Breadcrumb
- Home
- Tests, Treatments & Medications
- Medical Tests
- Testosterone
Content Map Terms
Tests, Treatments & Medications Categories
-
Medications
- Immunization, Inactivated influenza
- Anthrax Vaccine
- Diphtheria, Pertussis, and Tetanus Vaccines
- Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine
- Hepatitis A Vaccine
- Hepatitis B Vaccine
- Herpes-Zoster Vaccine for Shingles
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Vaccine
- Measles, Mumps, and Rubella Vaccine
- Meningococcal Vaccine
- Pneumococcal Vaccines
- Polio Vaccine
- Rotavirus Vaccine
- Weight-Loss Medicines
- Non-Prescription Products for Weight Loss
- Obesity: Should I Take Weight-Loss Medicine?
-
Medical Tests
- Abdominal Ultrasound
- Abdominal X-Ray
- Adrenocorticotropic Hormone
- Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)
- Albumin Urine Test
- Aldosterone in Blood
- Aldosterone in Urine
- Alkaline Phosphatase
- Allergy Tests
- Alpha-Fetoprotein (AFP) in Blood
- Ambulatory Electrocardiogram
- Ammonia
- Amniocentesis
- Amylase
- Angiogram
- Angiogram of the Head and Neck
- Angiogram of the Lung
- Antinuclear Antibodies (ANA)
- Antisperm Antibody Test
- Antithyroid Antibody Tests
- Arterial Blood Gases
- Arthrogram (Joint X-Ray)
- Arthroscopy
- Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
- Autoimmune Disease Tests
- Autopsy
- Barium Enema
- Bilirubin
- Biophysical Profile (BPP)
- Biopsy of Genital Warts
- Bladder Stress Test in Women
- Blood Alcohol
- Blood Culture
- Blood Glucose
- Blood Type Test
- Blood Urea Nitrogen
- Body Temperature
- Bone Biopsy
- Bone Density
- Bone Marrow Aspiration and Biopsy
- Bone Scan
- Bowel Transit Time
- Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) Test
- Breast Biopsy
- Breast Cancer (BRCA) Gene Test
- Breast Ultrasound
- Bronchoscopy
- C-Peptide
- C-Reactive Protein (CRP)
- Calcium (Ca) in Blood
- Calcium (Ca) in Urine
- Cancer Antigen 125 (CA-125)
- Carbon Dioxide
- Carbon Monoxide (CO)
- Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)
- Cardiac Blood Pool Scan
- Cardiac Catheterization
- Cardiac Enzyme Studies
- Cardiac Perfusion Scan
- Catecholamines in Blood
- Catecholamines in Urine
- CD4+ Count
- Celiac Disease Antibodies
- Cell-Free Fetal DNA Test
- Chemistry Screen
- Chest X-Ray
- Chlamydia Tests
- Chloride (Cl)
- Cholesterol and Triglycerides Tests
- Chorionic Villus Sampling (CVS)
- Clinical Breast Examination
- Clostridium Difficile Toxins
- Cold Agglutinins
- Colonoscopy
- Colposcopy and Cervical Biopsy
- Complete Blood Count (CBC)
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Body
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Head and Face
- Computed Tomography (CT) Scan of the Spine
- Computed Tomography Angiogram
- Contraction Stress Test
- Coombs Antibody Test
- Coronary Calcium Scan
- Cortisol in Blood
- Cortisol in Urine
- Cranial Ultrasound
- Creatine Kinase
- Creatinine and Creatinine Clearance
- Cystometry
- Bacterial Vaginosis Tests
- Cystoscopy
- Cystourethrogram
- D-Dimer Test
- D-Xylose Absorption Test
- DHEA-S Test
- Dental X-Rays
- Digital Rectal Examination (DRE)
- Doppler Ultrasound
- Ear Examination
- Echocardiogram
- Electrocardiogram
- Electroencephalogram (EEG)
- Electromyogram (EMG) and Nerve Conduction Studies
- Electronystagmography (ENG)
- Electrophysiology Study
- Electrophysiology Tests for the Eyes
- Endometrial Biopsy
- Endoscopic Retrograde Cholangiopancreatogram (ERCP)
