What should a males testosterone levels be

You don't need to prepare for this test. But be sure your healthcare provider knows about all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines that don't need a prescription and any illegal drugs you may use. Search Encyclopedia. Total Testosterone Does this test have other names? Testosterone total , serum testosterone What is this test?

This condition can cause: Infertility Lack of menstruation Acne Obesity Blood sugar problems Extra hair growth, especially on the face Testosterone levels in men drop as they age. Why do I need this test? You may need this test if you have symptoms of low testosterone. Symptoms of low testosterone in men include: Large breasts Low sex drive or lack of interest in sex Trouble getting an erection Low sperm count and other fertility problems Changes in the testicles Weak bones Irritability Trouble concentrating Loss of muscle mass Hair loss Depression Fatigue Anemia Symptoms of low testosterone in women include: Fertility problems Missed or irregular menstrual periods Osteoporosis Low sex drive Changes in breast tissue Vaginal dryness What other tests might I have along with this test?

You may also have other blood tests to check hormone levels. How is this test done? Does this test pose any risks? What might affect my test results? Your doctor will help you make sense of your own situation. Having any one of the specific or non-specific symptoms may not mean that you have TD. But if you have a mix of symptoms, for instance, if you start to feel very tired and sad over a period of time and this is a change for you, you may want to check for TD.

Low sexual desire alone may not mean that you have TD. But if you have a combination of low sexual desire, reduced erectile function, and feelings of sadness and tiredness, you should talk to your doctor.

Basically, if your testicles keep making less testosterone than normal, your blood levels of testosterone will fall.

Many men who develop TD have Low-T levels linked to:. Although many symptoms may be tied to Low Testosterone Low-T , total blood testosterone level is the most important measure of testosterone deficiency.

To make a diagnosis, your doctor will use other specific signs and symptoms in addition to your testosterone blood level. At your medical visit, your health history will be taken, and the doctor will do an exam and look for some of the signs and symptoms mentioned in this article. You may hear about free testosterone or bioavailable tests for testosterone. These are not the same as total testosterone level tests. Ask your doctor about the differences and if you need these tests.

In recent years, the media has reported more about Testosterone Therpy TT , and more men between the ages of 40 and 64 have been tested and given TT. Some men with certain symptoms may even want TT without being tested.

This action may not be safe or helpful for them. Total testosterone level should always be tested before any TT. Here are some of the things you will need to know about TT:. There are generally five different ways to take testosterone. No method is better than another. While you are taking TT, your doctor will test your blood to determine testosterone levels. A topical patch is like a band-aid with medicine on it.

You put it on and leave it until the next dose is due. The medicine on the patch is less likely than liquids, gels and creams to transfer to others. You may want to choose how you take your testosterone based on what is best or most useful for you. In some cases, your insurance provider may decide the order in which testosterone therapies are provided. Talk about the choices with your doctor. There are some side effects of TT. Some side effects are mild while others are more serious.

You should ask your doctor or pharmacist about these side effects and watch for them while you are taking TT. Some of the side effects are as follows:. Remember that each person is unique, and each body responds differently to treatment. However, there is no strong evidence that TT will help memory recall, measures of diabetes, energy, tiredness, lipid profiles, or quality of life. You will need routine checkups to see that your testosterone level stays normal. In patients who are stable on TT, total testosterone and certain other lab tests should be checked every months.

If you are overweight, try to work on keeping your weight within recommended ranges. Increasing physical activity may help you lose weight and also may help increase testosterone levels. When you go to see your doctor, you may be a bit nervous. It will help if you make a list of the most important things on your mind. Here are some ideas:. Read the latest issue of Urology Health extra, the Urology Care Foundations patient-focused magazine.

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Because testosterone levels are usually higher in the morning, the blood test should be performed before a. Men over 45 can be tested until p. Risks associated with the blood test are rare but may include bleeding, pain at the injection site, or infection. While symptoms of lowering testosterone may be a normal part of aging, they could also be signs of other underlying factors.

These include:. If your testosterone level is too low, your doctor may suggest TRT. Testosterone is available as:. Some medications used to treat high testosterone levels in women include:. However, a gradual decrease is a normal part of aging. If you suspect you have low testosterone, you may wonder if your diet can help.

