Testosterone Levels Test

Why is this analysis important?

The levels of testosterone vary in individuals – this can be dependent on sex, age as well as genetic variation. Furthermore, the type and level of exercise that individuals do can also affect levels. 

These points are especially important when one considers that after the age of 35 there is typically a 1-3% decrease in levels annually.

Due to the important role of testosterone on a number of systems in the body, low levels can result in the following signs and symptoms in both men and women:

• Low sex drive
• Low mood and irritability
• Fatigue
• Difficulty with concentration
• Reduced sense of well-being
• Thinning of bones (osteoporosis)
• Increased body fat – especially around the abdomen
• Reduced muscular strength

In men, beyond the list above, low testosterone can also present with infertility, erectile dysfunction and gynaecomastia (breast development).

The result of low Testosterone

Low Testosterone can be caused because of;

• Type 2 diabetes
• Kidney disease
• Liver disease
• Obesity
• Genetic disorders
• Long term steroid use
• Treatments used in cancer treatment
• Excessive alcohol use
• Infections – typically those that affect the testes

Though the above are more typically seen in men, alterations can occur in women as well.

High levels of testosterone are more uncommon, however can be seen in those who use anabolic steroids, as well as in some tumours. In women, high levels of testosterone is typically linked to polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) – which can present with infertility and acne.