What is a testosterone test?

Age, gender, health history, and the test method can affect the test results. Normal total testosterone levels are 280 to 1,100 ng/dL for men, 15 to 70 ng/dL for women. Higher or lower results point towards the condition that affects testosterone production. Higher than normal results indicate the possibility of a tumour on the testes or ovaries.  

Early or delayed puberty or signs of masculine characteristics developing in girls call for the test. You may also need it to check for damage or disease of the testes, ovaries, adrenal glands, or pituitary gland or to check for steroid use. Evaluating testosterone levels help your doctor evaluate your fertility or menstrual problems and sexual function.

In this simple procedure, blood is drawn into a test tube from a vein in your arm (venipuncture) and sent to a laboratory for the test. Early morning peak testosterone levels are best for sampling. Levels of testosterone vary from hour to hour and day to day. Hence, observed high or low levels might need a repeat test.

Testosterone travels through your blood in two ways – either attached to proteins albumin and sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or free, i.e., without attachment to any proteins. The testosterone blood test result usually shows total testosterone levels – free and attached. Your doctor may also seek only free testosterone measurement to diagnose certain observed conditions.

A testosterone test should be done in males for symptoms like fatigue, depression, trouble concentrating, loss of hair/muscle mass, swollen breasts, weak bones, erectile dysfunction, and low sperm count. It should be done in females for fertility problems, vaginal dryness, skipped or no menstrual periods, low sex drive, enlarged clitoris, weakened bones, acne and oily skin, skin darkening, excess facial/body hair, deep voice, and hair loss.

Signs of high testosterone in men are aggressive and irritable behaviour, acne and oily skin, worsening sleep apnea, increase in muscle mass, lower sperm count, and shrunken testicles. In women, the signs are acne and oily skin, skin darkening, deep voice, enlarged clitoris, excess hair on face or body, baldness, and skipped or no periods. If you are experiencing these symptoms, get a free second opinion here.

With low testosterone level, a man experiences delayed onset of puberty, less hair on body, enlarged breasts, low sex drive or lack of interest in sex, trouble getting and holding an erection, low sperm count and other fertility problems, changes in the testicles, weak bones, irritability, trouble concentrating, loss of muscle mass, hair loss, depression, fatigue, and anemia.

A testosterone test usually takes less than five minutes. Venipuncture by a health technician involves drawing blood from a vein in your arm using a small needle. A small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. The laboratory test and results come in a day or two.

Abnormally high testosterone levels (hypergonadism) are reproductive glands (gonads) – male testes / female ovaries, overproducing hormones. In males, testosterone levels are too high if total testosterone and free testosterone are above 950 ng/dL and 30 ng/dL respectively. Your level usually lowers by about 1% every year. Adult females (19+) normally range between 8–60 ng / dL.

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