Testosterone tests show key hormone levels and have an influence on health in ways many people don't know. Many people think of testosterone as exclusively male, but this hormone exists naturally in both men's and women's bodies. The hormone influences everything from sex drive to muscle development.

Testosterone prescriptions have risen sharply over the past decade. This surge reflects the medical community's growing focus on hormone monitoring. Blood samples help doctors determine if testosterone levels stay within normal ranges through specific testing. Adult men's normal plasma testosterone measurements typically range from 8.7–29 nmol/L (250–836 ng/dL). Doctors rely on testosterone blood tests as a key diagnostic tool to spot hormone imbalances, whatever the patient's sex. This article breaks down the testing process and explains what unusual results might mean.

What is the Plasma Testosterone Levels Test?

A plasma testosterone levels test measures the amount of testosterone hormone in your blood. This specific test goes beyond simple hormone checks by measuring how testosterone moves through your bloodstream in two distinct forms.

Your bloodstream carries testosterone in different ways. About 60% binds tightly to a protein called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), while 38% loosely attaches to albumin and other proteins. A small portion exists as "free" testosterone - the active form your body can use.

Your doctor can order three different types of tests:

• Total testosterone test: Measures both bound and free testosterone - this is the most common test.
• Free testosterone test: Measures only the unbound testosterone.
• Bioavailable testosterone test: Measures free testosterone plus testosterone attached to proteins other than SHBG.

When Should You Get the Plasma Testosterone Levels Test?

Tests done in the morning give the most accurate results because testosterone levels follow a natural daily pattern. Men under 45 should get tested between 7:00-10:00 am during peak levels. Men aged 45 and older can get tested any time before 2:00 pm since their daily variations become less pronounced with age. 

Women's levels show less dramatic changes throughout the day.

You might need testing if you notice:

• Changes in sex drive or function
• A big drop in energy levels
• Unexplained muscle loss (men) or gain (women)
• Different hair growth patterns
• Fertility issues

Why Do I Need a Plasma Testosterone Levels Test

This test helps with diagnosis, monitoring, and screening. Doctors use it to find out why you might have specific symptoms. Men often show erectile dysfunction, reduced muscle mass, or unexpected hair loss. Women might have irregular periods, excessive facial hair, or voice changes.

The test tracks how well treatments work. To cite an instance, transgender men on masculinising hormone therapy need testosterone testing every three months during their first year, then once or twice yearly.

It also helps detect health issues. Low testosterone might point to pituitary problems, while high levels could indicate certain cancers or polycystic ovary syndrome.

Procedure for Plasma Testosterone Levels Test

The test needs a simple blood draw from your arm's vein. Your doctor will:

• Put an elastic tourniquet around your upper arm
• Clean the area with an antiseptic wipe
• Insert a small needle into your vein
• Collect blood in a vial
• Remove the needle and press to stop bleeding
• Cover the site with a bandage

You will spend less than five minutes on the whole process. Most people feel just a slight sting and can resume their normal activities right after.

How to Prepare for the Plasma Testosterone Levels Test?

Good preparation will give accurate results: 

• Book your test early in the morning during peak testosterone levels. 
• Your doctor might ask you to avoid food and drinks (except water) for several hours before the test.
• Talk to your doctor about your medications. Some medicines can change your results.
• Sleep well (7-9 hours) the night before your test. Poor sleep can lower testosterone levels, especially later in the day. 
• Skip hard workouts 24 hours before testing since intense exercise can affect your hormone levels temporarily.

What Abnormal Results Mean

Results outside normal ranges might show health issues that need more investigation.

A. Low testosterone in men could indicate:

• Primary hypogonadism (testicular problems)
• Secondary hypogonadism (pituitary/hypothalamus issues)
• Chronic diseases affecting liver or kidney function
• Genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome

B. High testosterone in men might point to:

• Testicular tumours
• Adrenal disorders
• Steroid use

C. Women with high testosterone might have:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• Ovarian cancer
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Adrenal or pituitary disorders

D. Women’s low testosterone could relate to:

• Menopause
• Ovarian insufficiency
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Malnutrition

Keep in mind that abnormal results alone can't diagnose any condition - they help guide further medical investigation based on your complete health profile.

Conclusion

Testosterone plays a bigger role in your body. Both men and women need the right testosterone levels to stay healthy, even though many see it as just a male hormone. The testing process is simple, but you need to prepare well to get accurate results.

Unusual test results can point to several health conditions rather than give a specific diagnosis. Low testosterone might mean issues with your testes, pituitary gland, or other chronic conditions. High levels could suggest tumours or hormone disorders. Women with high testosterone often have conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome.

Your doctor will look at these results with your symptoms and medical history. A single test does not give the full picture. More tests help build a better understanding of your hormone health, especially if you notice changes in your sex drive, feel unusually tired, or see unexpected physical changes.

Knowing your testosterone levels helps you make better health choices. This simple blood test can teach you about your overall health, whether you have puzzling symptoms or need to track your treatment progress. Reach out to your doctor if you think hormone imbalances affect your health.

FAQs

1. What happens if Plasma Testosterone Levels is high?

High testosterone levels affect men and women differently. 

In men:

• Aggressive behaviour 
• Acne and oily skin
• Sleep troubles, including insomnia
• Headaches 
• Heart issues
• High blood pressure
• Fertility problems with lower sperm count

In women:

• Polycystic ovary syndrome
• Irregular or missing menstrual periods
• Extra facial and body hair growth
• Acne and skin issues

2. What happens if Plasma Testosterone Levels are low?

Men with low testosterone usually experience:

• Lower sex drive and erection problems
• Body hair loss and smaller testicles
• Less muscle mass and strength
• Tiredness and low energy
• Mood changes, including depression
• Memory and concentration issues

3. What are normal Plasma Testosterone Levels?

Normal testosterone ranges differ by age and sex:

• Adult men: 300-1,000 ng/dL or 8.7-29 nmol/L
• Adult women: 15-70 ng/dL

Men's testosterone peaks at age 19 and naturally drops 1-2% each year after 30.

4. What is the indication for the Plasma Testosterone Levels test?

Doctors recommend this test to check:

• Unexplained tiredness or weakness
• Changes in sexual function
• Fertility issues
• Unusual patterns of hair growth or loss
• Women's irregular menstrual cycles
• Unexpected weight changes
• Mood changes or depression

5. Can stress affect testosterone levels?

Chronic stress has a direct effect on testosterone production. The body's stress hormone (cortisol) and testosterone work opposite to each other—as one rises, the other falls.

Studies show that long-term stress reduces testosterone production. Different types of stress have varied effects. Competition might briefly raise testosterone levels, but ongoing stress leads to lower levels.

6. How to increase testosterone levels naturally?

These lifestyle changes can help boost testosterone:

• Weight loss makes a difference—testosterone rises about 1 point for each BMI point lost
• Mix cardio with strength training
• Get quality sleep—the body produces most testosterone during deep sleep
• Cut back on alcohol—stick to less than two drinks a day
• Practise stress management techniques
• Eat foods rich in zinc, vitamin D and omega-3 fatty acids