Testosterone level in adults over 19 years of age. If you have symptoms of low testosterone, such as decreased libido, fatigue, depression, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty concentrating, talk to your doctor to have your testosterone levels checked. During testosterone level tests, a sample of blood is drawn from a vein in the arm with a small needle. As you age, you'll likely see your total testosterone levels decrease by about 1.6 percent per year. Tests that measure only free testosterone can often reveal if you have certain medical conditions related to testosterone imbalances.
Whether you choose injectable testosterone or creams, simply starting testosterone therapy will guide you in the right direction toward a healthier life. Anabolic steroids have properties similar to those of testosterone, and some people use them to build muscle or gain weight. The most common type of testosterone test is the total testosterone test, which measures free testosterone in the blood and protein-bound testosterone. In women, testosterone helps facilitate the growth of reproductive tissue and bone mass, although it is produced in much smaller quantities than in men.
It is possible to find the right testosterone balance by consulting with your doctor, and you need to be willing to test your testosterone levels before starting treatment and, in the future, on a routine basis. When the level of testosterone gets out of balance, it's usually too low rather than too high. Men who take anabolic steroids or use testosterone therapy without a doctor's supervision may also have high levels, Dr. While research is still limited, low doses of testosterone may be useful for post-menopausal care, decreased libido, gender-affirming care, and more.
Men begin to generate higher amounts of testosterone during puberty, which is when their voices begin to deepen and they begin to experience changes in muscle mass, body hair growth, and sexual desire. Regardless of whether you're a man or a woman with testosterone imbalances, your doctor will work with you individually to develop an individualized treatment plan. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men and is responsible for the growth of muscles, body hair, testicles and the penis. It's common to lose interest in sexual activity from time to time, and libido levels can vary over a lifetime.