We explore ways to boost low testosterone, especially through food…. Testosterone helps maintain muscle mass, bone density, and sex drive. Get tips for boosting T naturally through sleep, weight loss, exercise, and more. Take a close look at how testosterone plays a crucial role in keeping your body healthy, as well as how you can increase your testosterone level…. It's common to lose interest in sexual activity from time to time, and your libido levels can vary throughout your life. Certain underlying conditions….

This should be repeated annually if treatment continues. The role of testosterone measurement in patients on testosterone treatment is not clear. Routine monitoring of testosterone levels is not required. However, in patients using injectable preparations, it may be useful to determine their trough level immediately prior to administering their next dose.

The target testosterone concentration is in the mid-normal range. Follow us on facebook. Decision support for health professionals ». South Island general practice support ». Practice acquisition and careers in health ». Click here to register ». Forgot your login? Login to my bpac. Remember me. Age-related testosterone decline in males Testosterone levels naturally decline with age in males.

Testosterone and ageing Testosterone deficiency in older males Measuring testosterone levels Testosterone replacement for late-onset hypogonadism in males References In this article. Testosterone and ageing Testosterone production in males is regulated by the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal HPG axis. Testosterone deficiency in older males Testosterone deficiency that occurs in association with advancing age is termed late-onset hypogonadism.

Table 1 : Signs and symptoms associated with testosterone deficiency in males 9 More specific Less specific Decreased or absent early morning erection Reduced libido Erectile dysfunction Breast discomfort, gynaecomastia Loss of facial, axillary and pubic hair Testicular atrophy Infertility Height loss, low velocity fractures, low bone mineral density Hot flushes, sweats Decreased energy, motivation and confidence vitality Depressed mood Poor concentration and memory Sleep disturbance and increased sleepiness Mild anaemia Reduced muscle bulk and strength Increased body fat Decreased physical performance N.

All of these signs and symptoms can be indicative of causes other than hypogonadism. Signs and symptoms should be interpreted in the context of the entire clinical picture. Primary and secondary hypogonadism Late-onset hypogonadism can result from primary or secondary causes, which can be due to congenital abnormalities or acquired disease.

Measuring testosterone levels Measurement of total serum testosterone see panel opposite is generally sufficient to diagnose testosterone deficiency. Who should be considered for testing? Investigating testosterone concentration Blood samples should be taken in the early morning as serum levels in males, particularly younger males, vary throughout the day, e.

Interpreting serum testosterone results If a single early morning testosterone level is within the reference range then no further testing is required. Secondary hypogonadism is suggested by low LH or an inappropriately normal LH in the context of consistently low testosterone levels Low LH with a clearly normal testosterone level suggests significant illness or exogenous supplementation Where secondary hypogonadism is suspected, a serum prolactin test should be requested as prolactinoma is a common type of pituitary tumour, which may be the cause of secondary hypogonadism.

Testosterone replacement for late-onset hypogonadism in males A three month trial of testosterone replacement may be considered in patients with clinically significant symptoms of hypogonadism and reproducible biochemical evidence of a testosterone deficiency, following a detailed discussion of the risks and benefits of treatment.

Evidence of adverse effects associated with testosterone replacement A meta-analysis of studies of adult men with low testosterone levels found that testosterone treatment was associated with a three-fold increase in the risk of polycythaemia and small, but significant reductions in HDL cholesterol. Prescribing testosterone In New Zealand, testosterone is available in the following forms: Orally as testosterone undecanoate, e.

Depending on baseline testosterone levels, treatment may be started at a lower dose to reduce the risk of adverse effects. Testosterone patches, e. Injectable intramuscular - either long-acting testosterone cypionate or testosterone esters, e. Testosterone deficiency in men. Diagnosis and management. Aust Fam Physician ;32 6 Age trends in the level of serum testosterone and other hormones in middle-aged men: longitudinal results from the Massachusetts male aging study.

J Clin Endocrinol Metab ;87 2 Managing the risks of prostate disease during testosterone replacement therapy in older men: recommendations for a standardized monitoring plan. J Androl ;24 3 Handelsman DJ. Androgen misuse and abuse. Pharmacoepidemiology of testosterone prescribing in Australia,