Testosterone

Per my blood work, I have high testosterone at 88.7. The norm, for day 3, is 6-86 ng/dl
Most would consider a level above 50 to be somewhat elevated.

Some information. Thank you WebMD in advance. Please note that I have deleted all references to males, because I am female and this is my unprofessional investigation into myself.

Testosterone

Test Overview

A testosterone test measures the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood. Testosterone affects sexual features and development. In both men and women, testosterone is also produced in small amounts by the adrenal glands; and, in women, by the ovaries.

The release of testosterone is controlled by a hormone called luteinizing hormone, or LH, which is produced by the pituitary gland (see an illustration of the pituitary gland). When the testosterone level is low, the pituitary gland releases LH, which increases the amount of testosterone produced by the testicles.

Most of the testosterone in the blood is attached to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). A small amount is attached to albumin. The unattached, or "free," testosterone may be measured when conditions that can increase SHBG (such as obesity or hyperthyroidism) are present. Free testosterone can also be calculated from SHBG and albumin levels. Usually this is done only at large medical centers.

Why It Is Done

A test to measure testosterone can be done to:

Evaluate why a woman is developing male features, such as excessive facial and body hair (hirsutism) and a deep voice.
Evaluate irregular menstrual periods in women.

How To Prepare

No special preparation is required before having this test. Your health professional may recommend a morning blood test, when testosterone levels are highest.

A testosterone test measures the level of this male hormone (androgen) in the blood.

Normal
Normal values may vary from lab to lab.

Women:
less than 100 ng/dL

Women:
less than 10 pg/mL


High values

In women, a high level of testosterone may indicate a tumor of the ovaries or adrenal glands or polycystic ovary syndrome.

What To Think About

Most of the testosterone in the blood is attached to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). The unattached, or "free," testosterone may be measured when conditions that can increase SHBG (such as obesity or hyperthyroidism) are present. Usually this is done only at large medical centers.

A low LH level and an abnormally low or high testosterone level may indicate a problem with the pituitary gland.

Credits

Author Jan Nissl, RN, BS
Editor Susan Van Houten, RN, BSN, MBA
Associate Editor Lila Havens
Primary Medical Reviewer Caroline S. Rhoads, MD

- Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer Alan C. Dalkin, MD

- Endocrinology
Last Updated July 2, 2004