Is Dandruff Contagious? Dispelling Myths and Providing Practical Solutions
May 9, 2024
The term testosterone reflects an image of strength, virility, and maybe even a bit of swagger. But testosterone is more than just a “manly” hormone. It plays a crucial role in the health and well-being of both men and women.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating world of testosterone. We’ll explore what it is, what it does, and why it matters. We’ll also discuss the signs of potential testosterone deficiency and how to naturally optimize your testosterone levels for a healthier, more vibrant you.
About Testosterone
Testosterone, the male sex hormone, is produced mainly in the testes of males. This hormone is responsible for the physiological aspects in males such as bone density, voice deepening, muscle mass, body hair, sperm production, generation of red blood cells, and sexual drive.
Testosterone is also produced in females from their ovaries, adrenal glands, and fat cells, but in much lesser quantities. The female sex hormone is popularly known as estrogen and the most prominent type of estrogen – estradiol – is implicated in hormone synthesis, fertility, sexual drive, bone, breast, menstrual, and vaginal health.
Different Types of Testosterone
There are various forms of Testosterone, and each has a distinct function. For instance, androgenic testosterone helps in the development and maintenance of masculine sex traits like facial hair and a deep voice. Anabolic Testosterone encourages bone density and muscle growth. Estradiol, the female sex hormone gives feminine features like hips and breasts their shape.
How to Check Your Testosterone Level?
The most common method for testing testosterone is a blood sample.
- Total Testosterone, or Testosterone that is both free and attached to proteins
- Free Testosterone to rule out specific medical disorders.
These blood tests can be performed in a lab by a medical practitioner or at home using a testosterone test kit that needs you to ship a sample of your blood for examination. Usually, results are ready in a few days. A testosterone test is often carried out in the morning, when T levels are at their peak, for males under 45. Retaking the test may be necessary in certain cases to verify the measurements.
If needles or blood samples bother you, a saliva test could be done as an alternative but it only provides a somewhat good estimate of testosterone levels, according to reliable sources. To guarantee that the results of salivary tests are correct, further testing is required, such as serum testing.
How to check your testosterone level at home?
An online testosterone test can be ordered for your home. The gadget included in the testosterone test kit is meant to be pricked with the finger. It is ideal to perform the finger prick test when your body is warm as it is simpler to draw blood from your finger since this indicates that the blood vessels close to your skin have enlarged.
You can find out if you should take the test in the morning from the test kit. The price of a testosterone test can vary and is typically determined by the test provider, the inclusion of other tests, and whether the results are reviewed by a physician. It’s crucial to thoroughly read and adhere to the directions included with an at-home test kit.
What blood test checks testosterone levels?
In the blood, Testosterone travels either free or attached to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). The liver produces a protein called SHBG and binds to blood sex hormones. A blood test for total Testosterone quantifies all of the Testosterone in the blood, both free and bound. A free androgen index and the SHBG level are measured to compare free and total Testosterone. A free androgen index contrasts the amount of free blood testosterone with the amount that is bound to SHBG.
A free androgen index test, SHBG, and testosterone levels can all be measured with an at-home testosterone test.
Can low testosterone cause hair loss?
An imbalance in hormones might impact a patient’s daily ability to perform at their best. Low testosterone levels, sometimes known as “low T,” can have a variety of adverse effects, such as depression, weight gain, erectile dysfunction, exhaustion, and loss of muscle mass. Men’s natural decline in testosterone production as they age can have an impact on the growth of facial and body hair. Nevertheless, there is still no evidence connecting low testosterone levels to hair loss at the crown of the head. The main reason for hair loss is a hereditary susceptibility to the binding of DHT to the hair follicles, even if low testosterone levels may correspond with less DHT being created.
FAQs
What is a testosterone test?
A testosterone test is a blood test used to determine the blood’s concentration of the hormone testosterone.
How can I test my testosterone level at home?
Test kits that allow you to check your testosterone levels at home without a prescription are available. Everything you need to gather, including a sample of blood or saliva (spit) to submit to a lab for analysis, is included in the kits. Consult your provider if you believe you should be tested.
What happens if Testosterone is high?
A man with high testosterone levels may occasionally build more muscle mass, but there are many other adverse effects as well, such as weight gain, mood swings, acne, and stunted growth.
Can low Testosterone cause hair loss?
Low testosterone levels are frequently the cause of hair loss. While aging may be a contributing factor in hair loss, low testosterone levels may also be one of the reasons.
