What is it?
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone and an anabolic steroid in men. It plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as penis, testes and prostate, as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics such as increased muscle and bone mass, and the growth of body/facial hair, as well as being responsible for sperm production and sex drive.
In women, testosterone is produced in the ovaries and adrenal gland. It is one of several male sex hormones in females. Testosterone affects ovarian processes and bone strengh, and needs to be balanced with estrogen and other androgens, for the reproductive system to work normally.
Reference ranges
If your indicative testosterone concentration is lower than the reference range for our laboratory:
Every year, generally, testosterone level in a body of a man drops by a few percent, so lower levels with age are normal. Very low levels may cause erectile disfunction and a reduced sex drive.
Please discuss this result with your GP.
If your indicative testosterone concentration level is higher than the reference range for our laboratory:
Concentration of testosterone in your body can vary hugely over time and even during the day. It is difficult to define symptoms in terms of cause and effect of high testosterone, but generally the symptoms can be a low sperm counts, heart and skeletal muscle damage, prostate enlargement, increased risk of cardiovascullar disease or problems with liver, as well as an increased risk of developing blood clots.
In women, polycystic ovary syndrome is a common condition in pre-menopausal stage, causing irregular periods, reduced fertility, excess hair, weight gain, depression or anxiety.
Please discuss this result with your GP.
