A testosterone test is used to check the level of male hormone (androgen) in your body. If you are worried that your testosterone level is abnormal, you can check your level of testosterone at home with a saliva test. You also can have your doctor perform a blood test.

Testosterone

Adequate testosterone is important for both men and women. It affects the health of muscles, bones, the brain, vascular system and genitals, and it improves sexual function, distribution of fat and energy level. Small amounts of testosterone are made in both men and women by the adrenal glands. In men, large amounts of testosterone are made by the testicles; in women, testosterone is produced by the ovaries.

Saliva testosterone test

The saliva testosterone test is an accurate and easy way check testosterone levels. It can be used in the privacy of your home, or you can ask your doctor to perform the test. Saliva test kits can be purchased on the Internet or from medical supply stores; prices range from $40 to $125. To do the test at home, simply collect saliva in the tubes provided in the kit a few times a day, as directed in the instructions. Then fill out the form included in the kit and mail it back with the tubes according to the directions. Your results should be available in a week to two weeks.

Testosterone blood test

Your doctor may advise that you get a testosterone blood test in his office. A "total" testosterone level checks the testosterone in your body; this is the most commonly used test. A "free" testosterone level checks the testosterone flowing in your bloodstream. Your doctor may choose to do this test as well. When you get a testosterone blood test, your doctor, nurse or lab technician will simply draw a vial of blood from your arm and send it to a laboratory. Tests usually are done in the morning, when your testosterone levels are highest. Your doctor should have the test results back in about a week.

Normal testosterone levels

A normal testosterone level for men is 30 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter. For women it's 20 to 80 nanograms per deciliter. You should discuss the results with your doctor so he can determine if you need supplemental testosterone or other therapies.

Why testosterone tests are done

Testosterone tests are done to check for infertility due to low sperm count, for erectile dysfunction, to check for early signs of puberty in boys, to check decreased sex drive in women, to determine why a woman is developing male features such as a low voice or excess body or facial hair, to diagnose the cause of irregular menstrual periods, to determine if testosterone-lowering medicines are working for treatment of prostate cancer or to find the reason for osteoporosis in a man.

Source:

Women in Balance

National Institutes of Health

MedlinePlus