In boys, the testosterone is measured with the FSH and LH tests, if puberty is delayed or slow in developing. Although puberty begins at different times in different individuals, generally by the age of 10 years, there are hormonal and physical manifestations of the onset of puberty. A delay can occur if the testes do not produce enough testosterone or if the pituitary does not produce enough LH.The test may be performed if a young boy seems to be undergoing a very early (precocious) puberty with obvious secondary sex characteristics, such as an enlarged penis, development of muscle mass, deepening voice and growth of body hair.In men, the test may be performed when infertility is suspected or if the patient has a decreased sex drive or erectile dysfunction, which can result from low testosterone levels.In women, testosterone may be measured if a patient has irregular or no menstrual periods (amenorrhoea), is having difficulty getting pregnant, or appears to have masculine features, such as facial and body hair, male pattern baldness, and a low voice. Testosterone levels can rise because of tumours that develop in either the ovary or adrenal gland or because of other conditions, such as polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS).
Testosterone is a steroid hormone (androgen) made by the testes in males. The production of testosterone is stimulated and controlled by luteinising hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. In men, testosterone stimulates the enlargement of the penis, growth of body hair, muscle development, and a deepening voice. It is present in large amounts in boys during puberty and in men to regulate the sex drive and…Testosterone is a steroid hormone (androgen) made by the testes in males. The production of testosterone is stimulated and controlled by luteinising hormone (LH), which is manufactured in the pituitary gland. In men, testosterone stimulates the enlargement of the penis, growth of body hair, muscle development, and a deepening voice. It is present in large amounts in boys during puberty and in men to regulate the sex drive and maintain muscle mass. In women testosterone levels are about one tenth of those in men. Testosterone is produced both in small amounts from the ovary and by conversion from other weak androgens in the body. Testosterone is also produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women. How is the sample collected for testing? A blood sample is taken by needle from a vein in the arm. Because testosterone levels in the male are highest in the morning and lowest in the late afternoon and evening your doctor may ask you to have your blood taken in the early morning (about 9am). There is no preparation e.g. fasting required for this test. Is any test preparation needed to ensure the quality of the sample? No test preparation is needed. See MoreSee Less
