What does the Testosterone Test Measure ?

A testosterone levels test measures the amount of testosterone in a sample of your blood. Testosterone is known as a "male" sex hormone, but females have testosterone in smaller amounts. During male puberty, testosterone causes body hair, muscle growth, and a deepening voice. In adult life, it controls sex drive, maintains muscle mass, and helps make sperm. In females, testosterone is important for the growth of bones and muscles, and healthy organs. Testosterone is made by

The testicles (or testes), the part of the male reproductive system that makes sperm.

The ovaries, the part of the female reproductive system that makes eggs.

The adrenal glands, organs on top of each kidney that make several hormones.

Why should I do the Testosterone Test ?

You may need this test if you have symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels. For males who have gone through puberty, the test is mostly used for symptoms of low Testosterone levels (testosterone levels which are too low). Testosterone levels tend to decrease with age. But other health issues may also cause low Testosterone, such as thyroid problems, long-lasting illness or problems with the testicles.

For females, the test is mostly used for symptoms of high T levels, such as:

Abnormal hair growth on the body or face.

Hair loss on the head that may be like male-pattern baldness .

Irregular or no menstrual periods.

Infertility.

How is the Testosterone Test Done ?

The Testosterone test is a simple blood test with no need for fasting before the test. The blood sample can be taken by the phlebotomist at a pathology lab or at home. At Maurya Labs, Purnea the test is done on a machine called Fully Automatic Hormonal Assay Analyzer. The sample collection takes less than a minute and reports are made available the same day of the test.

How often should Testosterone Test be Done ?

Frequency of Testosterone test depends upon the reason it was done the first time. If ot was done as a part of annual whole body health checkup then it has to be done annualy which is done on preventive side only. However, it has to be repeated frequently may be monthly if the test is done for the diagnosis of a disease and understanding the efficacy of the treatment the patient is undergoing. You may discuss with your doctor about when the test needs to be repeated. At all Maurya Labs centre in Bihar the test is done with the facility of home sample collection.