Testosterone Test: Levels, Results, Interpreting your Testosterone Test

They are the key to diagnosing health conditions and monitoring hormone therapy, providing a clear measure of testosterone levels in your blood or saliva. A testosterone level test is a blood test that measures the amount of testosterone hormone in the blood. Testosterone is the primary male hormone, but both males and females have it in their bodies. Testosterone is essential for sexual and reproductive development, maintaining muscle mass, and sex drive. This testosterone test is a first step in understanding why you may be experiencing symptoms of high or low testosterone. Both younger and older people assigned male at birth can check total testosterone levels with this at-home test (you must be male and age 18 or above to take this test).

If you’re concerned about your reproductive health or are experiencing any of the symptoms of having high or low testosterone, it may be a good idea to speak with a doctor. Testosterone production is strongest in puberty and early adulthood and begins to decline around age 30 years. There are several measures of testosterone, and the interpretation of test results depends on which kind of testosterone was measured. In some cases, your doctor may also contact you to discuss your results. They may suggest a follow-up appointment to review your test results and discuss the next steps in your medical care. Testosterone levels reach their peak around age 18 before declining throughout the remainder of adulthood. Treatment with testosterone therapy may help reduce symptoms.

After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. 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. Combined with oestrogen, testosterone helps with the growth, maintenance, and repair of a woman’s reproductive tissues and bone mass. Too much can cause acne, excess hair on the face and body, irregular periods and mood changes. Testosterone is an important sex hormone for both men and women.

“Anabolic” refers to muscle building, and “androgenic” refers to increased male sex characteristics. Free testosterone is the unbound form of testosterone that’s bioavailable and ready for your body to use. It makes up just 1-3% of your total testosterone but plays a crucial role in muscle growth, energy, and overall vitality for men. A Testosterone Total Test measures the overall level of testosterone in your blood to assess hormonal balance and diagnose related conditions. Not all treatments or services described are covered benefits for Kaiser Permanente members or offered as services by Kaiser Permanente. For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider.

The phlebotomist will come to your place and collect the sample. Testosterone is an androgen steroid hormone and the principal male sex hormone, but it is also produced in females. In men, testosterone plays a key role in development of the male reproductive system and promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and chest hair and upper body muscular build.

A 2018 study in 60 children found that testosterone levels in the womb may also affect how your right and left brain function. Testosterone levels are at their highest during adolescence and early adulthood. Testosterone levels may start to decline after age 30 years in males and between ages 45 and 55 years in females.

Has your doctor asked you to undergo a testosterone test, and are you wondering if it requires fasting? Continue reading this article to find the answer along with other details about the nutrakey antler test reviews requirements and how it is performed. You may need this test if you have symptoms of low testosterone. Testosterone triggers the development of the male internal and external reproductive organs during fetal development. The Tasso device collects liquid samples of whole capillary blood. The limitations on how many samples can be collected depends on the real estate available on your shoulders. Most of our protocols require only one sample collection, with two collections being the maximum on specific protocols.

You may also want to take a testosterone test if you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high testosterone. Chromosomes determine sex, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus. 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. Total testosterone is the most commonly used test for diagnostic and monitoring purposes.