Testosterone Test

The testosterone test determines the amount of testosterone in the blood. When the testosterone levels are too high or low, both men and women experience health issues.

Testosterone is a type of sex hormone that plays a vital role in both men and women. It controls sex drive, bone mass, muscular mass and sperm count in men. In women, ovaries generate testosterone in small amounts to help with growth and maintenance. Testosterone is responsible for hormone balance and other bodily processes.

Male gonads produce large amounts of testosterone during puberty. Testosterone affects secondary sexual traits such as muscle development, beard, moustache, chest hair, voice deepening and increased genital size. In men, decreased levels of testosterone mean decreased libido.

Clear causes for testosterone elevation in the blood are still under research. However, genetic diseases such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia, cancers of the adrenal, testicular and ovarian tumours cause a spike in testosterone values. Excessive use of testosterone supplements is one of the most common causes of high testosterone.

In women, high testosterone means increased masculine traits. In women, abnormal testosterone levels can be distressing. Excess testosterone in women causes hirsutism, acne, menstruation issues and infertility. Females may notice symptoms like loss of libido or mood changes as testosterone levels decline.

Low testosterone levels in men can cause partial or total hypogonadism. In hypogonadism, there will be changes in male secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive functions. In men, low testosterone levels create few or no symptoms.

Sexual disorders, PCOS, Infertility, Hypogonadism, Testicular cancer

The testosterone test measures the level of testosterone in the blood in both men and women.

In general, for adult men, a free-testosterone test is recommended if there are symptoms of low testosterone. In women, a testosterone test is recommended if there are symptoms of high testosterone levels.

Some disease conditions in which testosterone values are measured are:

• Infertility
• Hypogonadism
• Testicular failure
• Tumours of ovaries or testes
• Osteoporosis
• PCOS in women
• Tumour of the adrenal gland
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia

The doctor recommends the testosterone test when an individual is suffering from a low sexual drive or suffering from symptoms of hormonal disturbance.

Some of the common symptoms of low testosterone range in men are:

• Low sexual drive
• Low libido
• Lack of masculine muscles
• Early ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction
• Enlarged breasts
• Lack of energy
• Easy fatigue
• Trouble with concentration
• Hair loss
• Narrow shoulders

In females, a testosterone test is used for the diagnosis of causes of infertility.

Some other symptoms of high testosterone in women are:

• Excess body and facial hair
• Voice like men
• Menstrual irregularities
• Delayed or absence of menses
• Excessive oily skin
• Recurrent acne
• Low sexual desire
• Dryness of vagina
• Painful coitus
• Hairfall
• Sweet cravings
• Enlarged clitoris
• Weight gain
• Issues in getting pregnant

However, abnormal testosterone levels in the blood do not always indicate medical problems. As men grow older and exercise excessively, their testosterone levels begin to decrease.

In Males

Like most chronic diseases, low-level testosterone treatment takes time. As a result, the doctor will most likely repeat the test to read the testosterone values after three months to monitor the levels and keep an eye on the treatment strategy.

This three-month check-up will reveal whether the amount has increased, decreased or remained the same. The doctor repeats this test annually if the testosterone levels are in a normal range in the previous report but were erratic before.

In Females

In females, if the doctor suspects PCOS or increased testosterone, he/she may ask for a testosterone test. The test is repeated every three months to monitor levels of testosterone range after treatment.

What to Expect When You Take the Test

Before the Test

Usually, an Testosterone test doesn't need any special prep. If you're taking this test with another one, your doctor might tell you to avoid eating certain foods. It's always a good idea to talk to your doctor before the test to get the best results.

During the Test

The phlebotomist will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm. Here's what you can expect:

• The spot where they're going to insert the needle is cleaned with an antiseptic.
• A band/tourniquet will be wrapped around your arm to make your veins stand out more.
• A needle will be guided into the vein to draw the blood sample. This might take a couple of seconds, and you might feel a quick pinch.
• The sample blood will be collected in a vial/small tube with your details on it.

After the Test

After the Blood is Collected:

• A bandage will be applied over the puncture spot to stop the bleeding.
• You might develop a bruise, but feeling dizzy is rare. You might be asked to sit down for a bit.
• If you notice any bleeding, pain, or a rash at the puncture site, let your doctor know.

The testosterone test includes only one parameter. The testosterone test values give an idea about the decrease and increase in the testosterone values.

The normal testosterone range depends on both gender and age.

Normal testosterone results in adult men

Normal testosterone results in adult women with normal menstrual cycle- 0.198- 2.67 nmol/L

The normal values and reference ranges of the test may vary from lab to lab. Please refer to the ranges mentioned in the report and consult a doctor to understand the interpretation of lab reports.

Factors like exercise and old age affect testosterone levels in men. Test interpretation needs consideration of these variable factors. Various sexual dysfunctions are caused by increased or decreased amounts of testosterone in the blood. Abnormal levels of testosterone in males could be a sign to start making lifestyle changes.

Decreased level of testosterone means some underlying cause that is affecting testosterone levels.

Hypogonadism

It is a condition in which there is decreased functional activity of the gonads leading to a decrease in hormone production like testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, etc.

Testicular failure

Despite adequate hormones, the testicles fail to produce sperm in this disease. Testicular failure occurs due to increased luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. In this disease, values are low in the testosterone chart.

Testicular cancer

Testicular cancer strikes at an early age and is treatable. A low amount of testosterone is detected during the diagnosis and screening of testicular cancer.

Increased testosterone levels mean tumours producing increased levels of testosterone.

In young boys

Increased testosterone report values are seen in boys before puberty due to testicular or adrenal gland cancer. However, added investigations are required to determine the reason for elevated testosterone levels.

In adult males

Excessive testosterone supplements are among the causes of increased values in testosterone reports of adult males.

Abnormal levels of testosterone in females are a sign of many diseases. Decreased testosterone values could be due to:

Primary or secondary ovarian failure

The ovaries stop functioning properly and stop releasing oestrogen or testosterone, resulting in a low testosterone level in the body.

Increased testosterone values could be due to:

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAD)

CAD is a hereditary condition that affects the adrenal glands. The adrenal glands cause an increase in testosterone production. CAD results in ambiguous genitalia, enlarged clitoris or genitals that resemble a male infant.

Prepubertal girls

Girls go through a stage similar to males before puberty. The testosterone chart shows higher values in this period.

Adrenal tumours

Adrenal tumours are benign tumours that grow on the adrenal glands. The tumour produces increased levels of testosterone. The adrenal tumours present with excessive facial hair, body hair and a larger clitoris.

Ovarian tumours

The level of hormones secreted in the body can also be affected by ovarian cancer. Ovarian tumours result in an increase of testosterone in females.

Polycystic ovarian syndrome

PCOS and hyperandrogenism are linked. One of the possible causes of the polycystic ovarian syndrome is elevated androgens. PCOS presents with symptoms like hirsutism, acne, menstrual irregularities, insulin resistance and in many cases, obesity. In this condition, the testosterone report shows higher values.

Depending on the city and the lab, the cost of a Testosterone test can differ. Generally, the price for a Testosterone test ranges from INR 315 to INR 825. Here's a detailed breakdown of the average expenses for a Testosterone test in several key cities in India: