Testosterone has several important functions in men. For example, it is responsible for the development of male secondary sexual characteristics during puberty. It also contributes to sperm production. In addition, it helps maintain libido, stimulates the growth of skeletal muscles, and contributes to the production of red blood cells. Both too low and too high testosterone concentrations can cause problems. Therefore, easily test your testosterone level with this self-test.

What is the hormone testosterone and what does it do?

Testosterone is the male reproductive hormone. Both men and women produce testosterone, although men produce it in much higher concentrations. In men, testosterone is produced in the testes and adrenal glands, under the influence of hormones (LH and FSH) from the brain. In women, testosterone is also produced in the adrenal glands and ovaries. Cholesterol, among other things, is needed for testosterone production. Testosterone contributes to hair and muscle mass development in both men and women.

Normal testosterone levels
Normal testosterone levels vary per laboratory. Naturally, the values also differ greatly between men and women, with men typically having much higher normal concentrations. Testosterone levels vary per person, but generally, a testosterone level between 12 and 35 nmol/l is considered normal for men, and between 0.5 and 3 nmol/l for women.

What are the symptoms of testosterone deficiency and what are the consequences?

In men, changes in body composition, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, and decreased libido can be symptoms of low testosterone levels. In addition, erectile dysfunction, subfertility, fatigue, mood swings or depression, and breast development can also indicate this.

Women can also experience abnormal testosterone levels. High testosterone production in women is associated with polycystic ovary syndrome. For more information about PCOS, please read our page on female sex hormones.

Why should I take a testosterone blood test?

Both too low and too high testosterone concentrations can lead to health problems. Sometimes they indicate an underlying condition. Therefore, it is wise to periodically measure your testosterone levels using a blood test.

A low testosterone concentration is called hypogonadism. The cause can be divided into two categories:

• A primary cause, where the problem lies in the production of testosterone itself. In
  men, this means a problem in the testes, for example, due to trauma to the testes, or
  a tumor.
• A secondary cause, where the problem lies in the brain and there is reduced
  stimulation of testosterone production, for example, due to brain damage or a tumor in the
  brain. Certain syndromes can also be the reason for this.

Additionally, both obesity and diabetes can lead to testosterone deficiency. This is because diabetes and obesity stimulate estrogen production, which in turn inhibits the brain's stimulation of testosterone production.

Do you suspect you are suffering from a testosterone deficiency? Test it now with Easly's self-test!