It checks the level of testosterone in your blood. Your doctor uses it to diagnose conditions caused by too much or too little testosterone. That’s a hormone produced in a man’s testes. During
puberty, testosterone builds a man's muscles, deepens their voice, puts hair on their chest, and makes their penis grow. Throughout a man's life, the hormone
also helps produce sperm and keep up their sex drive. Women make testosterone too, but in smaller amounts. They produce it in their
ovaries. It helps maintain hormone balance and regulates other body functions. Testosterone travels through your blood in two ways: Usually you'll get a total testosterone test as a screening test. This measures both free and attached
testosterone. To diagnose certain conditions, doctors sometimes look only at free testosterone levels. In males, the testosterone test can help find the reason for sexual problems, like reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction. If you’re having
a hard time getting your partner pregnant, the test can tell if your blood testosterone level is low. A low testosterone level can also mean a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which controls how much testosterone your body makes. In females, this test can find the reason you’re missing periods, not having periods, having a hard time
getting pregnant or experiencing male patterns of hair growth such as on your chest or face. Doctors can also use it to help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome
(PCOS), which causes elevated testosterone. That’s a hormone problem that can cause irregular periods and make it hard to
get pregnant. Testosterone testing is part of the work-up of certain adrenal tumors. Your doctor might order it if you have symptoms of low or high testosterone. Symptoms of low testosterone in men include:
Some things that cause low testosterone can also cause a low sperm count. If your sperm count is low, your doctor might order this test. In women, they include:
Signs of high testosterone in women include:
What Happens During the Test?It’s a simple blood test that’s usually done early in the morning, when your testosterone levels are highest. You will have a tube of blood taken from a vein in your arm or finger. Tell your doctor if you take any drugs or herbal remedies. Some medicines can affect your test results. Because testosterone levels vary from day to day and hour to hour, if a low or high level is found, the test is usually repeated. What Can Your Results Tell Your Doctor?They’ll let one know whether you have normal, high, or low testosterone. A normal testosterone level for you will depend on your gender and age. Normal total testosterone results in adult men:
Normal total testosterone results in adult women:
Depending on your results, you might also need one of these other tests:
What is the best time for a testosterone blood test?The best time for the blood sample to be taken is between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. A second sample is often needed to confirm a result that is lower than expected.
Does testosterone level show in blood test?A simple blood test can reveal your testosterone level. The normal range is 300 ng/dL to 1,000 ng/dL—remember that testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day. Because they are normally highest in the morning, your doctor will probably want to do the blood test in the morning.
Do I need to fast for a testosterone blood test?How to prepare for the test. You might be asked to have a fasting test early in the morning. In that case, you should stop eating by midnight, then only have sips of water in the morning. You can usually continue to take any medications you need but check with your doctor.
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