Testosterone test

Testosterone in the human body

In men, testosterone is produced by Leydig cells spread in the testicles, whereas in women – by the ovaries and adrenal cortex, as well as by the placenta during pregnancy.

Testosterone synthesis begins as early as around the 8th week of foetal life and is responsible for the development of sex characteristics.

Testosterone controls:

• the development of male sex characteristics,
• the formation and maturation of spermatozoa (the so-called spermatogenesis),
• the development of secondary sex characteristics (e.g. hair growth on the face),
• the synthesis of proteins and the inhibition of protein breakdown,
• the retention of sodium, potassium and phosphorus in the body,
• the increase of skeletal muscle mass,
• the increase of bone mineral density,
• the decomposition of the adipose (fatty) tissue,
• the level of sexual drive.

The level of testosterone is characterised by significant circadian differences. The highest testosterone levels in men can be observed from the morning until midday, while the lowest – close to the sleeping time.

Testosterone norms

The concentration of testosterone gradually decreases with age – by approx. 1.6% per year.

Low testosterone concentrations negatively affect the mental and physical health. The expected effects include erectile dysfunctions, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased volumes of the visceral fat (in the abdominal area) and decreased bone mass density. Moreover, such a condition may be accompanied by mood swings and cognitive disorders.

When should the testosterone test be done?

The following symptoms, depending on sex, are indications for doing the test:

Symptoms of low testosterone concentration levels are diagnosed in men:

• with low sexual desire,
• suffering from erectile dysfunctions,
• with fertility disorders,
• with improperly developed breast tissue,
• complaining of hair loss (baldness),
• with an observed loss of muscle mass.

In the case of women, symptoms that indicate increased testosterone concentration levels include:

• acne,
• irregular menstruation,
• deep (masculine) voice,
• excessive hair growth on the body and face,
• increased body weight.

Assessing the concentration levels of testosterone in men and women may help to diagnose the following disorders:

• infertility in men and women,
• testicular failure,
• decreased sex drive in men and women,
• testicular cancers,
• premature or delayed maturation in boys,
• excessive development of masculine features in women,
• irregular menstruation in women.

Testosterone – preparation and the test

The testosterone test does not require any particular preparation. It involves taking a blood sample from the ulnar (elbow) vein, which is done according to the following procedure:

1. Disinfecting the skin.
2. Fitting a tourniquet.
3. Applying pressure at the collection site.

On the day of the test:

• Patients should be on an empty stomach, which means that no meals can be consumed for about 8-12 hours before the test.
• They are allowed to drink a small amount of water in the morning hours.
• Where possible, the test should be performed before patients take their morning dose of medicines, unless their physician instructs otherwise.
• The blood should be collected in the morning hours.
• Before the test, patients should remain at rest for 10-15 minutes (in a sitting position).
• Physical exercise, including moderate effort, such as walking or climbing stairs, may alter the values of laboratory tests.

There are no contraindications to this test.

Testosterone test results

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of any Medicover Centre.
• The results can be accessed online. To do this, you have to visit the reception desk to generate a password in the centre of your choice.