The Testosterone-Total test determines the amount of testosterone hormone circulating in your blood. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, but it is also present in lower levels in women. It plays a vital role in sexual and reproductive health for both men and women. Keeping testosterone levels within their normal range is crucial for overall health. Levels that are too high or too low can result in various health concerns. Testosterone in the bloodstream exists as either bound (attached to proteins) or free (not attached to proteins).

The Total Testosterone test measures both forms. This test is commonly used to understand the symptoms associated with abnormal testosterone levels, including early or delayed puberty in boys, reduced sex drive and infertility in men, and conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, often linked to high testosterone levels.

In cities like Hyderabad, where stress is prevalent, hormonal imbalances can lead to symptoms like hair loss, weight gain, and mood disturbances. A Testosterone test can help in early identification and management of these issues.

Here are some guidelines before undergoing a Testosterone test:

Prerequisites

No fasting is usually required. However, if the Testosterone test is combined with other fasting-required tests, your doctor may suggest fasting for several hours.

The best time to get tested

You can have the test done at any convenient time during the day.

Who Should Do the Testosterone Test

For adolescents, the test helps determine the causes of delayed or early puberty. The test is recommended for men if they show symptoms associated with low testosterone such as:

• Reduced sexual desire

• Erectile dysfunction

• Enlarged breasts

• Lack of facial/body hair

• Low sperm count or fertility problems

• Muscle mass loss

• Weak bones

• Anaemia

• Chronic fatigue

Women may have high testosterone levels indicating symptoms like:

• Excessive facial/body hair growth

• Scalp hair loss

• Decreased breast size

• Irregular or absent menstruation

• Acne

• Difficulty conceiving

The Testosterone blood test may be necessary to monitor health if on medications affecting testosterone.

Cautions before taking Testosterone test

You may need to stop taking medications that affect testosterone levels, including antifungals like ketoconazole and hormone therapies.

Ask your doctor about any dietary changes needed before the test, as some foods and drinks like fruits, vegetables, wine, and tea might impact testosterone levels.

The Testosterone test may be recommended by your doctor for the following reasons:

Monitoring Health:

• Regular testing is vital for individuals with past abnormal testosterone levels or those on medications affecting testosterone. It also monitors hormone levels in transgender men undergoing masculinizing hormone therapy.

Diagnosing Health Conditions:

• The test helps diagnose the causes of early puberty, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, or delayed puberty, like Klinefelter syndrome.

Identifying Conditions Linked with Testosterone Levels:

• This test assesses symptoms related to abnormal testosterone and helps diagnose underlying conditions affecting its production.

• For Men: High testosterone levels in males may be due to excessive steroid use, testicular tumours, and adrenal disorders. Natural ageing reduces testosterone levels, affecting mood, libido, and muscle mass. Low levels might also be due to thyroid issues, pituitary gland disorders, chronic diseases (liver/kidney), or testicular problems (injury/infection).

• For Women: Primarily used to detect high testosterone levels, which could be caused by PCOS, pituitary disorders, ovarian tumours, or adrenal gland issues.

Testosterone levels vary according to gender and age. The normal levels of Total Testosterone are as follows:

Males

Females

Interpretation

In Males: Key causes of low testosterone levels include testicular failure, hypopituitarism, hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, hyperprolactinaemia, severe illness, and certain liver and kidney diseases.

In Females: Testosterone levels are normally lower than in males. Extremely low levels may result from adrenal gland disorders, ovarian issues, or pituitary gland problems.

Understanding Results: The doctor will interpret the test outcomes by considering your symptoms, age, medical history, and additional test results, and will discuss their implications with you.