Testosterone tests are vital for both men and women to check the level of hormones. High and low hormone levels in both sexes can cause various health issues, including sex-related ones. Therefore, you might need the test if you suspect high or low hormones. There are many questions that many people ask about hormone tests. We have compiled the most common ones to help you understand the test and how it happens.
What is a hormone test?
A hormone test involves taking a blood test to confirm the level of hormones. Both men and women have hormones produced in their bodies, only at different levels. Low or high hormone levels can cause health problems. Hence, you must go for the test if you have low or high hormone symptoms.
What should I expect during the test?
The healthcare provider will need to take blood samples for the test. Therefore you will clean the area where the blood needs to be drawn. The doctor will then use a needle to collect the blood sample. The test is quick and easy. You might only feel a little sting from the needle and wait for five minutes only to get the results.
When do I need the test?
You should go for the test if you have low or high hormones. Some medical conditions related to low hormones in males include low libido, erectile dysfunction, hair loss, infertility, and low muscle mass. A woman with high testosterone levels may experience symptoms like weight gain, acne, voice deepening, excess body and facial hair, and irregular periods. By looking at these symptoms, it is crucial to learn if you need a testosterone test.
What does the test show?
Testosterone in the body exists as bound and free testosterone. Therefore, the test might show free testosterone, which may be useful when diagnosing a specific medical issue. It will also show total testosterone, including free and bound testosterone. The test will determine if your hormone levels are low or high. Therefore, the results will vary with age and sex. In males, low hormone levels might mean an issue with the pituitary gland, while high hormone levels could be a tumor in the testicles or adrenal glands. The results are different in women. Low hormones could mean an issue with the pituitary gland, while high levels might indicate ovarian cancer or other medical conditions like hirsutism and PCOS.
Are there risks of hormone tests?
Hormone tests have low risks with no complications. You may only have a little bruising and discomfort on the area injected. However, the bruise goes away with time.
How will I prepare for the test?
You don’t need any special preparation for the test. However, the doctor might recommend pausing certain medications. They will also inform you of the other instructions you need to follow.
How do I know if my testosterone level is low?
The blood test will tell you if your hormone level is low. Therefore, if you are experiencing symptoms associated with low hormones, it may be a great idea to talk to your doctor. Not every person may have these symptoms. However, if you notice hair loss, infertility, low sex drive, and erectile dysfunction, it may indicate low testosterone.
Can masturbation cause low hormones?
Masturbation does not have any effect on the level of hormones or their production. However, please learn about the risks of masturbation in general.
What is normal testosterone?
Hormone levels vary from one person to another based on lifestyle and other factors like weight and stress levels. Therefore, there is no specific level for everyone. Generally, hormones start to hike in puberty for both males and females and decline with time. Women start to experience low levels when they get to the menopause stage.
Do low hormones indicate a medical issue?
Low hormone levels do not mean you have a medical condition. However, there are medical conditions that may cause low hormone levels. If you do not have any health or physical issues, even if the test shows your hormone level is low, the doctor may not recommend any treatment. However, you will need additional tests to ensure you don’t have any underlying medical condition. You may then be advised to take foods that help boost the level of hormones.
Takeaways
It is crucial to take a hormone test to check your testosterone level, especially if you have any symptoms. The test involves taking a blood sample. It is quick, painless, and has no complications. Remember, you may need additional tests depending on the test results.
