Low testosterone levels can lead to a decreased sex drive and sexual dysfunction. It’s normal for testosterone levels to decrease with age or with the use of certain medications like corticosteroids or opiate pain medication. For those making lifestyle changes or working to boost their hormone health, this testosterone test can help you keep tabs on your testosterone levels and establish a baseline. Some men experience symptoms even when total testosterone is normal, which is why measuring both free and total testosterone levels offer deeper insights. Longitudinal data suggests that males with lower testosterone generally have a shorter lifespan (i.e., are at a higher risk of all-cause mortality) than those with testosterone levels in the healthy range.
Recognising the signs of low testosterone is therefore important for timely intervention. Health professionals use LH and FSH readings to explore a possible cause of low testosterone and diagnose hypogonadism. A general rule of thumb is that free testosterone less than 50–65 pg/mL is considered low. Because of this, free testosterone is theorized—although still debated—to be a good proxy for how much of your testosterone is actively working. Bioavailable testosterone includes testosterone that is free or loosely attached to albumin. Only testosterone that is free or attached to albumin is considered available for use.
Many were not aware that low T could be the underlying cause of their debilitating symptoms. However, if you experience chronic low T despite living an otherwise healthy lifestyle, then you might be a good candidate for TRT (and it will be much safer). This is not to say that low T can also come about due to factors that are out of your control, such as a pituitary malfunction or an accident that critically damages your testicles. By the same token, drinking excessive alcohol and being obese can also reduce testosterones.
If initial testosterone results are high or low, a health professional will usually recommend a repeat test in the following weeks. A testosterone blood test is the withdrawal and assessment of your blood. Total testosterone measures all testosterone in your blood, while free testosterone measures only the unbound, active form. While testosterone therapy can be given in other forms, our doctors have found that testosterone injections are the safest and most effective form of testosterone therapy. The free testosterone test may help give more information when total testosterone is low. Once we determine what your unique optimal level is, we can tailor treatments that will get you in that zone, so you can perform at your personal best, regardless of your age. "Total testosterone" refers to all of the testosterone in your blood at a given time.
Additionally, Gameday always measure PSA levels and hematocrit before prescribing TRT. Routine blood testing and medication adjustments can help avoid these issues.. A relatively small number of males who start TRT will experience some initial side effects of testosterone use, such as oily skin, acne, breast swelling or inflammation, and night sweats. Of course, we can’t rule out the fact that men these days are just more proactive about their health, as well as being more knowledgeable about how important testosterone is for their well-being. While you may exhibit several (or all) of these symptoms, it’s essential to confirm that you have low T with the appropriate blood work. For example, not sleeping enough and being chronically stressed out are two common factors that decrease testosterone in males.
It’s the primary androgenic steroid in humans, meaning it promotes the development of male sexual characteristics. While the advantages and benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) are promising, is TRT safe for men? Countless men across America – and the rest of the world – are being prescribed testosterone (either as an injection, gel, or skin patch) to restore their health and vitality. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health.