TESTOSTERONE, FREE and TOTAL

Why Test Testosterone Levels?

Testosterone is important for maintaining muscle mass and strength, bone mass, fat distribution, sex drive, and sperm production in men.

SIGNS OF LOW T

• LOW SEX DRIVE
• DIFFICULTY WITH ERECTION
• LOW SEMEN VOLUME
• HAIR LOSS
• FATIGUE
• LOSS OF MUSCLE MASS
• INCREASED BODY FAT
• INCREASED BREAST SIZE AND/OR TENDERNESS
• MOOD CHANGES - DEPRESSION, SADNESS
• TENDERNESS OF BREAST TISSUE

• SLEEP DISTURBANCE
• OSTEOPOROSIS OR FRACTURE
• LETHARGY OR DIMINISHED PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE are nearly universal, especially in older men.

Clinical Significance

Testosterone circulates almost entirely bound to transport proteins: Normally less than 1-2% is free. The principal transport protein for testosterone is known as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or testosterone-estradiol binding globulin (TeBG). Testosterone measurements are used to assess erectile dysfunction, infertility, gynecomastia, and osteoporosis and to assess hormone replacement therapy.

This test is to measure testosterone levels in men only. Women use test code 15983.