Testosterone Total Test - More Information

The total testosterone test, sometimes known as a low T total test, or a total testosterone lab test, measures the total testosterone blood level. Through Accesa Labs, people can order a total testosterone test online, get tested at a local lab, and get results electronically, typically in 5 business days or less.

What Is a Total Testosterone Test?

The total testosterone blood test measures the amount of testosterone circulating in the blood, including testosterone that is bound to carrier proteins such as albumin and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). Testosterone plays an important role in the health of both men and women as it influences sex drive, energy, muscle mass, bone density, metabolism, mood and memory.

Most testosterone in the blood travels bound to carrier proteins - albumin and SHBG - with only a small fraction circulating freely and immediately available (bioavailable) for use by tissues. When the carrier proteins with testosterone on board get to tissues that need testosterone, they will release testosterone so it can perform its functions. This total testosterone test measures the level of bound and free testosterone together. This is the most commonly ordered testosterone measurement and is the standard starting point for evaluating testosterone status. Sometimes, people concurrently check their SHBG test to make sure there is enough carrier protein for their testosterone hormone. Testosterone levels are also dependent on DHEA levels which is why DHEA testing is also performed with testosterone testing.

This test uses the LC/MS/MS (liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry) methodology which is considered the gold standard for testosterone measurement. Please note that the lab constructed this particular test using reference ranges for men and that women and men interested in their free testosterone levels should get the testosterone free and total test.

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Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Testosterone levels naturally decline with age but some men experience a more significant decline than others. Low testosterone, sometimes called hypogonadism or "low T," is estimated to affect more than 20% of men over 60. Common symptoms that may prompt testosterone testing include:

• Reduced sex drive
• Persistent fatigue
• Decreased muscle mass
• Mood changes
• Difficulty with memory or concentration
• Reduced bone density
• Decreased body or facial hair
• Infertility

These symptoms can be cause by many conditions other than low testosterone which is why a blood test is the only way to confirm whether testosterone levels might be causing the symptoms. A total testosterone test provides an objective measurement that a medical provider can use to evaluate symptoms in context.

Getting Testosterone Testing

To get a total testosterone test near you, order online and get tested at the lab that you selected. Once your total testosterone lab results are ready, they will be available for download. As can be seen on the sample total testosterone lab report, the total testosterone blood level is reported as a number which can be compared against the reference range provided by the lab. This testosterone blood test utilizes the LC/MS methodology.

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Note for Women and Men Seeking Free Testosterone

This particular total testosterone test is designed for men only due to the way the test was constructed by the laboratory. However, many women are also getting testosterone levels checked while on hormone replacement.

Both women interested in getting their testosterone levels checked and men interested in their free testosterone level should check out the testosterone free and total test. Men taking testosterone replacement therapy sometimes also order the estradiol test to make sure that their testosterone supplementation is not causing unwanted side effects. Women in perimenopause or menopause may want to check out the perimenopause test panel.

Total Testosterone Test for Men on TRT

Men who are currently on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) - whether through testosterone injections, gels, patches, or pellets - should regularly monitor their testosterone levels. Testosterone levels that are too low on TRT indicate that the dose or frequency may need to be increased. Testosterone levels that are too high can cause elevated red blood cell counts, heart issues, and other problems.

The total testosterone blood test is the standard monitoring tool used to track the response to TRT over time. Many providers recommend checking testosterone levels every 3–6 months during the first year of TRT. Men on TRT should discuss the optimal timing of their blood draw with their provider as certain forms of testosterone (e.g. injections) can be sensitive to the time of day the blood is drawn.

Men on TRT sometimes also want to monitor for estradiol conversion as testosterone can convert to estrogen in the body. Estradiol levels can be measured at the same time as testosterone levels through the estradiol test.