Normal Testosterone Levels and Symptoms of an Imbalance

Testosterone Test: Free & SHBG, High vs Low vs. Normal Levels

It is not necessary to fast for the testosterone test, but it does recommend you’re well-hydrated. To increase blood flow, the company recommends people wash their hands under warm water. Treatment of the underlying cause may also be needed, along with treatment for symptoms like hormone-induced feminization and virilization. Total testosterone (TT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) are both measured in nanograms per deciliters (ng/dL). Free testosterone (FT) is measured in picograms per deciliters (pg/dL). The technician will insert a needle into a vein, and blood will be drawn into a tube.

Is the gold standard [for testing testosterone levels accurately],” says Dr. Welliver. When testosterone levels are sufficient, these three parts work together to produce the semen you ejaculate. Any interruption to this process, including low testosterone, affects the amount of semen that comes out during ejaculation.

The tests can be used in males and females and involve a blood or saliva sample. You can check your testosterone levels in a lab or with an at-home kit. Home testosterone tests (which you can order without a prescription) analyze saliva, urine, or blood. It’s important to remember that a testosterone levels test is just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to assessing overall health.

While blood tests provide a reliable method for measuring testosterone levels, it is essential to discuss your symptoms and concerns with a healthcare professional who specializes in hormone health. They can interpret your results in the context of your overall health and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options if necessary. If the results show low testosterone levels, it may indicate a condition called hypogonadism. This condition can have various causes, including testicular damage, hormonal imbalances, or congenital syndromes. Low testosterone levels can lead to symptoms like decreased libido, fatigue, depression, and reduced muscle mass.

To determine whether an individual has abnormal testosterone levels, the most commonly used test is the blood test. This test measures the total testosterone level in the aldolase blood test; https://tb-onderdelen.nl/,, which includes both the free and bound forms of the hormone. It provides an overall assessment of the testosterone levels in the body.

We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. A testosterone test requires little preparation, but timing and certain factors such as food, exercise, and sex can impact accuracy.

Testosterone affects brain function and plays a role in mood regulation, so individuals with low testosterone levels may experience changes in their emotional well-being. If someone is experiencing persistent mood changes that are affecting their quality of life, it may be worth getting their testosterone levels checked. Muscle mass loss is another symptom that may indicate low testosterone levels. Testosterone is responsible for protein synthesis and muscle tissue growth, so low levels of testosterone can lead to a decrease in muscle mass. It is important to note that testosterone levels vary throughout the day and can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, and overall health. Therefore, it is recommended to have the blood test done in the morning when testosterone levels are at their highest. A. Doctors usually order a blood test to measure total testosterone.

PWNHealth and its affiliates review your purchase to ensure it is medically appropriate before submitting the test order for processing. PWNHealth also reviews your test results and will contact you directly if they require prompt attention. Included in each purchase is the option to discuss your test results with an independent physician; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider. Dr. Jayadevan adds that he sees guys every week who got a testosterone gel or injections from the internet. An abnormal testosterone test result doesn’t guarantee that you have a medical condition. Other factors, like certain medications and existing health conditions, can affect your test results. High testosterone levels could indicate a tumor in your adrenal glands or testicles.

As a result, this very quick turnaround may not be applicable to those living in the United States. It is more likely that the 2–5 day window the company provides will be a typical turnaround. I found the process a little messy, and providing the sample in a very small tube was a little challenging when I was also massaging my hand and finger to increase the blood flow. The incisions are very small — around a millimeter — and formed a small bruise a few hours after I took the sample. My fingers were a little tender the next day, but not enough to interfere with my day. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. When the tests are used in a home setting, the risk of user error or improper preparation, collection, storage, handling, or shipping only adds to these concerns.