Testosterone blood test: In a blood test, how is testosterone measured? There are many reasons why this hormone is measured. Precocious puberty is a common cause, as are obvious secondary sex characteristics, such as an enlarged penis and increased muscle mass. But what exactly is the normal testosterone range in males and females? And how does the test differ from an actual pregnancy test? Read on to learn more.
The normal range for morning testosterone levels in males
The normal range for morning testosterone levels in males is between 300 and 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. The levels are generally highest in the early morning, so testing performed before nine am can diagnose low testosterone. The study, however, did not evaluate testosterone levels drawn at other times of the day or at later times of the day. Although these tests can be useful in determining the cause of low testosterone, they are not a cure for erectile dysfunction.
To determine if morning testosterone levels are low, researchers divided subjects into three age groups. Testosterone levels were measured before dawn, between seven to nine am, and at 2 pm. In each group, the researchers collected samples at different times throughout the day. The younger the participant, the lower the morning testosterone levels, and vice versa. The researchers then compared the levels of morning testosterone levels of males of the same age.
Causes of too much testosterone in a blood test
A blood test for testosterone can help you understand the conditions caused by too much testosterone. Testosterone levels in the blood depend on many factors, including age, gender, and health. They can also be affected by certain diseases, such as diabetes or mumps, or by a tumour on the testicles. Taking testosterone supplements is also a common solution to a low testosterone level. A fast can also lower testosterone levels, so you should stop eating and drinking completely after midnight. It’s best to consult a doctor if your results are abnormal.
Some women have higher testosterone levels than others, such as those with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Women with this condition may have irregular menstrual cycles or infertility. In cases like these, the blood test can be helpful in figuring out the cause of the infertility problem. Women with high testosterone levels may develop male physical characteristics. Symptoms of PCOS may include erectile dysfunction, irregular menstrual cycles, and irregular or absent menstrual periods.
Methods of measuring testosterone levels in women
To accurately measure the levels of testosterone in a woman’s blood, a testosterone blood test is the best way to determine whether her condition is caused by low testosterone or by an overproduction of the hormone. The test can measure the testosterone levels of a woman’s blood during the early morning hours before the menstrual cycle begins. Because the levels of testosterone in a woman’s blood fluctuate throughout the day, it is not recommended to use a blood sample obtained at different stages of the menstrual cycle.
The gold standard for determining testosterone levels is tandem mass spectrometry. This test measures bio-available testosterone and is expensive and time-consuming to perform. The downside of this test is that it requires a high level of expertise and is too complex for most clinical settings. In this case, a simpler, cheaper, more accessible method of measuring women’s testosterone levels may be the most appropriate choice.
Testing for a low testosterone at-home test
The at-home test is safe to use and enables you to take your test without a visit to your doctor. All you have to do is collect a sample of saliva or blood, and mail it to a certified lab. Within a few days of collection, you should receive physician-reviewed digital results on a secure platform. Afterwards, you can discuss the results with your healthcare provider to make changes to your lifestyle and diet.
The at-home test can be purchased for $50 online, and a $25 monthly membership costs the same. The lab that performs the test has CLIA certification and a membership program. Those who wish to use the at-home test should purchase a membership plan to track their results. You can order the test once, or you can order a new one every month. You can also order one of the affordable hormone panels offered.
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Read More: What Blood Tests Do I Need For PCOS?