Testosteron

Testosterone is the most important male sex hormone (androgen), which is produced in the testes, but also in small amounts in the ovaries and the adrenal cortex. It is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics and the regulation of libido, muscle mass, and bone density. The laboratory value measures the concentration of total testosterone in the blood.

A testosterone test is recommended for: Men with symptoms such as decreased libido, erectile dysfunction or muscle weakness Women with signs of androgen excess (e.g. increased body hair, acne, hair loss) Adolescents with delayed or precocious puberty Individuals suspected of hormonal disorders such as hypogonadism or PCOS (polycystic ovary syndrome)

The test serves the diagnosis of hormonal disorders, such as testosterone deficiency in men or androgen excess in women. It also helps in the monitoring of hormone therapies or in the diagnosis of tumors of the reproductive organs and adrenal glands.

A low testosterone level in men can lead to the following symptoms: Decreased sex drive Erectile dysfunction Loss of muscle mass and bone density An increased testosterone level in women can indicate diseases such as PCOS or adrenal tumors and lead to symptoms such as acne, hirsutism (increased body hair) and menstrual disorders. An increased testosterone level can also occur with substitution.

The testing should be carried out in the morning for men, as testosterone levels fluctuate during the day and are highest in the morning. For women, the testing can be carried out regardless of the cycle, but for specific questions it is better to do it in the follicular phase (beginning of the cycle).

Testosterone levels are age-dependent and decrease in men with increasing age. Certain lifestyle influences, such as overweight or chronic stress, can negatively affect testosterone levels.