Total Testosterone

A testosterone test is used to check the level of testosterone hormone in your body. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in males; Interestingly, both sexes have this hormone. It can cause problems in both conditions, either low or high.

When those have high testosterone levels, it can be indicative of tumors in the testicles or ovaries, and the low levels in boys can be due to some testicle injury. This test helps in diagnosing decreased sex drive,  infertility, excessive hair growth, and irregular menstrual period.

What does Testosterone do?

The pituitary gland in the brain controls the release of testosterone in your body.

Testosterone helps in developing changes that occur in boys at the time of puberty. It helps in the growth of hair, muscles, penis, and testes.  The Voice of males also deepens. Males continue to make testosterone.

Also,in females, the ovaries make small amounts of testosterone. It helps many organs and body processes in females.

Why it is done?

The test aids in checking for damage or disease of the testes, ovaries, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland, or to check for steroid use.

Test results can also vary depending on your age, gender, health history, and other things.

How is the test performed?

• The doctor/lab attendant will take blood samples from the arm.
• The site from where the blood is to be withdrawn is cleaned with a swab of rubbing alcohol followed by inserting a small needle which has a tube attached to it for collecting blood.
• Once enough of the blood is taken for analysis, the needle is removed.
• The site is then covered with a gauze.

Preparation before test

• special preparations are not needed for this test.
• It is advised to be performed in the morning, when testosterone levels are highest.
• On the day of the test, it would be great if you wear a T-shirt or shortsleeved shirt to allow easier access for the technician who will be drawing the blood

Results

Normal test results show total testosterone levels of:

270 to 1,070 ng/dL for men (depending on age)

15 to 70 ng/dL for women

Higher or lower than normal levels of this hormone may indicate a condition that affects your testosterone production. If your levels are higher than normal, you may have a tumor on the testes or ovaries.