- Endoscopic Sinus Examination for Sinusitis
- Esophagus Tests
- Evoked Potential Test for Multiple Sclerosis
- Exercise Electrocardiogram
- Extremity X-Ray
- Facial X-Ray
- Ferritin
- Fertility Awareness
- Fetal Blood Sampling (FBS) for Rh Sensitization During Pregnancy
- Fetal Ultrasound
- Folic Acid Test
- Galactosemia Test
- Gallbladder Scan
- Gallium Scan
- Gastrin
- Genetic Test
- Glycohemoglobin
- Gonioscopy
- Gonorrhea Test
- Growth Hormone
- HIV Viral Load Measurement
- Hair Analysis
- Hearing Tests
- Heart Catheterization for Congenital Heart Defects
- Helicobacter Pylori Tests
- Hemochromatosis Gene Test
- Hemoglobin Electrophoresis
- Hepatitis A Virus Test
- Hepatitis B Virus Tests
- Hepatitis C Virus Tests
- Herpes Tests
- High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein
- Home Blood Glucose Test
- Home Blood Pressure Test
- Home Ear Examination
- Home Lung Function Test
- Home Pregnancy Tests
- Homocysteine
- Hormone Inhibin A
- Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Test
- Human Papillomavirus (HPV) Test
- Hysterosalpingogram
- Hysteroscopy
- Immunoglobulins
- Intravenous Pyelogram (IVP)
- Iron (Fe)
- Joint Fluid Analysis
- KOH Preparation
- Karyotype Test
- Ketones
- Kidney Biopsy
- Kidney Scan
- Kidney Stone Analysis
- Lactic Acid Dehydrogenase (LDH)
- Lactic Acid
- Laparoscopy
- Laryngoscopy
- Lead
- Lipase
- Liver Biopsy
- Liver Function Tests
- Liver and Spleen Scan
- Lumbar Puncture
- Lung Biopsy
- Lung Cancer Screening: Low-Dose CT Scan
- Lung Function Tests
- Lung VQ Scan
- Lyme Disease Test
- Lymph Node Biopsy
- Magnesium (Mg)
- Magnetic Resonance Angiogram (MRA)
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Abdomen
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Breast
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Head
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Knee
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Shoulder
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the Spine
- Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI)
- Mammogram
- Mediastinoscopy
- Medicine Levels in Blood
- Mental Health Assessment
- Mononucleosis Tests
- Myelogram
- Myoglobin Test
- Needle Puncture and Aspiration of Sinus Contents
- Neurological Examination for Multiple Sclerosis
- Neuropsychological Tests
- Nuchal Translucency Screening Test
- Ophthalmoscopy
- Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
- Overnight Dexamethasone Suppression Test
- Pap Test
- Paracentesis
- Parathyroid Hormone
- Partial Thromboplastin Time
- Pelvic Examination
- Pelvic Ultrasound
- Pericardial Drainage
- Perimetry Test for Glaucoma
- Phenylketonuria (PKU) Test
- Phosphate in Blood
- Phosphate in Urine
- Positron Emission Tomography (PET)
- Potassium (K) in Blood
- Potassium (K) in Urine
- Prealbumin Blood Test
- Prolactin
- Prostate Biopsy
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
- Prothrombin Time and INR
- Pulse Measurement
- Radioactive Iodine Uptake Test
- Rapid Strep Test for Strep Throat
- Renin Assay
- Reticulocyte Count
- Retinal Imaging
- Retrograde Pyelogram for Kidney Stones
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF)
- Rubella Test
- Salivary Gland Scan
- Sedimentation Rate
- Seizure Medicine Levels in Blood
- Self-Examination for Dental Plaque
- Semen Analysis
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
- Serum Osmolality
- Serum Protein Electrophoresis (SPEP)
- Sickle Cell Test
- Sigmoidoscopy
