Testosterone blood test: How is testosterone measured in a blood test? The testes produce the steroid hormone testosterone and it circulates throughout the bloodstream. Testosterone also enters the saliva. A blood test can measure the amount of testosterone in the blood or saliva. Blood samples are commonly collected through venipuncture, while saliva samples can be collected more easily. In addition, a blood test provides a more accurate assessment of your testosterone levels.
Testosterone is a steroid hormone
The hormone testosterone is a steroid found in the body. Testosterone helps males develop their muscles, deepen their voices and produce sperm. It also helps females balance their hormones and regulates some bodily functions. Testosterone is present in both males and females. The free form binds to albumin while bound testosterone does not attach to proteins. A testosterone blood test is useful for diagnosing several underlying conditions.
It is produced by the testes
The male hormone testosterone is produced by the testes and circulates in the bloodstream. It is also present in saliva. Blood tests measure the level of testosterone in the blood. A blood sample is collected through venipuncture. Saliva samples are easier to collect. Fortunately, there is a blood test available to determine testosterone levels. Read on for more information about testosterone tests.
It regulates many bodily functions
As the male hormone, testosterone plays many important roles in the body. The hormone helps regulate sex drive, bone density, muscle mass, and fat cell distribution. Low levels of testosterone can cause erectile dysfunction, decreased semen production, and even lower bone density. Testosterone also plays a role in the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone and estradiol are two hormones produced by the body. As men age, they produce less testosterone, so many changes are often attributed to low levels of the hormone.
It can be measured in terms of total, bio-available or free testosterone
There are three levels of testosterone in the blood: bio-available and total. Testosterone is bio-available when it is released from the testes and is available to the body’s cells. The remaining 2% is bound to albumin and is called free testosterone. Depending on the test used, either level of testosterone can be measured.
It can indicate ovarian or testicular cancer
Several factors play a part in the indication of ovarian or testicular cancer. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels are often elevated, though they are not elevated with seminomas. Other factors, such as human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) levels and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), may be elevated, too. High levels of these markers can indicate testicular cancer and other types of cancer.
It can indicate chronic illness
Low levels of testosterone are often a symptom of an underlying condition, such as ovarian cancer, testicular cancer, or a faulty pituitary gland. On the other hand, high levels of testosterone may signal an issue with the pituitary gland, which produces hormones. The signs of high or low testosterone levels may be more pronounced in infants and young children. Children whose growth is abnormally delayed or whose body hair is excessive are often tested for high testosterone levels.
It is recommended for transgender men
For example, a trans man’s blood testosterone level may fall between 400 and 700 ng/dL. This is well within the normal range. However, it’s important to know the limits of normal testosterone levels in transgender men. If the doctor recommends an increase in testosterone based on a blood test for transgender men, he is risking prescribing more than is necessary.
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