Testosterone

Definition

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone.

The test described in this article measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood. Much of the testosterone in the blood is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Another blood test can measure the "free" testosterone. However, this type of test is often not very accurate.

As men age, their testosterone levels may drop.The correct answer is fact. Testosterone levels may drop over time as a man ages. This drop is normal and many men don't even notice it. But if levels get too low, some symptoms may develop. See your doctor if you notice changes in your mood or sex drive. Which physical change could be a sign of low testosterone?The correct answer is swollen breasts. Men with low testosterone also may lose body hair and muscle mass. Their testicles may shrink. See your doctor if you notice any of these changes in your body. It is normal for older men to lose all interest in sex.The correct answer is myth. It is normal for older men to have less interest in sex compared to when they were younger. But it is not normal to lose all interest in sex. This could be a sign of low testosterone levels. Tell your doctor if you have lost interest in sex. Treatment may help.Low testosterone can cause trouble getting an erection.The correct answer is fact. Low testosterone can make it difficult to get or keep an erection. It can also lead to low sperm counts. Erection problems are also called erectile dysfunction, or ED. Health problems, such as high blood pressure, and many medications can also cause ED. See your doctor to find out what may be causing ED.Which emotional change could be a sign of low testosterone?The correct answer is all of the above. Some men also have hot flashes as testosterone levels drop. Emotional changes can make it hard to work, sleep, or do things you enjoy. Be sure you talk with your doctor if these symptoms occur.A simple blood test can detect low testosterone.The correct answer is fact. If you have ED, have lost interest in sex, or have other symptoms such as swollen breasts, your doctor may check for low testosterone. To do the test, your doctor will draw a sample of blood. Sometimes, more than one blood test is needed to accurately diagnose low testosterone.Aging is the only cause of low testosterone.The correct answer is false. Some medications, some cancers, problems with genes, injury to the testicles and other health problems can cause low testosterone. Your doctor can do tests to find out what is causing low testosterone.Low testosterone can make a man's bones weaker.The correct answer is fact. Low testosterone can lead to osteoporosis, a condition that causes thinner bones that may break more easily. If you have low testosterone, your doctor may recommend a bone density test to see if you have osteoporosis.Testosterone therapy can help:The correct answer is all of the above. Testosterone therapy means taking testosterone to bring levels closer to normal. This can reduce the changes caused by low testosterone, but not everyone responds to testosterone therapy.Testosterone therapy is a good idea for all older men.The correct answer is myth. Some men don't need treatment for low testosterone because they don't have symptoms. Testosterone therapy isn't a good idea for healthy older men who don't have low testosterone. It may increase the risk of prostate cancer. Your doctor can help you decide if testosterone therapy is right for you.

Alternative Names

Serum testosterone

How the Test is Performed

A blood sample is taken from a vein. 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.

How to Prepare for the Test

The health care provider may advise you to stop taking medicines that may affect the test.

How the Test will Feel

You may feel a slight prick or sting when the needle is inserted. There may be some throbbing afterward.

Why the Test is Performed

This test may be done if you have symptoms of abnormal male hormone (androgen) production.

In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of abnormal testosterone such as:

Early or late puberty (in boys)
Infertility, erectile dysfunction, low level of sexual interest, or thinning of the bones (in men)

In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone. The adrenal glands can also produce too much of other androgens that are converted to testosterone. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as:

Acne, oily skin
Change in voice
Decreased breast size
Excess hair growth (dark, coarse hairs in the area of the moustache, beard, sideburns, chest, buttocks, inner thighs)
Increased size of the clitoris
Irregular or absent menstrual periods
Male-pattern baldness or hair thinning

Normal Results

Normal measurements for these tests:

Male: 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) or 10 to 35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L)
Female: 15 to 70 ng/dL or 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L

The examples above are common measurements for results for these tests. Normal value ranges may vary slightly among different laboratories. Some labs use different measurements or test different specimens. Talk to your provider about the meaning of your specific test results.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Certain health conditions, medicines, or injury can lead to low testosterone. The testosterone level also naturally drops with age. Low testosterone can affect sex drive, mood, and muscle mass in men.

Decreased total testosterone may be due to:

Chronic illness
The pituitary gland does not produce normal amounts of some or all of its hormones
Problem with areas of the brain that control hormones (hypothalamus)
Low thyroid function
Delayed puberty
Diseases of the testicles (trauma, cancer, infection, immune, iron overload)
Benign tumor of the pituitary cells that produce too much of the hormone prolactin
Too much body fat (obesity)
Sleep problems (obstructive sleep apnea)
Chronic stress from too much exercise (overtraining syndrome)

Increased total testosterone level may be due to:

Resistance to the action of male hormones (androgen resistance)
Tumor of the ovaries
Cancer of the testes
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
Taking medicines or drugs that increase testosterone level (including some supplements)

References

Chen Z, Legro RS, Ehrmann DA, Wei D. Androgen excess disorders in women. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology: Basic Science and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 124.

Haddad NG, Eugster EA. Endocrinology of pubertal disorders. In: Robertson RP, ed. DeGroot's Endocrinology: Basic Science and Clinical Practice. 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:chap 103.

Swerdloff RS, Wang C. The testis and male hypogonadism, infertility, and sexual dysfunction. In: Goldman L, Cooney KA, eds. Goldman-Cecil Medicine. 27th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2024:chap 216.

Review Date: 02/28/2024

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