Testosterone: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone.

The test described in this article measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood. Another test measures what is called "free" testosterone.

A blood sample is needed. For information on how this is done, see: Venipuncture

The recommended time of day to have a blood sample taken for this test is between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. It may need to be repeated a second time.

The health care provider may advise you to stop taking drugs that may affect the test.

When the needle is inserted to draw blood, some people feel moderate pain, while others feel only a prick or stinging sensation. Afterward, there may be some throbbing.

This test may be done if you have symptoms of abnormal male hormone (androgen) production.

In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone:

In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as:

Note: ng/dL = nanograms per deciliter

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Testosterone: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia

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