Testosterone, Total

What is Testosterone, Total?

The primary male sex hormone, also present at lower levels in women.

Testosterone is a hormone produced mainly in the testes in men and in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women. It plays a role in muscle mass, bone density, libido, and mood. Total testosterone measures both the hormone bound to proteins in the blood and the smaller free fraction.

Tests often checked alongside this

• Free Testosterone — accounts for binding proteins that affect total levels
• SHBG — clarifies how much testosterone is actually bioavailable
• LH/FSH — helps determine whether the issue originates in the testes/ovaries or the pituitary

How this can show up in how you look and feel

• Low testosterone in men can be associated with fatigue or reduced muscle mass
• Reduced libido or mood changes are sometimes associated with low testosterone
• High testosterone in women can be associated with acne or excess facial/body hair growth
• Scalp hair thinning is sometimes associated with elevated androgens, though less consistently than acne or excess hair growth

What can affect this marker

• Time of day it's drawn
• Age and sleep quality
• Body weight and activity level
• Certain medications and supplements

What to track over time

• Your trend across repeat tests
• Energy, mood and libido changes
• Muscle mass and body composition
• Alongside related hormone levels

What to ask your doctor

• Was this drawn at the right time?
• Is my level typical for my age?
• Do I need a repeat or free testosterone test?
• Could a medication be affecting this?

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