- Single Photon Emission Computed Tomography (SPECT)
- Skin Biopsy
- Skin and Wound Cultures
- Skull X-Ray
- Sleep Studies
- Slit Lamp Examination
- Sodium (Na) in Blood
- Sodium (Na) in Urine
- Sonohysterogram
- Spinal X-Ray
- Sputum Culture
- Sputum Cytology
- Stool Analysis
- Stool Culture
- Stool Tests for Colorectal Cancer
- Swallowing Study
- Sweat Test
- Syphilis Tests
- Tay-Sachs Test
- Testicular Biopsy
- Testicular Examination and Testicular Self-Examination
- Testicular Scan
- Testicular Ultrasound
- Testosterone
- Tests for Erection Problems
- Thick and Thin Blood Smears for Malaria
- Thoracentesis
- Throat Culture
- Thyroid Biopsy
- Thyroid Hormone Tests
- Thyroid Scan
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Ultrasound
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH)
- Tissue Type Test
- Tonometry
- Total Serum Protein
- Toxicology Tests
- Toxoplasmosis Test
- Tuberculin Skin Test
- Tympanocentesis for Ear Infections
- Tympanometry
- Upper Gastrointestinal (UGI) Series
- Upper Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
- Uric Acid in Blood
- Uric Acid in Urine Test
- Urine Culture
- Urine Test
- Urodynamic Tests for Urinary Incontinence
- Vaginal Examination for Preterm Labour
- Vaginal Self-Examination (VSE)
- Vaginal Wet Mount
- Viral Tests
- Vision Tests
- Vitamin B12 Test
- Vitamin D Test
-
Surgery
- Achilles Tendon Rupture: Should I Have Surgery?
- ACL Injury: Should I Have Knee Surgery?
- Blood Transfusions: Should I Bank Blood Before Surgery?
- Bunions: Should I Have Surgery?
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome: Should I Have Surgery?
- Cataracts: Should I Have Surgery?
- Dupuytren's Disease: Should I Have Hand Surgery?
- Ear Problems: Should My Child Be Treated for Fluid Buildup in the Middle Ear?
- Endometriosis: Should I Have a Hysterectomy and Oophorectomy?
- Enlarged Prostate: Should I Have Surgery?
- Gallstones: Should I Have Gallbladder Surgery?
- GERD: Which Treatment Should I Use?
- Coronary Artery Disease: Should I Have Bypass Surgery?
- Hysterectomy: Should I Also Have My Ovaries Removed?
- Inguinal Hernia: Should I Have Surgery Now, or Should I Wait?
- Lumbar Herniated Disc: Should I Have Surgery?
- Lumbar Spinal Stenosis: Should I Have Surgery?
- Meniscus Tear: Should I Have Surgery?
- Nearsightedness: Should I Have Laser Surgery?
- Pelvic Organ Prolapse: Should I Have Surgery?
- Peripheral Arterial Disease: Should I Have Surgery?
- Plantar Fasciitis: Should I Have Surgery for Heel Pain?
- Rotator Cuff Problems: Should I Have Surgery?
- Scoliosis: Should My Child Have Surgery?
- Sinusitis: Should I Have Surgery?
- Sleep Apnea: Should I Have Surgery?
- Stress Incontinence in Women: Should I Have Surgery?
- Tennis Elbow: Should I Have Surgery?
- Temporomandibular Disorder: Should I Have Surgery for Jaw Pain?
- Tonsillitis: Should My Child Have a Tonsillectomy?
- Ulcerative Colitis: Should I Have Surgery?
- Umbilical Hernia: Should I Have Surgery?
- Umbilical Hernia: Should My Child Have Surgery?
- Uterine Fibroids: Should I Have Surgery?
- Varicose Veins: Should I Have a Surgical Procedure?
- Wisdom Teeth: Should I Have My Wisdom Teeth Removed?
-
Treatments
- Advance Care Planning: Should I Receive CPR and Life Support?
- Advance Care Planning: Should I Stop Treatment That Prolongs My Life?
- Hearing Loss: Should I Get Hearing Aids?
- Atrial Fibrillation: Should I Have Catheter Ablation?
- Hemorrhoids: Which Treatment Should I Use?
