Some men experience symptoms even when total testosterone is normal, which is why measuring both free and total testosterone levels offer deeper insights. Symptoms such as fatigue or depression seem to be due to other things than low testosterone levels, such as age, lifestyle, comorbidities and the amount of abdominal fat. To investigate the complex connections between testosterone levels and health, data from large studies in the USA and Sweden were used. For females, the test is mostly used for symptoms of high T levels. Benefits include practical tips to keep you healthy and vibrant, up-to-date health news explained simply and clearly, and special promo codes to use for our online courses, special reports, and more. Because prostate cancer is so common, doctors tend to be leery of prescribing testosterone to men who may be at higher than average risk of having undiagnosed prostate cancer. Although testosterone may make prostate cancer grow, it is not clear that testosterone treatment actually causes cancer. Some men who have a testosterone deficiency have symptoms or conditions related to their low testosterone that will improve when they take testosterone replacement. All of this reduces the active (free) form of testosterone in the body. In addition, what may seem like a symptom of testosterone excess (see below) may actually be unrelated to this hormone. Doctors measure testosterone in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl). Any responses will meet our strict standards of high quality medical integrity before publishing. Send us an email at if you’d also like to submit a question. In women, it may be a sign of PCOS. This article addresses common questions about this crucial hormone. This hormone also influences behaviors like competitiveness and aggression. It plays a particularly important role in men, where it promotes muscle mass development, affects sex drive, and regulates sperm production. Allen, Naomi E., et al. "Lifestyle and nutritional determinants of bioavailable androgens and related hormones in British men," Cancer Causes Control, vol. If you’re getting a total testosterone blood test, you may need to get it in the morning since testosterone levels are highest then. Abnormal testosterone levels can point to several different health issues. "Taking care of your overall health to keep inflammation down can be just as important for hormone levels as exploring other ways to increase your testosterone levels," says Amar Osmancevic. Low testosterone levels also go hand in hand with increased inflammatory levels, regardless of age and body size. It's normal for testosterone levels to decrease with age. Most testosterone levels tests involve a blood draw in a medical setting. Among women, perhaps the most common cause of a high testosterone level is polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). A 2019 study involving 2,295 teenage boys and men found that impaired sleep could be linked to lower levels of testosterone. To maintain healthy levels of vitamin D, try to get regular exposure to sunlight or consider taking a vitamin D3 supplement as directed by a healthcare professional. What you eat can affect levels of testosterone as well as other hormones. Interestingly, testosterone also plays an important role in female health and sexual well-being. However, laboratories may report levels down to 264 ng/dL as within the normal range. Research suggests that females produce three times more testosterone than estrogen before menopause. A testosterone levels test may be used with other tests to help your provider find the cause of abnormal testosterone levels. Your health care provider can measure your testosterone levels by ordering one of three tests. Though often considered a male sex hormone, testosterone is present in females in smaller amounts. With our at-home finger-prick blood test, check your levels — including the biologically active form of testosterone — for a clearer picture of your hormone health This test measures total testosterone, the key male sex hormone that also plays a role in muscle strength, mood, and overall well-being in both men and women Despite the growing trends in testosterone therapy, there’s no need to worry or obsess over your testosterone levels. No matter which test method you choose, it’s best to consult with your doctor to discuss your results and go over options for potential next steps. If you have a hard time with needles or blood samples, a saliva test may be an alternative. A saliva test may be an alternative if you experience difficulties with needles or blood samples.
