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Testosterone

Formal name: Testosterone
Related tests: Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH)

Common Questions

1.  If I have a low testosterone level, will taking supplemental testosterone help?

Maybe. Testosterone supplements, either with patches or injections, can raise testosterone levels. However although men with erectile dysfunction may have low testosterone, testosterone administration does not improve the symptoms in all cases. Your doctor will determine if this is the right therapy for you.

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2.  I am a woman, so why do I need a testosterone test?

Women’s bodies also produce testosterone but in small amounts. It is needed for hormonal balance and to help women’s bodies to function normally. If your body is producing too much testosterone, however, you may have more body hair than average, have abnormal or no menstrual periods, or be infertile. A testosterone test can help your doctor to understand what is causing your symptoms.

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3.  Is the amount of body hair directly proportional to the amount of testosterone in my body?

Studies have shown a proportional relationship of testosterone levels to the amount of body hair. However, the hair growth response to testosterone differs in different parts of the body. Hence, in some men, for example, testosterone promotes hair growth in the abdomen and back while hair growth is suppressed in the scalp, leading to male pattern baldness.

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