- Kidney Failure: What Type of Dialysis Should I Have?
- Low Back Pain: Should I Try Epidural Steroid Shots?
- Obesity: Should I Use a Diet Plan to Lose Weight?
- Warts: Should I Treat Warts?
- First Aid
Test Overview
A testosterone test checks the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and 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). This 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, make sperm, and get facial and body hair. The level of testosterone starts to decline around age 40, then gradually becomes less in older men.
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. It affects the brain, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, the vascular system, energy levels, genital tissues, and sexual functioning.
Most of the testosterone in the blood is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Testosterone that is not bound ("free" testosterone) may be checked if a man or a woman is having sexual problems. Free testosterone also may be tested for a person who has a condition that can change SHBG levels, such as hyperthyroidism or some types of kidney diseases.
Total testosterone levels vary throughout the day. They are usually highest in the morning and lowest in the evening.
Why It Is Done
For high or low levels of testosterone, a testosterone test may be done to:
- See why a man is having problems in fathering a child (infertility). A low amount of testosterone can lead to low sperm counts.
- Check a man's sexual problems. Having a low level of testosterone may lower a man's sex drive or not allow him to have an erection (erectile dysfunction). Erectile dysfunction in isolation is not an indication for testosterone testing.
- See whether a high level of testosterone is causing a boy younger than age 10 to have early signs of puberty.
- Find out why a woman is developing male features, such as excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) and a deep voice.
- Find out why a woman is having irregular menstrual periods.
- See if testosterone-lowering medicines are working in a man with advanced prostate cancer.
- Find the cause of osteoporosis in a man.
How To Prepare
In general, there's nothing you have to do before this test, unless your doctor tells you to.
Your doctor may want you to do a morning blood test. That's because testosterone levels are highest between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
How It Is Done
A health professional uses a needle to take a blood sample, usually from the arm.
How It Feels
When a blood sample is taken, you may feel nothing at all from the needle. Or you might feel a quick sting or pinch.
Risks
There is very little chance of having a problem from this test. When a blood sample is taken, a small bruise may form at the site.
Results
Your doctor will have your test results in a few days.
Normal
Each lab has a different range for what's normal. Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. The normal range is just a guide. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn't in the normal range may still be normal for you.
High values
- In men, a high level of testosterone may be caused by cancer of the testicles or adrenal glands.
- In boys younger than 10, a high level of testosterone may mean early (precocious) puberty, a tumour in the testicles, or an abnormal adrenal gland.
- In women, a high level of testosterone may be caused by cancer of the ovaries or adrenal glands or by polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). In rare cases, the part of the ovary that makes testosterone can become very sensitive to luteinizing hormone (LH), causing very high testosterone levels. This condition is called hyperthecosis.
Low values
- In men or boys who have gone through puberty, a low level of testosterone may be caused by a problem with the testicles, such as slow development of, an injury to, or a lack of testicles. It can also be caused from treatment with the female hormone estrogen, a problem with the pituitary gland, or many long-term (chronic) illnesses.
- A low testosterone level in men can also be caused by certain inherited diseases (such as Klinefelter syndrome or Down syndrome), liver disease (cirrhosis), or treatment for cancer of the prostate gland.
- Long-term (chronic) alcohol use can cause a low testosterone level.
- In women, a low level of testosterone may be caused by an underactive pituitary gland, Addison's disease, loss of ovary function through disease or surgery, and some medicines (such as corticosteroids or estrogen).
- Being very overweight, having long-term (chronic) pain, or taking some pain medicines can lower the level of sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This also decreases total testosterone level.
Related Information
Credits
Adaptation Date: 6/14/2023
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Date: 6/14/2023
Adapted By: HealthLink BC
Adaptation Reviewed By: HealthLink BC
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Learn how we develop our content.
Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated.
HealthLinkBC Files
HealthLinkBC Files are easy-to-understand fact sheets on a range of public health and safety topics including disease prevention and immunizations.
Find Services and Resources
If you are looking for health services in your community, you can use the HealthLinkBC Directory to find hospitals, clinics, and other resources.