General information about testosterone

Among the main hormones of the male body, the main place is occupied by testosterone. It belongs to the group of androgens that are produced in the genitals of men and women. This hormone has a huge effect on the male body: it regulates the production of seminal material (sperm), takes an important part in the growth of muscles and bone material, participates in the formation of genitals and controls libido.

With violations of the production of this androgen, negative changes occur in the body, which are reflected in the behavior and development of the male body. If abnormalities in the patient's sexual development are found, or other factors indicating a change in the androgen rate, it is necessary to conduct a laboratory test for the level of the hormone in the human blood. To do this, you need to know how to get tested for testosterone correctly and what it is.

Why research?

For every man, at different stages of his age, you need to keep the state of your body under control. Monitoring the level of sex hormones is one of the most important studies that is done to determine developmental abnormalities. For boys who have not reached puberty, a testosterone test can detect true or false indicators of premature puberty.

Adult male patients are prescribed to donate blood to determine the level of androgenic hormones, including testosterone, if pathologies or symptoms of diseases of the genital area were found. A blood test for the level of the hormone allows you to analyze the stages and form of development of the man's body. In the case of a decrease in the amount of androgen, the patient may experience significant changes: the figure becomes similar to that of a woman, the occurrence of hypogonadism and gynecomastia is noted.

A large number of signs have been noted, upon the appearance of which doctors prescribe an analysis for androgen testosterone in men, explain how to take it correctly, and prescribe the necessary treatment.

These pathologies are:

• Deformities, tumors or lesions of the male testicles.
• Signs of progressive baldness or obesity.
• Problems in male sexual development. Weak sex drive or excessive sexual activity.
• Symptoms of reproductive disorders. Problems with conceiving a child, malfunctions in sexual functions.
• Signs of prostatitis, manifestation of purulent acne, osteoporosis.
• Weak albumin levels.

When donating blood for the study of hormone indicators, the doctor has the opportunity to confirm the alleged diagnosis, or determine an additional pathology.

Research is carried out in specialized medical laboratories, the patient's blood serum is taken as a substance for analysis. A material is taken from a person, then laboratory procedures are carried out with him. The results of the study appear one day after the analysis. Based on these data, the doctor determines all possible pathologies and diagnoses the patient. Before the test procedure for testosterone, a man needs to follow the necessary rules to obtain an accurate result.

How to properly prepare for the analysis?

Most patients have a question, what is a testosterone test in men? In order to get an accurate research result, you need some training and knowledge of some of the features.

If you do not prepare correctly, then the responsibility for the result of the study lies with the patient. A blood test for testosterone in men is given by injection, in which the patient's venous blood is taken. Determine the level of the hormone - by ELISA. A marked reagent is added to the test sample, which interacts only with a specific hormone, staining the sample. Next, the intensity of the resulting color is studied, and the amount of the hormone in the blood is determined. This method is very accurate and reliable. Only the human factor can influence the final result.

Laboratory test results

Throughout life, the body is constantly changing hormonal levels. Including testosterone levels in men periodically fluctuate. Between birth and puberty, the amount of the hormone is constantly increasing.

From the age of 35, the level of androgen in the body begins to decline. Therefore, at different periods of the development of the male body, it is recommended to be tested for the level of androgenic hormones. Before going to a medical institution, you need to find out what testosterone is and how to donate blood for research correctly.

Types and forms of androgen in the body

The hormone that is in the patient's blood can be free and bound.

There is a definition - total testosterone, this includes a set of three types of androgen: free + associated with globulin + compound with albumin. The bound and free form of androgen is called bioavailable testosterone, which exhibits biological activity.

Normal test results

Androgen values change at different times of the day. The greatest amount of testosterone in a man's blood is recorded in the morning, and by the evening the indicator decreases

The norms of the hormone in the blood depend on the age of the patient and differ slightly, depending on the research methodology. After receiving the research data, the patient can independently note certain conclusions. Androgen values are recorded in such indicators: nmol / l, ng / ml, pg / m.

On average, tests for testosterone are considered good, where indicators are in the range:

• General - 15-33 nmol / l;
• Biologically active -3.5-12 nmol / l;

Reasons for deviation from the normal level

If the testosterone test differs from the average of healthy patients, it is necessary to identify the cause of the negative phenomenon. Among the most common factors: individual characteristics of the patient, lifestyle, quality of nutrition, activity in the genital area.

The negative effects on testosterone levels in a man's blood include:

• Sedentary lifestyle;
• Unhealthy and junk food;
• Poor psychological state, frequent stress, anxiety and depression;
• Bad habits: tobacco smoking, frequent alcohol consumption, drug addiction;
• Weak immune system, chronic diseases;

If the indicators of total testosterone in men are significantly underestimated, this condition is called hypogonadism. It occurs when the male testicles are damaged, as a result of which the production of androgen decreases in the body. It also occurs with disturbances in the work of the brain, while, in addition to a decrease in the level of total testosterone, obesity and a lack of sexual desire may occur. In addition, such consequences threaten men with severe mental disorders and depression.

Excessive testosterone levels in the blood can be a sign of a brain or adrenal tumor. The patient has an overdevelopment of male sexual attributes. The age of the patient should be taken into account, so in adolescence, overestimated androgen levels may indicate early puberty.