Testosterone, Total

A  Testosterone Test  test measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood, which includes both free testosterone (the portion available for your body to use) and bound testosterone (which is attached to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin). This test is commonly used to assess testosterone levels in both men and women, as abnormalities can indicate various health conditions.

There are different forms of testosterone in your blood that may be measured to help diagnose certain health problems. Most of your testosterone is attached to proteins. The proteins prevent your tissues from using the testosterone right away, which helps control the amount of "active" testosterone in your body. Testosterone that's not attached to proteins is called free testosterone. Free testosterone acts on your tissues.

• For men: If symptoms of low testosterone (e.g., fatigue, erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, mood changes, etc.) are present, or if there are signs of high testosterone (e.g., excessive body hair, voice deepening).
• For women: When signs of high testosterone are observed (e.g., excessive hair growth, male-pattern baldness, or deepened voice).
• For children: If there's concern about early or delayed puberty.

• Testosterone test is used to evaluate delayed or early puberty in boys
• To evaluate decreased sex drive and erectile dysfunction
• Conditions that lead to hirsutism in women. Hirsutism refers to excess facial and body hair on face and chest. Hirsutism is most commonly observed in women with PCOS
• To evaluate Ambiguous genitalia in infants
• Test is also used in the diagnosis of pituitary disorders

The Testosterone blood test measures the amount of testosterone in the blood.

Other names: Testosterone test, Testosterone Total 

Testosterone is the most important sex hormone in the men. Sex hormones is also referred to as Androgens. It is present in both males and females but is present in higher concentrations in males. In men, it is produced in the testicles and also by the adrenal glands. In females, testosterone is produced by the adrenal glands and the ovaries and most of the testosterone is converted to Estradiol.

Twelve hours before this blood test, do not take multi vitamins or dietary supplement containing biotin or vitamin B7 that are commonly found in hair, skin and nail supplement. If on any medication or treatment please indicate and provide clinical history, if any.

• Low Testosterone: A low total testosterone level may indicate hypogonadism, which means the body isn’t producing enough testosterone. This could be due to problems in the testes or pituitary gland.
• High Testosterone: Elevated testosterone levels may indicate conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women or testosterone abuse.