Test Details & Preparation

• Free Testosterone test is done to detect an abnormal testosterone level in males and females in males, to help diagnose the cause of erectile dysfunction, the inability of your partner to get pregnant (infertility), or premature or delayed puberty in females, to help diagnose the cause of masculine physical features (virilization), infertility, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).


• For males, Free Testosterone test is performed when you may be infertile or are unable to get or maintain an erection when you are a boy with either early or delayed sexual maturity (puberty).


• For females, Free Testosterone test is performed when you have male traits, such as a low voice or excessive body hair (hirsutism), when you have abnormal uterine bleeding, do not menstruate (amenorrhea), or are infertile.


• A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm for a Free Testosterone test.


• No test preparation is needed for a Free Testosterone test.


• The normal range for testosterone levels in men is broad and varies by stage of maturity and age. It is normal for testosterone levels to slowly decline starting in the third decade of life. The rate may increase in men who are obese or chronically ill and with the use of certain medications.


• In women, testosterone levels are normally low. Increased testosterone levels can indicate PCOS, adrenal gland tumour and congenital adrenocortical hyperplasia.


• Alcoholism and liver disease in males can decrease testosterone levels. Drugs, including androgens and steroids, can also decrease testosterone levels.