Recent studies have shown that testosterone levels in men have been on a slow and steady decline for many years. But why is this happening? And how can you test your testosterone levels?
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone found in all humans, both male and female. In men, testosterone is produced in the testicles, while in women, it is made in the ovaries (although in much smaller amounts than in men).
Testosterone is known as the male “sex hormone” as it has a vital role in producing sperm and is most often associated with the male sex drive.
However, testosterone can also affect
- bone and muscle mass
- mood
- red blood cell production
- the way that fat is stored in the body
What are normal testosterone levels?
The NHS state that the normal range for testosterone levels in men is between 8.7 and 29 nmol/L, while in women, it is 0.2 to 1.7 nmol/L.
What can affect your testosterone levels?
The production of testosterone in the testicles is stimulated by the pituitary gland sending a signal to the testes. If testosterone levels in the blood are too high or too low, the brain sends a signal to the pituitary gland to send another signal to the testes. This signal then sets off a looped chain of events to either decrease or increase testosterone production.
What do low testosterone levels mean?
There are a variety of symptoms that indicate low levels of testosterone, including:
- decreased sex drive
- feelings of depression
- less body hair
- less energy
- low self-esteem
- moodiness
- thinner bones
- weight gain
Levels of testosterone will naturally drop off in men as they age, but other factors can also cause testosterone levels to drop, such as:
- Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation
- Chronic health conditions, such as AIDS, Alcoholism, Cirrhosis of the Liver and Kidney Disease
- Stress
Levels of testosterone in women will also drop as they age, but again other factors can cause testosterone levels to drop, such as:
- Diseases of the adrenal, hypothalamus or pituitary gland
- Removal of the ovaries
How to test your testosterone levels
A simple blood test is an excellent way to test your testosterone levels.
Using a simple finger prick blood test, you can use the Test2Go Testosterone Check to check your hormone testosterone levels at home. Sample collection instructions and instructions on how to return the sample to us are included in the kit. Take the test per the enclosed instructions and return your sample to our accredited lab for testing. We will then get the results back to you within two working days.
Summary
Testosterone is the hormone most commonly associated with sex drive in men, but it can also affect bone and muscle mass, fat storage, mental health, and red blood cell production. You can check your testosterone levels in the comfort of your home with Test2Go Testosterone Check.
NB. It is important to note that our tests are not a substitute for seeing a doctor, particularly if you have symptoms. You should not make a diagnosis or start any treatment without a consultation with a doctor or a suitably trained health professional.