Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

IF YOU’RE LOW on energy, low on libido, and low on your gym gains despite well-programmed training—well, to be honest, any number of things could be to blame. These are some of the most generic and common afflictions, all signs of stress, depression, and poor diet—just to name a few. For adult females, testosterone is generally between 15 ng/dL and 70 ng/dL. Pharmacies and various companies may sell at-home testosterone tests.

Monitoring for signs like reduced energy, low libido, mood swings, decreased muscle mass, or difficulty with concentration can provide clues. Additionally, lifestyle changes such as regular exercise, a balanced diet rich in zinc and vitamin D, managing stress, and getting sufficient sleep can help maintain healthy testosterone levels. For an accurate measurement, however, a testosterone blood test is recommended. In summary, there are several symptoms and conditions that may warrant a testosterone level check. These include a decrease in libido or sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, fatigue or decreased energy levels, muscle mass loss, and mood changes. If an individual is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is advisable to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and whether a testosterone level check is necessary. A testosterone blood test measures the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream.

The most precise FT assay requires liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) and equilibrium-based dialysis methods (test code 36170). A healthcare professional should discuss your testosterone test results with you. If not, we encourage you to prompt such a discussion; it is important to understand how your results relate to your symptoms, general health, and long-term disease risk. Free testosterone is the amount of the hormone that’s readily available for the body to use. Bound testosterone is attached to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, which transport it through the body. If your doctor is drawing your blood—and potentially treating you for low T—make sure they’re board-certified and specialize in men’s health.

Testosterone, predominantly recognized as a male sex hormone, is also present in females, albeit in smaller quantities, exerting multifaceted effects on both genders6. In males, testosterone is integral to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair growth and deepening of the voice, as well as supporting reproductive function. Moreover, testosterone influences mood regulation, cognitive function, and bone density, contributing to psychological and skeletal health7,8. In females, while estrogen and progesterone are primary sex hormones, testosterone contributes to libido, energy levels, and overall vitality9.

One improvement I would make to the tests is clearer marking on the boxes and inserts stating which test you’re taking. If you order multiple tests, it can be unclear which test you’re taking until you activate it — or you have to search through the codes on the biohazard bags and test tube to work it out. It may be a really good fit for people who need results quickly and those who aren’t used to taking finger-prick tests. The ordering and testing process is very easy and relatively pain-free, and results come quickly.

Health professionals use LH and FSH readings to explore a possible cause of low testosterone and diagnose hypogonadism. Bioavailable testosterone includes testosterone that is free or loosely attached to albumin. Because of this, free testosterone is theorized—although still debated—to be a good proxy for how much of your testosterone is actively working. Measuring your SHBG level provides information about how much of your testosterone is active. Only testosterone that is free or attached to albumin is considered available for use. Is a Menopause Society Certified Practitioner and Founder of Balanced Medical PLLC and All Things Menopause™ LLC.

In this guide, we’ll explain everything about testosterone testing, from how it’s done to what your results mean. Normal testosterone levels support sexual development, libido, healthy muscles and bones, and mood. Guidelines vary, as do factors like age or medication use, but a normal level for an adult male typically ranges between 450 and 600 nanograms (ng) per deciliter (dL). Levels at 300 ng/dL or less are considered low and above 1,000 ng/dL is high. As a result, we observed significant effect sizes (ESs) for hormonal responses, particularly testosterone. The ES values ranged from medium to very large, indicating the robustness of the observed effects.

A doctor may order different tests based on what they suspect the issue is. As discussed above, testosterone’s primary role in women is to convert into estradiol. However, testosterone also influences primary and secondary sex characteristics (https://www.bcicentral.com/) such as clitoral size and breast development. Additionally, there is a rise in testosterone during ovulation, when the egg is released during the menstrual cycle. T is the prototypical male hormone, though it is also produced in females. In females, 25% of T is produced in the ovaries, 25% in the adrenal glands, and 50% in the peripheral conversion of androgen precursors. T is metabolized to dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and estradiol (E2) in both males and females.

Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn’t in the normal range may still be normal for you. They are usually highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. This causes boys to develop a deeper voice, get bigger muscles, make sperm, and get facial and body hair.

For people with borderline-low testosterone levels, a repeat test would show a normal range about 30% of the time. Testosterone tests are used to check blood levels of the sex hormone testosterone. This test is typically performed on a sample collected at a clinic or lab.