Testosterone is important for maintaining muscle mass and strength, bone mass, fat distribution, sex drive, and sperm production in men.
SIGNS OF LOW T
LOW SEX DRIVE
DIFFICULTY WITH ERECTION
LOW SEMEN VOLUME
HAIR LOSS
FATIGUE
LOSS OF MUSCLE MASS
INCREASED BODY FAT
INCREASED BREAST SIZE AND/OR TENDERNESS
MOOD CHANGES - DEPRESSION, SADNESS
TENDERNESS OF BREAST TISSUE
SLEEP DISTURBANCE
OSTEOPOROSIS OR FRACTURE
LETHARGY OR DIMINISHED PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE are nearly universal, especially in older men.
Clinical Significance
Testosterone circulates almost entirely bound to transport proteins: Normally less than 1-2% is free. The principal transport protein for testosterone is known as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TeBG). Testosterone measurements are used to assess erectile dysfunction, infertility, gynecomastia, and osteoporosis and to assess hormone replacement therapy.
This test is to measure testosterone levels in men only. Women use test code 15983.
