Testosterone Tests: How It’s Done, Levels, and Results

Testosterone Levels Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test

The sample is sent to a lab, and results are available within days. A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm. There are different forms of testosterone in your blood that may be measured to help diagnose certain health problems. The proteins prevent your tissues from using the testosterone right away, which helps control the amount of “active” testosterone in your body. Testosterone that’s not attached to proteins is called free testosterone. Addressing high testosterone could include considering medications, exploring the underlying cause (such as tumor removal), and making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Increased muscle mass, mood changes, and fertility problems are common.

Get helpful tips and guidance for everything from fighting inflammation to finding the best diets for weight loss…from exercises to build a stronger core to advice on treating cataracts. PLUS, the latest news on medical advances and breakthroughs from Harvard Medical School experts. The interpretation of test results can also vary dramatically based on whether you have obesity, diabetes, or heart disease or even take cholesterol medications. So, the results may only have real value when taken and interpreted in the proper context.

Blood tests offer a high level of accuracy in determining testosterone levels. They allow healthcare professionals to measure both total testosterone and free testosterone levels accurately. Total testosterone refers to the total amount of testosterone in the bloodstream, including both bound and free testosterone. Free testosterone, on the other hand, refers to the portion of testosterone in the bloodstream that is not bound to proteins and is considered biologically active. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine which test is most appropriate for each individual case.

If your results are not normal, it doesn’t always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Testosterone is a critical hormone necessary for both men and women, though it’s often considered a male hormone. However, testosterone levels sometimes fluctuate and become too low or too high. After menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55 years, testosterone levels in females decrease significantly. While in men older than 80 years, low testosterone level, or less than 300 ng/dL, is common.

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for numerous functions within the body. From regulating bone density and muscle mass to influencing sex drive and mood, testosterone plays a crucial role in overall well-being. However, fluctuations in testosterone levels can have significant impacts on health. That’s why it’s important to have an understanding of the different tests available to check testosterone levels. These tests can help diagnose hormonal imbalances, monitor treatment effectiveness, and identify potential underlying health issues. Whether it’s a blood test, saliva test, or even a urine test, there are various options to accurately assess testosterone levels and ensure optimal health. Hormonal balance, including optimal testosterone levels, is pivotal in preserving overall health and well-being across various physiological systems.

For males who have gone through puberty, the test is mostly used for symptoms of low T levels (testosterone levels which are too low). But other health issues may also cause low T, such as thyroid problems, long-lasting illness, or problems with the testicles. You may need this test if you have symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels.

Different blood types may detect certain types of testosterone more than others. They typically involve a finger prick or a saliva test, and a person must mail their blood sample to a lab. This may help get a more accurate average female testosterone (innovate360.pt) of testosterone levels. The results page had a very simple graphic showing where my testosterone levels were on a scale of typical to atypical ranges. I could download a PDF of my results, too, which makes it easy to share with doctors. A person may have reduced testosterone levels for various reasons.

By Julie MarksMarks is a Florida-based health writer with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and creative writing. TRT may not be recommended for people with a history of prostate cancer, heart disease, or frequent urinary tract infections. Testosterone production is strongest in puberty and early adulthood and begins to decline around age 30 years. Some things that cause low testosterone can also cause a low sperm count.

Low levels of testosterone in females may be a sign of menopause or problems with the ovaries’ pituitary or adrenal glands. Some symptoms of high T levels in females may also be indicators of other conditions related to hormonal imbalances. For example, excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism) is a symptom of both PCOS and mild CAH. At-home test kits can be convenient, but they cannot diagnose underlying health conditions that cause high or low testosterone. In relation to testosterone, it’s thought that testosterone production is highest during sleep and then released at peak levels in the morning.

A nutritionist provided dietary guidance to ensure participants followed these recommendations for 48 h before each session, minimizing potential nutritional influences on the study’s primary outcomes. Generally, total testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) may indicate low T, but it’s nuanced. Free testosterone (the active form) also matters, as does the patient’s overall health picture. One alternative test to the standard blood test is the salivary testosterone test. This test measures the amount of testosterone present in saliva rather than blood. Some proponents of this test argue that it provides a more accurate measure of bioavailable testosterone, which is the portion of testosterone that is actively available to the body.