If you’re a man over age 65, it’s a good idea to check your testosterone levels. Low levels of this male hormone are associated with a variety of health problems. Some of the most common include infertility, osteoporosis, lowered sperm count, decreased muscle mass, and mood swings.
Although there’s no single test that will tell you exactly what’s going on in your body, a blood test can give you an idea of your testosterone level. The most important thing to remember is that the results can vary due to different factors. You should discuss your results with your healthcare provider and determine what they mean for you.
The most common type of test is the total testosterone level. This is a measure of both the bound and free forms of the hormone. It’s best to get two samples from your bloodstream. Ideally, the first sample should be collected early in the morning. This is the best time to take the test, because testosterone is at its highest.
The total testosterone levels below 8.0 nmol/L are considered equivocal, while those above 11.0 nmol/L are considered normal. Your blood may also contain other measurable amounts of testosterone. Medications, activity, illness, and reference ranges all can affect your results. If your doctor orders a testosterone test, they’ll examine your health history and other signs and symptoms to help determine if you have the condition.
A testosterone home testing kit will provide you with everything you need to send a sample to the lab for a quick and accurate reading. You can find them online or in your local drug store. These kits are very popular and several companies make them. The kits are available without a prescription.
Other tests can be performed on the same sample, including a bone density test. If your testosterone is in the lower reaches of the scale, you may have issues with bone fractures, insulin resistance, and a decrease in muscle mass.
Other tests, such as a luteinizing hormone test, can tell you if your pituitary gland is working correctly. A test can show if your luteinizing hormone is too low or too high, which can indicate a tumor or other pituitary problem.
You should always talk to your health care provider about your symptoms, especially if you notice hot flashes, fatigue, and other low T related symptoms. They can help you figure out the root cause of your problems and prescribe a treatment plan if necessary.
While there are some things you can do to treat your low T, the main solution is to increase your testosterone levels. It can be done naturally with exercise and weight loss. You can also try using a testosterone replacement therapy (TT) product. You’ll need to have regular follow up appointments. However, it’s easy to do.
The most important thing to remember is that testosterone is a very important hormone. It’s one of the main hormones involved in the production of sperm and a healthy sex drive. It can affect a variety of other functions, too. In fact, the hormone is known to help regulate glucose and insulin in the body.