Testosterone is a steroid androgenic hormone that promotes the development of secondary sexual characteristics, puberty, and normal sexual function.
- Testosterone has anabolic effects on muscle tissue, supports bone development, regulates sebaceous gland activity, and participates in the synthesis of liver lipoproteins.
- It also modulates the synthesis of β-endorphins and insulin.
- In men, testosterone plays a crucial role in the psychophysiological characteristics of the reproductive system, secondary sexual characteristics, libido, spermatogenesis, potency, and sexual behavior.
- In women, testosterone is involved in follicular regression in the ovaries and the regulation of gonadotropic hormones from the pituitary gland.
Testosterone Level Variations
- In men, testosterone levels increase during adolescence, remain high until around age 60, and then gradually decline.
- Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, peaking in the morning and reaching their lowest levels in the evening.
- In women, the highest testosterone levels occur during the luteal phase of ovulation.
- During pregnancy, testosterone levels triple by the third trimester.
- Testosterone concentration declines during menopause.
- The analysis is performed on a blood sample drawn from a vein.
- The test should be taken after 8–14 hours of fasting.
- Before the test, avoid emotional and physical stress and alcohol consumption.
- For women, unless otherwise directed by a doctor, the test is best performed on days 2–4 of the menstrual cycle
- The specific day of the menstrual cycle is not critical for a one-time testosterone assessment, as hormonal fluctuations remain within reference ranges.
For Both Men and Women:
- Infertility
- Hair loss
- Acne
- Oily seborrhea
- Aplastic anemia
- Adrenal tumors
- Monitoring during glucocorticoid and androgen therapy
For Women:
- Hirsutism
- Anovulation
- Amenorrhea
- Oligomenorrhea
- Dysfunctional uterine bleeding
- Miscarriages
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
- Androgenital syndrome
- Uterine fibroids
- Endometriosis
- Breast tumors
- Uterine and breast hypoplasia
For Men:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased libido
- Male menopause (andropause)
- Primary and secondary hypogonadism
- Chronic prostatitis
- Osteoporosis
Causes of Increased Testosterone Levels
- Cushing's disease and syndrome
- Androgenital syndrome (in women)
- Testosterone-producing testicular tumors
- XYY karyotype (47, XYY syndrome)
- Ovarian tumors
- Decreased sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) levels
Medications That Increase Testosterone Levels:
- Danazol
- Finasteride
- Flutamide
- Levonorgestrel
- Mifepristone
- Moclobemide
- Nafarelin
- Nilutamide
- Phenytoin
Other Factors That Increase Testosterone:
- Excessive physical exercise
Causes of Decreased Testosterone Levels
- Glucocorticoid therapy
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Hypogonadism
- Chronic prostatitis
- Obesity
Lifestyle Factors That Decrease Testosterone:
- Consumption of fast-digesting carbohydrates
- Vegetarianism
- Fasting
- Alcoholism