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Biochemistry


Full details for "Testosterone".  

Name

 Testosterone

Alternative name/Profile

 Testo

Department

 Biochemistry

Investigation

 Serum Testosterone measurement is clinically useful in males for the investigation of suspected hypogonadism, for monitoring testosterone replacement and anti-androgen therapy. In females it has a role in the investigation of suspected hyperandrogenism e.g. PCOS. For more details on background and clinical application and utility of serum testosterone see NOTES section below.

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

 

Last updated

Thu, 03 Apr 2025 20:35:27 IST


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