What does a testosterone test involve?
A test for testosterone levels quantifies the quantity of the hormone in a sample of your blood. lthough testosterone is regarded as a “male” testosterone levels, it is present in lesser concentrations in females.
Making testosterone involves:
The testes, or testicles, are the sperm-producing organs of the male reproductive system. The female reproductive system’s component that produces eggs is called the ovaries. The structures on top of each kidney known as the adrenal glands produce a number of hormones.
Male puberty is characterized by the growth of body hair, muscles, and a deeper voice due to testosterone. It regulates feelings drive in adults, keeps muscles strong, and aids in sperm production. The development of bones, muscles, and healthy organs in females depends on testosterone. Your blood contains many types of testosterone that may be examined to assist identify certain health issues.
Your testosterone is mostly bound to proteins. The proteins limit the quantity of “active” testosterone in your body by preventing your tissues from utilizing it immediately away. Free testosterone is testosterone that is not bound to proteins. Your tissues are affected by free testosterone. A test for bioavailable testosterone quantifies both free testosterone and testosterone that is weakly bound to albumin, a blood protein. It is uncommon to do this test. However, similar to a free testosterone test, it might be used to identify some illnesses.
What does it serve?
Combining a test for testosterone levels with additional assays can determine the origin of any symptoms that may be caused by either high or low testosterone levels. In order to determine what’s causing it in kids and teenagers:
- Youthful puberty
- Postponed puberty
Additionally, testosterone testing is done to keep track of your health if you:
Take medications that might lower your testosterone levels or have previously had an abnormal testosterone test. Do transgender men who are undergoing masculinizing hormone treatment use testosterone?
If you show signs of abnormal testosterone levels, you could require this test. The test is mostly used in men who have completed puberty to look for signs of low T levels (testosterone levels which are too low). With aging, testosterone levels often decline. Low T, however, can also be brought on by other medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders, chronic sickness, or testicular problems. These various kinds of testosterone are measured by three separate blood tests.Total testosterone levels are determined by measuring both free and protein-bound testosterone. The most typical kind of exam is this one. Only the “active” type of testosterone is detected by a free testosterone test.Although this test is less frequent, it might be helpful for identifying some medical issues.