Testosterone in Men: What the Totals Mean

Testosterone is often thought of as a male hormone though it can have effects in women as well. It is an anabolic hormone meaning it "builds things up" as it stimulates muscle growth and strength, promotes red blood cell production, facilitates sperm production, and plays a role in cardiovascular health and neuroprotection. 

Some of the conditions associated with low testosterone in men include loss of libido, hot flushes, migraines, mood changes, infertility, anemia, autoimmunity, metabolic syndrome, diabetes, abdominal obesity, cardiovascular disease, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, decreased exercise capacity, and use of certain medications including steroids and opioids.

Elevated levels of testosterone can be associated with testosterone therapy, hyperthyroidism, certain medications, and tumors of the testes, pituitary, adrenals, and pineal gland.

Testosterone may be measured as "total testosterone" which includes the testosterone bound to proteins in the blood as well as the circulating free and unbound (active) testosterone. Measuring free and bioavailable testosterone as well as sex hormone binding globulin and other hormones can help assess testosterone status.

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