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Testosterone measurement

Crucial for male health

When men reach an advanced age, the body’s natural production of this hormone gradually decreases. Only occasionally does the testosterone level drop so much that symptoms and a pathological deficiency (hypogonadism) occur.

It is therefore crucial for those who want to maintain a healthy hormone level to have their own testosterone measured.

The Pronova BKK has published a very informative article with further information on testosterone. Also the report on testosterone deficiency from Deutschlandfunk is also very good.

What is testosterone?

When it comes to men’s health, testosterone is one of the most important factors – its powers extend far beyond determining sexual characteristics, as it affects virtually every aspect of life.

Testosterone:

  • stimulates muscle growth,
  • ensures body hair and beard growth,
  • supports the bone metabolism,
  • promotes bone growth,
  • ensures that bone density is built up and maintained,
  • promotes dominant and aggressive behavior,
  • promotes sperm production,
  • increases sexual desire, drive and zest for life.

Why measure testosterone?

From around the age of 40, a man’s testosterone levels fall continuously by around 1-2%. This is a slow process that some men do not even notice. This process is called the andropause or sometimes also the “male menopause”, although of course it cannot be compared with the menopause in women.

In order to accurately determine low testosterone levels in men and detect hypogonadism, an accurate testosterone measurement is required. Only then can a diagnosis be made and a treatment plan developed to improve the subject’s quality of life. Testosterone deficiency can have a negative impact on numerous organ functions and can promote blood pressure and diabetes.

What symptoms should you measure testosterone for?

  • Sexual reluctance and erectile dysfunction,
  • Tiredness, lack of strength,
  • Regression of the muscles,
  • increased abdominal fat,
  • Reduced body & pubic hair,
  • reduced sperm production,
  • Hot flushes,
  • reduced bone strength up to osteoporosis,
  • depressive moods.


BUT
: It should be noted that many of the symptoms mentioned above can also be normal signs of ageing. Only a test can determine whether the testosterone level is actually too low.

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Causes of a low testosterone level

Ageing is one of the most common causes of low testosterone levels in men. With increasing age, the body produces less and less of the hormone as part of its natural ageing process.

An unhealthy lifestyle, alcohol, drug or medication abuse, psychological stress or chronic illnesses can promote premature deficiency.

The origin of a testosterone deficiency is divided into two categories.

Primary hypogonadism

95% of testosterone production in men takes place in the testicles. The term primary hypogonadism is used when the hormone-producing cells found there are exhausted and cannot produce enough testosterone. Possible causes include

  • Inflammation of the testicles,
  • Testicular injuries,
  • Testicular cancer,
  • or systematic diseases such as liver cirrhosis.

Secondary hypogonadism

Testosterone deficiency may be due to a malfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which are responsible for hormone production and thus for controlling testosterone production. Possible causes are

  • Tumor or functional deficiency in the pituitary gland,
  • Brain injuries,
  • or Gallmann syndrome (developmental disorder of the gonads).

The diagnosis

The testosterone level in the blood fluctuates depending on the time of day. The value is higher in the morning than in the afternoon, for example. It is therefore necessary for the blood sample to be taken in the morning to measure testosterone.

Around 97% of testosterone is bound to proteins in the bloodstream, while the remaining 3% circulates as free testosterone. In laboratory tests, luteotropic hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) are used to measure testosterone levels, as they stimulate production in the testicles.

  • Elevated LH and FSH levels in the case of testosterone deficiency can indicate hypofunction of the testicles (primary hypogonadism).
  • If both values are low, this is an indication of a dysfunction of the pituitary gland (secondary hypogonadism).

What is the standard?

Standard values

  • 3.5 – 11.5 ng/ml (12 – 40 nmol/l)


Treatment required

  • > 2.5 ng/ml (8 nmol/l)

Assessment by a doctor required

  • 2.5 – 3.8 ng/ml (8 – 12 nmol/l)

How is testosterone measured?

For the medical history, doctors usually use a well-known questionnaire, the ADAM score (Androgen Deficiency in Aging Men). This questionnaire contains 10 questions that ask you about your current state of mind.
ADAM-Score questionnaire:

  1. Have you noticed a decrease in libido?
  2. Do you feel less energetic?
  3. Do you have less strength or endurance?
  4. Are you smaller than you used to be?
  5. Do you have less enthusiasm for life?
  6. Do you suffer from frequent mood swings?
  7. Do you have a weaker erection?
  8. Is it a challenge to do sport?
  9. Do you tend to fall asleep quickly after eating?
  10. Is it more difficult for you to work?

If you have answered “yes” to more than three questions, this could indicate a testosterone deficiency .

The test method

Blood tests are the most common method of analyzing hormone levels. These measurements can be used to determine whether a healthy testosterone level is present in a man’s body.

This allows doctors to assess which treatments are best suited to the individual patient’s needs.

Hormone replacement therapy

If a testosterone deficiency is detected, there are various remedies that can be used for treatment. These include gels for application to the skin, oral medication or injections into the muscles. Injections are usually used for long-term treatment and are also known as 3-month injections.

Hormone replacement therapy aims to bring testosterone levels back into a healthy range through testosterone substitution.

IMPORTANT:

Testosterone therapy does not stop natural ageing! The prescribed medication is only available on prescription. Too much testosterone in the body can be harmful.

Conclusion

Testosterone plays an important role in men’s health and its production decreases with age. Measuring testosterone is necessary to detect a deficiency that could have a negative impact on organ function and quality of life.

Low testosterone levels are divided into two categories: primary hypogonadism, which is caused by testicular inflammation or injury, and secondary hypogonadism, which is caused by dysfunction of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland.

With Probatix it is now very easy to have your testosterone levels checked regularly. Simply register with Probatix Health and make an appointment!

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about the testosterone test

Why should I have my testosterone level measured?

A testosterone test helps to identify imbalances in hormone levels, which can affect energy, muscle building, libido and general well-being. Low testosterone levels can also indicate health problems such as hormonal imbalances or metabolic disorders.

What symptoms indicate a low testosterone level?

Possible signs of low testosterone levels are reduced libido, fatigue, loss of muscle mass, weight gain and mood swings. A blood test can provide clarity in the event of such symptoms.

What other important values should be measured in addition to testosterone?

In addition to testosterone, values such as free testosterone, SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) and oestradiol are also relevant. These hormones and proteins influence testosterone levels and can indicate hormonal imbalances.

How does a testosterone test work?

The test is carried out by a simple blood sample, ideally taken in the morning as testosterone levels are highest at this time. The sample is then analyzed in the laboratory and the results are available within a few days.

Can low testosterone levels be treated?

Yes, hormone therapy can help with a proven testosterone deficiency. However, this should always be carried out under medical supervision. A healthy diet, exercise and stress management can also help to support testosterone levels naturally.

Probatix works as simply as this

1. select test

Choose a suitable health test from our wide range and book it in just a few clicks via our website.

2. select sampling

Find a partner in your area or choose a home test kit to easily draw blood from your finger.

3. result received

Your result will automatically appear in your personal health portal. Including explanations and time histories.

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