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Testosterone Total

Also known as Serum Testosterone, Bioavailable Testosterone

₹579~~₹700~~ 17% Off

You need to provide

Blood

This test is for

Male, Female

Earliest reports in

18 hours

Test Preparation

No special preparation is required.

Understanding Testosterone Total

What is Testosterone Total?

The Testosterone Total test is a blood test that measures the amount of testosterone. It is primarily a male sex hormone, but found in both men and women. This test helps determine hormonal balance and detects conditions like low testosterone, infertility, or hormonal disorders.

Testosterone is produced by the testicles in men and the ovaries in women. It helps develop secondary sexual characteristics like facial hair and a deeper voice. It also helps build muscles and keep bones strong, which are important for strength and health. Testosterone affects mood, energy, and sex drive, and it plays a role in having healthy reproductive function. Even though it is mainly a male hormone, women also make small amounts, and it helps with muscle growth and the health of reproductive organs.

The Testosterone Total test helps assess male infertility and identify hormonal imbalances. It is done in males experiencing symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, mood disturbances, and muscle weakness. This test also helps in monitoring treatment effectiveness, such as hormone replacement therapy. In females, it helps in detecting conditions such as menstrual irregularities and excess facial hair.

Usually, no special preparation is required for this test. Eat and drink as per the daily routine. However, it should be noted that testosterone levels are the highest during the early morning and lowest in the evening, and they increase with exercise and decrease with age.

Lab test results may vary across laboratories. Interpretation of the test results requires expert guidance. Therefore, do not self-medicate and talk to the doctor to understand the test results correctly.

What is Testosterone Total used for?

The Testosterone Total test is done:

To provide insights into male infertility.
In men who experience symptoms of hormonal imbalance.
In females with male traits, such as excessive body hair (hirsutism) or irregular or absent periods.
To monitor treatment response in individuals with abnormal testosterone.
In individuals undergoing hormone replacement therapy.
In individuals taking medicines that affect testosterone levels.

What does Testosterone Total measure?

The Testosterone Total test measures the level of testosterone hormone available in the blood. This includes two forms of testosterone: free testosterone and bound testosterone. Bound testosterone is attached to proteins, mainly to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. It cannot enter the body's cells or directly affect tissues and organs. Instead, it acts as a store of testosterone in the blood and can be released when the body needs it. Free testosterone is not attached to any proteins and is the active form. It can easily transport to various tissues, and affects key functions like sex drive, muscle growth, bone strength, and energy levels.

Interpreting Testosterone Total results

Interpretations

In adult men:

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

In adult women:

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

The reference range may vary from lab to lab

Frequently Asked Questions about Testosterone Total

Q. Why do I need the Testosterone Total test?

The Testosterone Total test is used to measure the total amount of testosterone hormone in the blood. It is used to detect conditions such as infertility, erectile dysfunction, and early or delayed puberty in males. In females, it is used to check for menstrual irregularities or hormonal issues, like increased facial hair.

Q. What are the signs of low testosterone levels in men?

The symptoms of low testosterone levels in men include decreased muscle mass, lack of body and facial hair, very small testicles, and development of breast tissue.

Q. Do I need to fast before the test?

No fasting is required before this test. You can eat and drink as usual unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.

Q. Is there any risk associated with the Testosterone Total test?

No, the Testosterone Total test is generally safe with minimal risks. However, you might feel a small pinch or slight discomfort when the blood is taken, but serious problems are very rare.

Q. Will taking supplements help to raise testosterone levels?

Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Testosterone supplements may help raise their levels, but the results may vary amongst individuals. Your doctor will determine if taking a supplement is the right therapy for you.

Q. Why do women need the Testosterone Total test?

Women also produce testosterone, but in small amounts. It is needed to maintain hormonal balance and normal bodily functions. Too much testosterone in women can cause extra facial or body hair, irregular or missed periods, or trouble getting pregnant. The Testosterone Total test, along with other tests, helps the doctor find the cause and give the right treatment.

Q. What additional tests can be advised along with the Testosterone Total test?

a). Prolactin test, b). anti-mullerian hormone test, c). estrogen test, d). dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate test, f). follicle-stimulating hormone test, h). luteinizing hormone test. However, the doctor will advise any additional tests that may be needed, depending on an individual’s needs.

Q. How is a Testosterone Free test different from the Testosterone Total test?

Testosterone is present in the blood in two forms: free and bound (to proteins like albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin). The Testosterone Free test measures the amount of testosterone that is not bound to any protein. Testosterone Total test measures the amount of total (both bound and free) testosterone in the body. Both free and albumin-bound testosterone are easily available for the body to use for proper functioning.

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