Biochemistry

Full details for "Testosterone".

Name

Testosterone

Alternative name/Profile

Testo

Department

Biochemistry

Investigation

In males, testosterone measurement is useful in investigating suspected hypogonadism, abnormal pubertal development, and monitoring testosterone replacement therapy. In females, testosterone is useful in investigating hyperandrogenic states such as PCOS. In both sexes, testosterone is helpful in investigating suspected androgen-secreting tumours and subfertility.

Specimen type

Serum

Sample type

Sample container & volume

5 ml - Red Tube

Frequency of analysis

Analysis performed Mon - Fri by LCMS

Turnaround time

10 working days

Availability

Notes

Serum Testosterone

Testosterone is the major androgenic steroid hormone. In men it is primarily synthesised in the Leydig cells of the testes, where it is regulated by LH secreted by the anterior pituitary. A negative feedback control mechanism exists with the hypothalamus and pituitary. Testosterone is responsible for the development of secondary sexual characteristics in men, and serves to maintain the function of the prostate and seminal vesicles. Most of the circulating Testosterone is bound to the carrier protein SHBG.

In women, small quantities of testosterone are synthesised in the ovaries. In physiological concentrations, androgens have no specific effect on women. However, increased levels of Testosterone, can lead to virilisation and subfertility among other issues.

Clinical utility of Serum Testosterone analysis can include

In adults

Evaluating men with symptoms or signs of possible hypogonadism, including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia, osteoporosis, or infertility
Monitoring testosterone replacement therapy
Monitoring antiandrogen therapy (e.g, in prostate cancer, male-to-female transgender disorders etc.)
Evaluating women with hirsutism, virilization, and oligo/amenorrhea e.g. PCOS
Diagnosing androgen-secreting tumours

In paediatrics

Evaluating infants with ambiguous genitalia or virilization
Evaluating boys with delayed or precocious puberty

Helpful link

https://www.mayocliniclabs.com/test-catalog

Related links

Reference range

As of 12/02/24, please note new reference ranges for Testosterone

Testosterone nmol/L
Age (inclusive)	Male	Female
<1	≤ 4.01	≤ 3.27
1 -9 y	≤ 0.32	≤ 0.49
10 -14 y	0.11 - 25.78	0.14 - 1.74
15 -19 y	8.29 - 30.72	0.39 - 2.15
20 - 39 y	7.98 - 29.14	0.33 - 2.05
40 - 59 y	6.24 - 26.73	0.27 - 1.60
60 - 79 y	6.36 - 26.30	0.26 - 1.59