How do I know my testosterone levels?

The article was professionally consulted with Master, Doctor Le Thi Minh Huong - Emergency Medicine Doctor - Department of Resuscitation - Emergency - Vinmec Nha Trang International General Hospital.

Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men. During a boy's puberty, testosterone is responsible for body hair growth, muscle growth, and a deeper voice. In adult men, it controls sex drive, maintains muscle mass, and helps make sperm. Women also have testosterone in their bodies, but in much smaller amounts.

This test measures the level of testosterone in your blood. Most of the testosterone in the blood is attached to proteins. Testosterone that is not bound to proteins is called free testosterone. There are two main types of testosterone tests:
Total Testosterone: This test measures the load of both protein bound testosterone and free testosterone. Free Testosterone: This test measures the amount of free testosterone. Free testosterone can provide additional information about a number of health conditions. Testosterone levels that are too low or too high can cause health problems in both men and women.

Testosterone level testing can be used to diagnose a number of conditions, including:
Decreased sex drive in men and women Infertility in men and women Erectile dysfunction in men Testicular tumors in men Gender Early or delayed puberty in boys Body hair growth and development of masculine features in women Irregular menstrual periods in women.

You may need this test if you have symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels. For adult men, testing is most often ordered when men have symptoms of low testosterone levels. For women, it is mainly indicated if there are symptoms of high testosterone levels.
Symptoms of low testosterone in men include: Decreased sex drive; Difficulty getting an erection; Breast tissue development; fertility problems; Hair loss; Weak bones; Loss of muscle mass...
Symptoms of high testosterone levels in women include: Growth of body and facial hair; Deeper voice; menstrual disorders; Acne; Weight gain...
Boys also need a testosterone level test. In boys, delayed puberty can be a symptom of low testosterone, while early puberty can be a symptom of high testosterone.

The medical professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a fine needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a slight sting as the needle is inserted and withdrawn. But the process usually takes less than five minutes.
Preparation before the test:
You do not need any special preparation for the testosterone level test.
Risk of testing:
There is very little risk of having a blood test. You may have mild pain or bruising at the site of the needle collection, but most symptoms will go away quickly.

The results yield different diagnostic values ​​depending on whether the patient is a man, woman or boy.
For men :
High testosterone levels can mean a tumor in the testicles or adrenal glands. The adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions. Low testosterone levels can mean an inherited or chronic disease, or a problem with the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small organ in the brain that controls many functions, including growth and fertility. For women:
High testosterone levels can indicate a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Polycystic ovary syndrome is a common hormonal disorder that affects women of childbearing age. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility. It can also mean ovarian or adrenal cancer. Low testosterone levels are normal, but extremely low levels can indicate Addison's disease, a disorder of the pituitary gland. For boys:
High testosterone levels can indicate cancer in the testicles or adrenal glands. Low testosterone levels in boys can mean there are several other problems with the testicles, including injury. If your results indicate an abnormality, it does not necessarily mean that you need immediate treatment. Certain medications, or alcohol abuse, can affect your test results. If you have any questions about your results, consult your doctor.