lower than in males. Extremely low levels in women may be due to issues with the adrenal glands, ovaries, or pituitary gland.

Interpreting Results: The doctor will interpret the test findings by considering your age, symptoms, health history, and the results of any other tests, and will provide a clear explanation of what they mean for you.