Testosterone Profile Test

Testosterone test is designed to detect various hormonal problems such as  excess body hair growth and development of masculine features and irregular menstrual periods in women, infertility and decreased sex drive in men and women, erectile dysfunction and tumors of testicles in men, early or delayed puberty or virilization in boys or evaluation of infants with ambiguous genitalia 

Testosterone Profile is used to diagnose erectile dysfunction and infertility in males. This test also helps in the diagnosis of virilization (masculine physical traits), hirsutism (excess body hair), infertility, and polycystic ovary syndrome in females.

Tests include Total & Free Testosterone, SHBG, Albumin, Free androgen Index and Bioavailable testosterone. In case of abnormal values then additional tests include Prolactin, LH, FSH, TSH, DHEAS, 17-OHP and Cortisol.

A testosterone profile test measures the level of testosterone in the blood, including total testosterone, free testosterone and bioavailable testosterone. Our healthcare provider will consider our results, symptoms, and other factors to determine if our testosterone levels are within the normal range.

Testosterone test requires a blood sample. A tourniquet (elastic) band is placed tightly on the upper arm. The patient is then asked to make a fist. This helps in the build-up of blood filling the veins. The skin is disinfected before needle insertion and the blood sample is collected in vacutainer.

In men, high testosterone levels may mean a tumor in the testicles or adrenal glands and low testosterone levels indicate pituitary gland disease. 
In women, high testosterone levels may indicate cancer of the ovaries or adrenal glands or PCOS. High testosterone levels in women can also lead to male pattern baldness, deep voice and menstrual irregularities. Recent studies have also linked high testosterone levels in women to increased risk of uterine fibroids. 

The test results may show a variety of things based on age, symptoms, the results of additional tests, and any other conditions the patient may have.

In males, different conditions may cause low testosterone levels, including:

• • Chronic (long-lasting) diseases such as liver, or kidney disease
  • A pituitary gland disorder
  • Benign tumours (not cancer)
  • Damage to the testicles
  • Alcohol use disorder
  • Certain genetic diseases, such as Klinefelter syndrome

Low T levels in females are normal, but excessively low levels may indicate:

• • An adrenal gland disorder
  • A pituitary gland disorder
  • An ovarian disorder

In males, it may cause high T levels by:

• • A tumour in the testicles
  • Steroid use
  • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (an adrenal gland disorder)

In females, it may cause high T levels by:

• • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
  • Ovarian cancer
  • An adrenal gland disorder, such as congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
  • A disorder of the pituitary gland

If results are not normal, it does not automatically imply that we have a medical issue that requires treatment. It's common for testosterone levels to fall as we become older. Certain medications can impact our results. It is advisable to speak to a doctor in case of any apprehension.

A testosterone profile test is typically done in men who have hypogonadism (symptoms associated with low testosterone levels). Additionally, some other groups of people who may need to get a testosterone profile done are:

• • Men who are being evaluated for infertility
  • Men who have a history of testicular, pituitary, or hypothalamic disorders
  • Men who have had surgery or radiation therapy to the testicles
  • Men who have a history of anabolic steroid use
  • Men who are being evaluated for prostate cancer

A healthcare provider will consider the patient's medical history, symptoms, and physical examination before carrying out a testosterone test.

People with the following symptoms should do the Testosterone Profile test:

A testosterone profile test is often performed to evaluate symptoms of low testosterone (also known as hypogonadism) in men, which can include:

• Low sex drive (libido)
• Erectile dysfunction (ED)
• Fatigue
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Increased body fat
• Decreased bone density
• Changes in mood, such as depression or irritability
• Difficulty concentrating
• Hot flashes

It's important to note that these symptoms can be caused by other conditions as well; therefore, a testosterone profile test is typically done as part of a larger evaluation that may include additional tests and a physical exam.

No special preparation is typically required for a testosterone profile test. However, there are a few things that we should keep in mind to ensure accurate results:

• • The test should be done in the morning, as testosterone levels tend to be highest in the morning and can vary throughout the day.
  • Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 24 hours before the test.
  • Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours before the test.
  • Avoid any medications that can affect testosterone levels.

A testosterone profile test is a useful tool for evaluating testosterone levels, but it is not a diagnostic test. Therefore, it will not tell you:

• • The cause of low testosterone levels
  • The exact cause of the problem
  • If sperm production has been affected/decreased

Therefore, a testosterone profile test should be interpreted in the context of the individual's clinical presentation, symptoms, and other laboratory tests.

Normal total testosterone results in adult men:

• • Ages 19 to 49 years: 249 - 836 ng/dL
  • Ages 50 years and older: 193 - 740 ng/dL

Normal total testosterone results in adult women:

• • Ages 19 to 49 years: 8 - 48 ng/dL
  • Ages 50 years and older: 2 - 41 ng/dL

A testosterone test may consist of two different tests:

• Total testosterone tests the total amount of testosterone in the body, which includes both the amount linked to proteins that aid the transport of the hormone through the bloodstream as well as free testosterone.
• Free testosterone tests testosterone that is not bound to proteins.

The test can be performed on men or women. Testosterone levels can help doctors determine fertility or menstruation disorders.

Testosterone Total Test

Total Testosterone Test

Free Testosterone Test

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

Albumin

Free Androgen Index

Bioavailable testosterone