Testosterone is a male hormone, although it is also normally present in women. It is responsible for the formation of male sexual characteristics and functions, such as deep voice, facial hair, increased bone density and muscle mass; it is also directly related to libido, erection, penis size and testicles. It also plays a role in the production of red blood cells and sperm, and its concentration may decline with age. If you have doubts about the concentration of this hormone in your body, there are ways to measure it.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Test for Hypotestosteronemia
Step 1. Go to the doctor for tests
The simplest method is to contact the doctor, who performs a blood sample from the vein; in addition to this procedure, you are also subjected to a physical exam.
Step 2. Prepare for further investigation
Since hypotestosteronemia can indicate an underlying condition, such as a pituitary gland problem, liver disease, hereditary disease, or Addison's disease, your doctor may request several tests to learn about the ailment that afflicts you and that alters hormone concentrations. These tests vary based on the results of the physical exam, your medical history and the symptoms you complain about; the doctor may decide to evaluate thyroid function, diabetes, blood pressure, and the possibility of heart disease.
Step 3. Take an oral test
The level of testosterone can also be measured in saliva, although most doctors do not offer this possibility; the test is reasonably reliable, but it is too new a method and is not yet fully accepted. Search online to find the best labs that offer this kind of testing.
Step 4. The most common test is for "total testosterone," which is the hormone that binds to other proteins in the blood
If the results show an anomaly in this concentration, you are subjected to the test for "free" or bioavailable testosterone, which is also the most important data; however, it is a rather complex procedure and is not always done.
Tests for free testosterone are considered to be better indicators
Step 5. Evaluate the factors that interfere with the exam
There are elements that can alter the results, such as taking medicines that contain estrogen or testosterone (including the contraceptive pill), digoxin, spironolactone and barbiturates. Prostate cancer drugs can increase prolactin levels, which in turn adversely affects outcomes; hypothyroidism is another factor that interferes with the tests.
Step 6. Go for hormone replacement therapy
If hypotestosteronemia is found, discuss possible treatments with your doctor. You can get the hormone through transdermal patches, a gel, intramuscular injections, or with tablets that dissolve under the tongue.
There are also natural solutions, such as dietary changes, increased exercise and plants such as tribulus, Indian ginseng, ginkgo biloba, maca and yohimbe
Method 2 of 2: When to Take the Test
Step 1. Look for symptoms in men
Testosterone levels can vary from one individual to another, so it is difficult to tell when they are too low; Pay attention to your body to see if you have symptoms, such as:
- Problems with sexual functions, such as erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, reduced number and quality of erections;
- Smaller testicles
- Emotional problems, such as depression, irritability, anxiety, memory or concentration difficulties, lower self-esteem
- Sleep disorders;
- Increased fatigue or a general lack of energy
- Alterations of the body, such as abdominal fat, lower muscle mass accompanied by a reduction in strength and endurance, lower cholesterol levels, lower bone hardness and density;
- Swelling or tenderness of the mammary glands
- Loss of body hair
- Flushes.
Step 2. Look for symptoms in women
Women can also suffer from a reduction in testosterone concentration, but with different symptoms than men, namely:
- Decreased libido
- Fatigue;
- Less vaginal lubrication.
Step 3. Assess if you are at risk for hypotestosteronemia
There are many causes of this disorder and you should get tested if:
- You are advanced in years;
- You suffer from obesity and / or diabetes mellitus;
- You have suffered a trauma, injury or a testicular infection;
- You have undergone chemotherapy or radiotherapy for cancer;
- You suffer from chronic diseases, such as HIV / AIDS, or from kidney disease and liver disease;
- You suffer from some genetic diseases, such as Klinefelter syndrome, hereditary hemochromatosis, Kallmann syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and others;
- You are an alcoholic;
- You use drugs, such as heroin, marijuana, opioids, or abuse pain relievers;
- You are a heavy smoker;
- You have abused androgens in the past.
Step 4. Determine if you need to undergo exams
Testosterone concentration tests are performed on patients who exhibit certain characteristics and are justified if:
- Man has infertility problems;
- Man has problems with sexual functions;
- A boy under 15 exhibits early signs of puberty or an older boy does not seem to enter this stage of development;
- A woman develops masculine characteristics, such as excessive hair and a deep voice;
- A woman has irregular menstrual cycles;
- A prostate cancer patient is taking certain medications;
- A man suffers from osteoporosis.
Step 5. Be aware that the concentration of this hormone varies widely
It can change from man to man (and from woman to woman), throughout the day and from day to day; generally, it is higher in the morning and lower in the evening.
