Testosterone is the main sex hormone in males. During a boy's puberty, testosterone causes the growth of body hair, muscle development, and deepening of the voice. In adult men, it controls sex drive, maintains muscle mass, and helps make sperm. Women also have testosterone in their bodies, but in much smaller amounts.
This test measures the levels of testosterone in your blood. Most of the testosterone in the blood is attached to proteins. Testosterone that is not attached to a protein is called free testosterone. There are two main types of testosterone tests:
- Total testosterone, which measures both attached and free testosterone.
- Free testosterone, which measures just free testosterone. Free testosterone can give more information about certain medical conditions.
Testosterone levels that are too low (low T) or too high (high T) can cause health problems in both men and women.
Other names: serum testosterone, total testosterone, free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone
In males and females- to detect an abnormal testosterone level.
In males- to diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction or your partner’s infertility.
In females- to diagnose the cause of masculine physical features, infertility, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
In children- to determine the cause of ambiguous genitalia or delayed/early puberty.
Testing should be done for men who may be infertile or unable to get/maintain an erection. Younger males should be tested if they are experiencing either early or delayed puberty.
Testing should be done for women who have male traits (e.g. low voice, excessive body hair), are experiencing abnormal uterine bleeding, are not menstruating, or are infertile.
Note: The medical information provided here in this website is for informational purposes only and is not to be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.
