Health care providers primarily request testosterone blood tests for men who have signs of low testosterone and for women who have signs of high testosterone levels. Abnormal testosterone levels can indicate a number of different health problems. Testosterone tests can help men who have symptoms of hypogonadism (i.e., low testosterone levels), which are related to aging and to medical conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure and obesity. Tests can help women who have symptoms of hyperandrogenism (i.e., high levels of androgens, such as testosterone), which are related to medical conditions such as the syndrome of polycystic ovary (PCOS).
Buy this testosterone test, visit a nearby Quest branch, and get quick results. Evaluate levels of total and free testosterone, SHBG, and albumin to evaluate male hormone health. What are the symptoms of prostate cancer? Are breakfast cereals healthy? The Best Vitamins and Minerals for Energy Should you take probiotics with antibiotics? Q. I'm worried that I may have very low testosterone levels.
How do I get tested? Are there certain steps that can ensure an accurate reading? Although it is the most commonly used test, care must be taken when interpreting the results. First, much of the testosterone that binds to proteins is not active in the body. In addition, the percentage that binds to proteins is different; it differs from man to man. Second, total testosterone fluctuates throughout the day. Laboratories set normal values based on taking blood from men between 7 in the morning.
Finally, slightly low readings in middle-aged and older men don't consistently correlate with symptoms. In addition, the total testosterone levels measured may vary from one test to the next and from one laboratory to another. For people with nearly low testosterone levels, a repeat test would show a normal range of approximately 30% of times. LeWine, MD, chief medical editor of Harvard Health Publishing; member of the editorial advisory board of Harvard Health Publishing As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content.
Note the date of the last revision or update of all articles. No content on this site, regardless of date, should be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinical professional. With all the television commercials and magazines advertising treatments for erectile dysfunction (OF). However, it's important to note that many men can alleviate, or even reverse, erectile dysfunction by making simple lifestyle changes, such as losing excess weight and quitting smoking, which can also improve their overall health and reduce the chances of developing diabetes, cardiovascular disease and metabolic syndrome.
This special health report, Erectile Dysfunction, provides a comprehensive review of these treatments, as well as the causes of erectile dysfunction and how erectile dysfunction can be an early warning sign of other serious health problems. Harvard Medical School Health Alerts Stay up to date with the latest health news from Harvard Medical School. Plus, get a FREE copy of 25 gut health tricks. Testosterone levels are checked by drawing a blood sample from a vein in the arm.
The sample is usually taken at the doctor's office, a medical clinic, a laboratory, or a hospital. If you have a free or bioavailable testosterone test, it's important to talk to your doctor about what the test results mean. For example, abnormal testosterone results may be due to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian or adrenal gland cancer, or a disorder of the pituitary gland. Testosterone plays a vital role in men's health, as it influences energy levels, sexual desire and muscle mass.
In women, testosterone is secreted in the ovaries and adrenal glands and helps create estrogen and can help regulate the way eggs develop in the ovaries. If you have questions about testosterone testing, talk to your healthcare provider, who can discuss whether these tests are appropriate for your situation. If you're concerned about your hormone levels, this test can help evaluate whether symptoms such as changes in sexual desire (libido), decreased energy, or reduced muscle mass or strength are related to your total and free testosterone levels. Testosterone, a hormone responsible for controlling fertility and sperm development in men or anyone with a penis, also plays an important role in the development of male sexual characteristics, such as a deeper voice, certain muscle development patterns and hair growth. Doctors can monitor testosterone levels in this group of men to ensure that testosterone levels are maintained at a certain level.
Understanding levels of albumin, SHBG, and testosterone can help you and your healthcare provider determine if symptoms may be related to high or low testosterone levels. Labcorp offers cutting-edge medical laboratory tests and services through a national network of primary clinical laboratories and laboratories of specialized tests. In women or anyone with ovaries, abnormal testosterone levels may indicate an excess of testosterone produced by the ovaries or other glands that produce hormones. Based on your answer, this test isn't right for you, as it's not available to people your age.
If you're going to have a total testosterone blood test, you may need to do it in the morning, as testosterone levels are higher at that time. Testosterone is a key hormone responsible for regulating sexual desire (libido), bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, and the production of red blood cells and sperm. In most cases, you should get your testosterone test results within two to three business days, although it may take longer.
