Testosterone Levels
Testosterone
Normal testosterone levels are important to both men and women.
A testosterone test checks the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features, sexual desire in both sexes and male sexual development. In men, it is made in large amounts by the testicles. In both men and women, testosterone is made in small amounts by the adrenal glands; and, in women, by the ovaries.
The pituitary gland controls the level of testosterone in the body. When the testosterone level is low, the pituitary gland releases a hormone called luteinizing hormone (LH). The hormone tells the testicles to make more testosterone. Before puberty, the testosterone level in boys is normally low. Testosterone increases during puberty. This causes boys to develop a deeper voice, get bigger muscles, develop an Adam's apple, produce sperm, get facial and body hair. The level of testosterone is the highest around ages 25-35, then gradually becomes less in men as they age.
In women, the ovaries account for half of the testosterone in the body. Women have a much smaller amount of testosterone in their bodies compared to men. But testosterone plays an important role throughout the body in both men and women because testosterone is the hormone of sexual desire. It affects the brain, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, cardiovascular system, energy levels, genital tissues, attitude and sexual functioning.
Most of the testosterone in the blood is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and is not available or free. Testosterone that is not bound ("free") or is bio-available can also be checked if a man or a woman is having sexual problems.
Why is a Testosterone Test Performed
Low T or Low Testosterone symptoms. A testosterone test is done to: Fertility - See why a man is having problems in fathering a child (infertility). A low amount of testosterone can lead to low sperm counts. Sexual Health and Erectile Dysfunction - Check a man's sexual problems. A low level of testosterone may lower a man's sex drive or not allow him to have an erection (erectile dysfunction). Early Puberty - See whether a high level of testosterone is causing a boy younger than age 10 to have early signs of puberty. Female Sexual Dysfunction - Check a decreased sex drive in a woman. This may be due to the level of testosterone in her body. Male Sexual Features - Find out why a woman is developing male features, such as excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) and a deep voice. Menstrual Irregularity - Find out why a woman is having irregular menstrual periods. Prostate Health - See if testosterone-lowering medicines are working in a man with advanced prostate cancer. Bone Health - Find the cause of osteoporosis in a man.
Learn more about Anti-Aging Group Testosterone Test - Testosterone Test
Low Testosterone Levels and The Increased Risk for Mortality in Men
A new study revealed that men with low levels of the hormone testosterone after their 40's have a higher risk of death over a 4-year period.
The men with low testosterone did have higher death rates and researchers are looking into the possibility that a third factor is linked to the level of testosterone and age that leads to this higher risk for death in men.
For now, all the study reveals is that low levels of the hormone testosterone and the risk for death for men are linked.
Testosterone Level Information :
Testosterone Levels
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