Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

“Both can interfere with testosterone production, especially when used regularly or excessively during your teens and 20s,” he says. Research from the American Urological Association Education and Research Inc. suggests a link between marijuana use and lower testosterone levels. Meanwhile, one Journal of Clinical Medicine study reports that regular alcohol consumption can damage the Leydig cells responsible for testosterone production. To support hormone balance, Houman recommends cutting back on these substances or discussing a reduction plan with your healthcare provider.

These include cutting back on drinking or smoking, reducing stress and increasing physical activity. The condition is also referred to as testosterone deficiency or hypogonadism. A doctor has highlighted the major signs of low testosterone to keep an eye out for on a day-to-day basis. Certain medications such as fluoxymesterone (Halotestin), testosterone supplements, and anabolic steroids may also cause a what does high testosterone mean T reading. Additionally, a female may have low T due to the removal of the ovaries or if they have adrenal insufficiency where the adrenal glands do not work correctly.

These kits usually require a blood or saliva sample that is sent off to a lab for analysis. While these kits may provide some information about your testosterone levels, they are generally not as accurate as tests conducted in a medical laboratory. Additionally, it is important to consider that self-administered tests may not be performed correctly, leading to inaccurate results. While these symptoms may indicate low testosterone levels, it’s important to note that they can also be caused by other factors or medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and whether a testosterone level check is necessary.

One example is the dried blood spot test, which involves collecting a small amount of blood on a filter paper and measuring testosterone levels from this sample. This test is particularly useful for individuals who have difficulty providing a traditional blood sample, such as children or individuals with a fear of needles. Like the name suggests, this test involves collecting urine over a 24-hour period and measuring the amount of testosterone present in the urine.

Measuring free testosterone levels can be done through a calculation called the Free Androgen Index (FAI) or by using equilibrium dialysis. The FAI is a calculation that takes into account the ratio between total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds testosterone in the blood. Equilibrium dialysis, on the other hand, directly measures the amount of free testosterone using a more sophisticated laboratory technique.

Testosterone test results are described on a reference range of values, meaning a high and a low value between which testosterone levels are considered normal. Hyperandrogenism is more common in females and can manifest with virilization (the developmental secondary sexual characteristics more typical for males) and other symptoms. Males can also be affected, but symptoms are often non-specific or only appear when testosterone levels are excessively high. A testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone in the blood.

A 2020 meta-analysis found that TRT significantly improved depressive symptoms in men with low testosterone. The widespread decline in T levels also has implications for society as a whole, says Houman. Anyone who thinks they have symptoms of low T should contact a doctor.

The technician who draws your blood is skilled, so the procedure has little room for error. If an at-home testosterone test suggests that you have low testosterone, Hourman recommends following up with a blood test at a lab. “Laboratories often use standardized methods and are subject to quality controls that ensure more precise measurements,” he says. “Tiredness, Weight Loss, and Itching Are Signs of This Dangerous Liver Disease.” Rupa Health, 3 May 2022, /post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease. Testosterone imbalances can lead to a variety of symptoms, depending on whether levels are too low or too high.

One is the Women’s Hormone Test, for women and people AFAB, which evaluates 10 of the key female reproductive hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol among others. No test will replace a doctor’s diagnosis, and at-home kits are unable to diagnose any condition that may be causing low T. Anyone who gets any atypical values from a home test or typical values when they have clinical symptoms should speak with a doctor. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that at-home tests can help to monitor and detect potential health conditions.