Diagnosing Low Testosterone
Posted: Tue Jan 14, 2014 11:26 am
Diagnosing Low Testosterone
How are low testosterone levels diagnosed?
If a physician suspects low testosterone based on symptoms and physical examination, the diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory testing.
Most circulating testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin and albumin. In young adult men, only about 2 percent of testosterone is unbound (free testosterone). Total testosterone (bound plus free testosterone) is the preferred measure since tests for free-testosterone are not as accurate.
Testosterone levels are best measured early in the morning. This is because testosterone level has a daily pattern (diurnal) where it is most abundant at about 8:00 a.m.
Testing of LH and FSH, other hormones that stimulate the testes, are also performed to determine whether the cause of low testosterone is primary or secondary.
How are low testosterone levels diagnosed?
If a physician suspects low testosterone based on symptoms and physical examination, the diagnosis must be confirmed by laboratory testing.
Most circulating testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin and albumin. In young adult men, only about 2 percent of testosterone is unbound (free testosterone). Total testosterone (bound plus free testosterone) is the preferred measure since tests for free-testosterone are not as accurate.
Testosterone levels are best measured early in the morning. This is because testosterone level has a daily pattern (diurnal) where it is most abundant at about 8:00 a.m.
Testing of LH and FSH, other hormones that stimulate the testes, are also performed to determine whether the cause of low testosterone is primary or secondary.