Testosterone

Hormone/ Element

Report in 4Hrs

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No Fasting Required

Details

Measures total testosterone for assessment of male hypogonadism, PCOS, and infertility.

₹149₹605

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Testosterone Test Information Guide

Why is it done?
- Test Purpose: Measures the level of testosterone hormone in the blood to evaluate reproductive health, hormonal balance, and metabolic function
- Primary Indications: Symptoms of low testosterone (hypogonadism) including fatigue, decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, and mood changes in males
- • Symptoms of high testosterone or hormonal imbalance in females (excessive facial hair, acne, irregular menses, virilization)
- • Evaluation of puberty disorders or delayed sexual development in adolescents
- • Assessment of infertility or reproductive disorders
- • Monitoring patients on hormone replacement therapy or androgen therapy
- • Evaluation of testicular or pituitary disorders
- Typical Timing: Usually performed in the morning (8-10 AM) when testosterone levels are naturally highest; follow-up testing often recommended 6-8 weeks after starting treatment
Normal Range
- Reference Ranges (may vary by laboratory):
- Adult Males: 300-1000 ng/dL (10-35 nmol/L)
- Adult Females: 15-70 ng/dL (0.5-2.4 nmol/L)
- Adolescents: Values vary with stage of puberty; specific age-appropriate ranges used
- Units of Measurement: ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) or nmol/L (nanomoles per liter)
- Result Interpretation:
- Normal: Values within the established range indicate adequate testosterone production and normal hormone balance
- Low (Below Normal): May indicate hypogonadism, pituitary dysfunction, testicular disease, or other endocrine disorders
- High (Above Normal): May suggest hormone-secreting tumors, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or anabolic steroid use
- Borderline Values: Require clinical correlation with symptoms and may necessitate repeat testing or additional investigation
Interpretation
- Detailed Result Interpretation:
- Low Testosterone (<300 ng/dL in males): Associated with hypogonadism, reduced sexual function, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, mood disturbances, and increased cardiovascular risk. Requires evaluation of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis.
- High Testosterone in Females (>70 ng/dL): May indicate PCOS, androgen-secreting tumors, adrenal disorders, or virilization. Requires investigation into ovarian and adrenal function.
- Factors Affecting Results:
- • Circadian rhythm (levels peak in early morning, decrease throughout the day)
- • Age (testosterone naturally declines with age in males, approximately 0.4-1% per year after age 30)
- • Menstrual cycle phase in females (varies throughout cycle)
- • Obesity and metabolic syndrome (can lower testosterone levels)
- • Medications (corticosteroids, opioids, certain antidepressants)
- • Stress and sleep deprivation (can suppress testosterone production)
- • Liver disease and kidney disease (affects hormone metabolism)
- Free vs Total Testosterone: Total testosterone measures hormone bound to proteins and free hormone; free testosterone (2-24 pg/mL) represents biologically active hormone and may be more clinically relevant in certain conditions.
- Clinical Significance: Test results must be interpreted within clinical context; symptoms, physical examination findings, and additional hormone testing (LH, FSH, prolactin) are essential for accurate diagnosis.
Associated Organs
- Primary Organ Systems:
- Testes (Males): Primary source of testosterone production; dysfunction leads to hypogonadism
- Ovaries (Females): Produce small amounts of testosterone; excess may indicate PCOS or ovarian tumors
- Adrenal Glands: Produce smaller amounts of testosterone; adrenal disorders can affect levels
- Pituitary Gland: Produces luteinizing hormone (LH) which stimulates testosterone production; pituitary dysfunction affects testosterone
- Hypothalamus: Releases GnRH which controls pituitary hormone release; hypothalamic disease impacts testosterone
- Associated Medical Conditions - Low Testosterone:
- • Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure, cryptorchidism, Klinefelter syndrome)
- • Secondary hypogonadism (pituitary/hypothalamic dysfunction, hyperprolactinemia)
- • Type 2 diabetes mellitus
- • Metabolic syndrome and obesity
- • Chronic liver disease and cirrhosis
- • Chronic kidney disease and renal failure
- • HIV/AIDS
- • Hemochromatosis
- Associated Medical Conditions - High Testosterone (Females):
- • Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- • Ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting tumors
- • Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- • Cushing's syndrome
- • Pregnancy
- Potential Complications of Abnormal Testosterone Levels:
- • Low testosterone: Infertility, sexual dysfunction, osteoporosis, increased cardiovascular disease risk, depression
- • High testosterone (females): Infertility, irregular menses, virilization, increased risk of metabolic syndrome
Follow-up Tests
- Additional Tests for Low Testosterone:
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Differentiates primary from secondary hypogonadism; elevated LH suggests testicular failure
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Evaluates spermatogenesis and testicular function
- Prolactin: Elevated prolactin may suppress LH and lower testosterone
- Thyroid Function Tests (TSH, T4): Thyroid disease can affect testosterone metabolism
- Estradiol: Evaluates aromatization of testosterone; important in male hormone evaluation
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Helps calculate free testosterone and identify binding abnormalities
- Semen Analysis: If infertility is a concern; assesses sperm count and motility
- Additional Tests for High Testosterone (Females):
- Free Androgen Index: Calculated from testosterone and SHBG; more specific for evaluating hyperandrogenism
- Androstenedione and DHEA-S: Assess adrenal androgen production; helps differentiate PCOS from adrenal disorders
- 17-Hydroxyprogesterone: Screens for congenital adrenal hyperplasia
- Pelvic Ultrasound: Identifies polycystic ovaries or ovarian tumors
- Abdominal/Adrenal Imaging: CT or MRI if adrenal tumor suspected
- Monitoring During Testosterone Therapy:
- • Repeat testosterone measurement 6-8 weeks after initiating therapy to assess treatment efficacy
- • Periodic PSA (prostate-specific antigen) monitoring in older males on testosterone replacement
- • Hematocrit monitoring (testosterone can increase red blood cell production)
- • Annual liver function tests and lipid panel during therapy
- Recommended Monitoring Schedule: Baseline assessment, 6-8 weeks after initiation, then every 6-12 months during treatment maintenance
Fasting Required?
- Fasting Requirement: NO - Fasting is not required for testosterone testing
- Special Instructions:
- • Blood draw should be performed between 8-10 AM when testosterone levels are naturally highest (circadian peak)
- • Consistent timing for follow-up tests is important for accurate comparison
- • Patient may eat and drink normally before the test
- Medications to Avoid:
- • Do NOT stop prescription medications without consulting your physician
- • Notify laboratory of medications known to affect testosterone (anabolic steroids, corticosteroids, opioids, spironolactone, finasteride)
- Other Preparation Requirements:
- • Avoid strenuous exercise 48 hours before testing (intense exercise can temporarily elevate testosterone)
- • Ensure adequate sleep the night before (sleep deprivation can lower testosterone)
- • Minimize stress before testing when possible
- • Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing for easy blood draw access
- • Arrive early to allow adequate rest before blood collection (sitting for 5-10 minutes is ideal)
- Menstrual Cycle Considerations (Females): Testing may be recommended during follicular phase (days 3-5) for consistent results, or provider may request testing on specific cycle days for PCOS evaluation

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