This testosterone test #873 is used as an initial screening to determine of there is general low testosterone in men. This tests is commonly sold for $69 to over a thousand elsewhere. For a more sensitive level of testing use test #14966 as this is a common standard test used to test and treat all levels of low testosterone. Women use test #15983 to test testosterone levels for women only.
Why Test Testosterone Levels?
Testosterone is important for maintaining muscle mass and strength, bone mass, fat distribution, sex drive, and sperm production in men.
Low testosterone associations include:
Low energy
Reduced strength
Decreased cognitive function
Lower libido - low sex drive
Increased breast size
Depressed mood.
Symptoms of low testosterone:
(low libido
erectile dysfunction
osteoporosis or fracture
sleep disturbance
depressed mood
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.
