What is a Testosterone Test? Let's understand it simply.

We all hear the word " hormones " all the time, don't we? Among these hormones, the one that most people know, especially when talking about men, is testosterone. But what many people don't know is that this is a hormone that is also produced in women's bodies and is very important for their health. So, a testosterone test is a test that measures the level of testosterone in your blood. Doctors use this test to identify various health problems that can occur when this hormone is too high or too low.

What does testosterone actually do to our bodies?

Simply put, testosterone is a hormone that plays a very important role in our body.

For the male side:

Testosterone is produced primarily in the testicles of men. It is especially important during puberty. This hormone is essential for deepening the voice, developing muscle mass, growing beards and body hair, and developing a penis . It also helps produce sperm and maintain sex drive throughout life.

For the women's side:

Women's ovaries produce much less testosterone than men's. However , even this small amount is essential for balancing other hormones in the body and for many other processes.

What does this test measure?

Testosterone travels through our blood in two ways.

• Bound Testosterone: This is testosterone that travels bound to proteins (specifically proteins called albumin and SHBG).
• Free Testosterone: This is testosterone that circulates freely in the blood without being bound to any protein.

Usually, a doctor will first order a ``Total Testosterone`` test, which measures both of these together. Sometimes, ``Free Testosterone`` levels alone can detect some medical conditions.

Why would a doctor tell you to do this test?

If you have symptoms of low or high testosterone levels, your doctor may recommend this test. These symptoms can affect your energy, mood, sex life, and ability to have children. This test can help determine if your problem is due to a hormonal imbalance.

Why is this test important for a man?

This test can help diagnose problems such as low sexual desire and erectile dysfunction in men. It can also help determine if low testosterone levels are the cause of your difficulty conceiving.

How is this test important for a woman?

This test is used to find out the cause of a woman's irregular or absent menstrual periods , difficulty conceiving, or unwanted hair growth on the chest or face. It is especially important to diagnose a hormonal disorder called Polycystic Ovary Syndrome ( PCOS ) . In PCOS, testosterone levels are elevated, which can cause irregular menstrual cycles and reduce fertility.

Symptoms associated with changes in testosterone levels

You can see what these symptoms are from the tables below.

How do you do this test?

The best and most accurate way to check testosterone levels is to get a blood test.

Imagine that your doctor has asked you to take this test. It's very simple. This test is usually done in the morning, before 10 am. The reason for this is that our testosterone levels are highest in the morning and gradually decrease as the day goes on. So, the morning is the best time to get the most accurate reading.

Your doctor may tell you to fast for a few hours before the test. During the test, a nurse will find a vein in your arm, clean the area, and take a small amount of blood with a small needle. This will take about five minutes. You may feel a little pain when the needle is inserted, but it will be temporary. You may feel a little bruising afterward, which is normal.

How to understand the results?

Your test report will tell you whether your testosterone level is normal, high, or low. This "normal" level will vary depending on your age and gender. Testosterone is measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

The most important thing is, don't panic just by looking at a number on the report. Don't make decisions like, "My score is low" or "high." Only your doctor can make a clear conclusion about your condition by taking your symptoms, health history, and test results into account.

If your results are outside the normal range, your doctor may order additional tests to find the cause. For example:

• 17-hydroxyprogesterone (17-OH): A blood test that looks for a genetic condition that affects hormone production.
• DHEAS: A blood test that looks for problems or cancer of the adrenal glands.
• Estrogens: A test that checks estrogen hormone levels.
• FSH/LH: A blood test that looks at fertility and puberty problems.
• Prolactin: A test that checks the level of the prolactin hormone.