Male Hormone Low Testosterone Blood Test

Sample Report Test Code: 140103, 004309, 004283, 082016, 004465 Specimen Type: Blood

Description:

Male Hormone Low Testosterone Blood Test (Labcorp)

This package includes testing for testosterone levels as well as several additional tests which can provide useful information related to testosterone deficiency.  Testosterone is a hormone that plays an important role in a number of bodily processes.  Testosterone is primarily produced by the testes in men and the ovaries in women. In men, testosterone plays a role in sperm production, sex drive, the development of bone and muscle mass, fat storage, and red blood cell production.  While testosterone levels tend to decrease with age, other factors can cause levels to drop unnaturally.  Causes for decreased testosterone can include alcoholism, kidney disease, liver disease, HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, radiation treatment, testicular cancer, thyroid disorder, diabetes, injury to the testicles, and certain medications.  Symptoms of low testosterone can include reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, weight gain, hair loss, insomnia, irritability, and depression.

Since many of the symptoms of low testosterone are common to other disorders, blood testing can help to determine if low testosterone is really to blame.  Other related tests are often done at the same time to help determine the reason for decreased production of testosterone.

This package includes the following tests:

• Testosterone, Free & Total: Free testosterone is the portion of testosterone that is unbound and thus available for the body to use.  Measuring free and total testosterone can more accurately identify low testosterone levels than a total measurement by itself.    
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH): FSH and LH are hormones that are produced by the pituitary gland.  They are part of the process which stimulates the testes to produce testosterone.  If the pituitary is not functioning properly, it can inhibit the production of FSH and LH which can, in turn, reduce the production of testosterone.  Elevated levels of FSH and/or LH along with low testosterone can be indicative of an issue with testicular function. 
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): SHBG is a protein produced by the liver that binds to testosterone and carries it throughout the body.  SHBG is commonly measured along with testosterone to determine how much testosterone is being transported to the body's tissues.
• Prolactin:  Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland.  High levels of prolactin can impair the production of testosterone.  Elevated prolactin can be a result of pituitary dysfunction

The results of these tests should be discussed with a person's doctor to determine the appropriate follow-up.  We also offer a package that can help to monitor men who are diagnosed with low testosterone and are undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.  For more testing options, please see our Hormone Testing Category. 

The typical turnaround time for this test is 4-7 business days. 

Where can I find a Male Hormone Low Testosterone test near me?

Check our lab finder to locate a collection site in your area.