What is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced in man’s testes. Testosterone help to build a man’s muscles, deepen their voice, grow body hair and makes their penis grow during puberty. Testosterone also helps to produce sperm and keep up male sex drive. Women will have testosterone too but in smaller amounts. It produces from their ovaries. In female, testosterone helps to maintain hormone balance and regulates body functions.
What is Testosterone Levels Test?
This test measures the level of testosterone in blood. Most of the testosterone in the blood is attached to protein albumin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Those that are not attached are called free testosterone. Usually need total testosterone test as a screening test. Free testosterone level needed to diagnose certain condition/disease.
When someone need a Testosterone Level test?
You may need this test if you experience the symptoms of abnormal testosterone level. For adult men, mostly need the test when they experienced symptoms of low testosterone level. However, for adult women, they need the test when they experienced symptoms of high testosterone level.
Symptoms of low testosterone level in male: 1) Low sex drive 2) Difficulty getting an erection/erectile dysfunction 3) Hair loss 4) Fatigue, depression, difficulty concentrating 5) Difficulty to get partner pregnant 6) Developed breast tissue/swelling Symptoms of high testosterone in female: 1) Excessive growth of body and facial hair 2) Deepening of voice 3) Irregular menstrual 4) Acne/oily skin 5) Enlarged clitoris
How does Testosterone Level Test Carry out?
It’s a simple blood test that usually done early in the morning when the testosterone levels are highest. Doctor will take some blood from a vein in your arm and blood will then collected in a tube.
What is the normal result for Testosterone Level Test?
Normal total testosterone results in adult men:
For age 19 to 49: 249-836 ng/dL
For age 50 and older: 193-740ng/dL
Normal total testosterone results in adult female:
For age 19-49: 8-48ng/dL
For age 50 and older: 2-41ng/dL Depending on the result, different test may be needed after review testosterone level result.
Treatment for low testosterone for adult male
Low testosterone hormone is treated with testosterone replacement therapy which can be given in different ways:
Testosterone pills which are the simplest treatment. The pills need to be taken regularly. It should be taken along with meal for better absorption.
Testosterone gels/patch. These should be applied daily at different part of body such as arms, back and abdomen. The only downside of this method of treatment is need to be handle it carefully to prevent the hormone accidentally transferred to another person/partner.
Intramuscular injection. This injection needs to be given by medical professional. Depending on the type of injection given, some need to be given every two to four weeks and some need to be given every three months.
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