Testosterone Test

Testosterone test is performed to diagnose the following conditions:

• Tumours in testicles
• Delayed or early puberty in boys
• Erectile dysfunction
• Irregular periods
• A reduced sex drive in men
• Infertility in both women and men
• Excess growth of body hair in women
• Development of manly features in women

Doctors typically recommend this test when symptoms indicative of lower testosterone levels are observed in men, which include the following:

• Hair loss
• Low sex drive
• Problems with fertility
• Loss of muscle mass
• Problems with getting an erection
• Weak bones
• Growth of breast tissues

This test is also recommended when symptoms indicative of higher testosterone levels are observed in women, which include the following:

• Deep voice
• Excess facial hair
• Weight gain
• Oily skin
• Excess hair growth in all body parts, particularly in  buttocks, moustache area, chest, inner thighs and beard area
• Irregular periods
• Acne
• Reduced breast size

There are no special preparations needed before undergoing this test.

For this test, a blood sample is taken from a vein in the arm. No risks are associated with testosterone test. However, some people might experience a bruise or slight pain at the site where the needle was inserted to draw blood. Generally, collecting the blood sample in the morning is preferred for a testosterone test.

Results differ for men, women and boys.

Normal results:

The normal levels (in nanograms per decilitre) of testosterone are as follows:

• Adult males:
  • 19-49 years old: 249-836 ng/dL
  • 50 years and older: 193-740 ng/dL
• Adult females:
  • 19-49 years old: 8-48 ng/dL
  • 50 years and older: 2-41 ng/dL

Abnormal results:

• Higher than normal testosterone levels indicate
  • Cancer of the adrenal glands or testicles in boys
  • Tumour in the adrenal glands, testicles or kidneys in men
  • Tumour in  testicles
  • Early puberty due to an unknown cause in boys
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia in children and babies
• Lower than normal testosterone levels indicate
  • Problems in the testicles due to an injury in boys
  • Problems in the pituitary gland in men
  • Chronic conditions, such as diabetes in men
  • Genetic conditions, such as Prader-Willi syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome and Kallmann syndrome in men, which cause less testosterone production in the body
  • Damage to the testes due to a physical injury, viral diseases or alcoholism in men

Low testosterone levels are common among obese men, men who have been on certain medications for a long time and men above 30 years of age.

• Higher than normal testosterone levels in women indicate
  • Problems with fertility
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
  • Cancer of the adrenal glands
• Although testosterone levels are low in women, significantly low levels of testosterone in women indicates Addison disease.

Intake of alcohol and certain medications, might affect test results.

Disclaimer: All results must be clinically correlated with the patient’s complaints to make a complete and accurate diagnosis. The above information is provided from a purely educational perspective and is in no way a substitute for medical advice from a qualified doctor.

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