Testosterone is considered the male sex hormone, but a small amount is also present in the female body. Produced by the endocrine system. Hormone responsible for formation of bone and muscle tissues as well as metabolism, reproductive ability and so forth. Analysis of testosterone is always prescribed in cases where the patient goes to the doctor with complaints of weak or no sex drive.
What factors influence the level of the hormone
The level of testosterone in the blood is changing all the time, and depends on the patient's age and his lifestyle. Active hormone production observed in puberty. From 30-40 years there has been a gradual decline in this indicator, which continues until the end of life. Impact on the hormone can have the following factors:
- frequent stress, emotions, and other psycho-emotional stress;
- Passive way of life, ie, lack of physical activity;
- improper diet;
- bad habits;
- diabetes;
- decreased immunity against various diseases;
- chronic disease;
- disorders of the pituitary gland;
- thyroid disease;
- taking certain medications.
A blood test for testosterone in women may show an increased level of hormones during pregnancy and the time of ovulation.
In adult men who, for whatever reasons, abstain from sexual intercourse, there may be a testosterone boost. Results of laboratory investigations may record an increase in hormone level of 1.5. But this value is observed only in the first week of abstinence. Gradually, the body begins to adapt to the lack of sexual contact, and testosterone index bounces back.
When should you get tested
Tests for testosterone in women may be required in the presence of the following factors:
- the poor condition of the nails, skin and hair;
- overweight;
- menstrual disorders;
- suspicion of infertility;
- gynecological disorders;
- appearance of secondary sex characteristics of the male type;
- acne on the body and so forth.
Rent analysis of testosterone in men in such cases:
- development of secondary sexual characteristics of female type (no beard, the increase in the mammary glands, fat deposits in the buttocks, etc.);
- testicular size reduction;
- early puberty or delay;
- frequent mood swings;
- mental decline;
- rash;
- lack of sexual desire;
- premature ejaculation or erectile dysfunction;
- premature wrinkling;
- suspected tumors in the testes and so on.
Check your testosterone levels for men over 35 is recommended annually (prophylactically). Such control will allow time to adopt measures that will make it possible to preserve sexual activity for as long as possible.
How to prepare for analysis
Before you pass the test for total testosterone, you need to properly prepare for it. Otherwise, the results of laboratory studies may be false. One day before will give blood, you must:
- refrain from any sexual contact;
- not to expose the organism to physical or emotional stress;
- exclude from the harmful products (fat, salted, smoked, fried), but not to starve;
- stop smoking and drinking alcohol;
- do not drink tea, coffee and soda.
For 3-4 days the patient must not be exposed to ultraviolet rays, ie he can not visit a solarium. After the ultrasound procedure also should not immediately take the test.
If the patient is taking any medications before prescribing blood donation date is recommended to inform the doctor. laboratory investigation may be delayed due to certain medicines.
Preparation for the analysis of women means more control of the menstrual cycle. When the cycle time 21-23 days laboratory test should be carried out 2-3 days after the onset of menstrual bleeding. If the cycle is 28 days, the analysis was performed on the 5th day, over this time - on the 7th day after the first day of menstruation.
How to be tested for testosterone
Correctly to be tested for the hormone in the morning. It is forbidden to any meal. By fluid consumption will also have to give up. If you can not take blood in the morning, then take it in the evening, provided that the patient does not use food for 8-10 hours.
You need to come to the hospital and go to office only after a normal heartbeat (or if you hurry up the stairs). Blood sampling was carried out from a vein using a disposable Spitz. After delivery of the analysis on testosterone patient is advised about 10-15 minutes to remain calm and do not go (to sit in a hallway).
Find out the results of the study will be 1-2 days.
testosterone Norma
A blood test for testosterone in men, deciphering which the doctor can show different values norms, depending on age and time of the capture of biological material. For example, the maximum concentration of hormone in the body accounts for 4-8 hours in the morning. Handed over analyzes in 16-18 hours will show a lower value, but may also correspond to the norm. For this reason, during the decoding of the physician should take into account all the factors that can influence the final result.
Testosterone is common for men is considered to be within acceptable values, if it meets such parameters:
- children up to a year - 0-17,1;
- 1-6 years - 0-1,51;
- 6-11 years - 0,39-2,01;
- 11-15 years - 0,48-22,05;
- 15-18 years - 3,61-37,67;
- 18-50 years - 5,67-30,43;
- from 50 to 90 - 5-41-19,54.
Analysis of testosterone in females is correct for these values:
- up to a year - 0-2,31;
- 1-6 years - 0-1,22;
- 6-11 years - 0,49-1,82;
- 11-15 years - 0,84-7,73;
- over 18 years - 0,31-3,78;
- Menopause - 0,42-4,51.
Women who donate blood for testosterone during gestation, you must know that the figure could exceed the norm by 3-4 times.
deviations
If the results of the study are fixed reduction or increase of the hormone level in any direction from the allowable values, it may mean that the abnormal flows in the human body process.
Before prescribe treatment, the doctor trying to establish the causes that may have affected the laboratory tests.
If they are related to the fact that the patient has come to take testosterone without complying with the rules of preparation, he reappointed diagnosis.
When the delivery of biological material held in accordance with all the recommendations, but the patient says deviation from the norm, prescribe additional tests aimed to find out the root cause of this pathology.
How To Improve
Report synthesis of sex hormones, and failure of gonadal function in which there is a decrease in testosterone levels will be referred hypogonadism. The treatment chosen for each patient individually. Therapy will be aimed at increasing the production of the hormone and causes the removal, decrease caused it.
In order to increase testosterone, you must:
- include in your diet foods that are rich in vitamins, proteins and minerals;
- devote sufficient time to sleep and rest;
- daily walks in the fresh air;
- Do physical exercise (cardio give good results);
- avoid stressful situations.
In addition, the patient may be prescribed a course of hormone replacement therapy.
What to do in an increased rate
Increased testosterone value in the body is considered a pathology not only for women but also men.
The results may indicate that the patient has a tumor is present with hormonal activity.
When no dangerous diseases, i.e. the reason for increasing the production of testosterone has no pathological basis, patients such recommendations can be made:
- Refusal of intense power loads. Sport in a person's life must be present, but it's better to restrict swimming in the pool, yoga, small hiking or Pilates.
- Quitting smoking, drugs and alcohol.
- Sleep. The time it takes to pay for sleep, should be 8 hours. But over a long night's rest is also contraindicated. A dream that is more than 8 hours a negative impact on the functioning of the whole organism.
- Psycho-emotional health. If you can not avoid a collision with stressful situations, you should learn to treat them easier. To cope with their emotions a person can help the therapist.
- Complete diet. The menu will help you choose a nutritionist based on the individual patient. Portions too, should not be large, because even healthy food will be harmful for the body, if overeat.
To normalize hormone levels in the body, or oral contraceptives to women such preparations may be registered:
- Glucophage;
- cyproterone;
- diethylstilbestrol;
- Siofor;
- veroshpiron;
- Dexamethasone et al.
All drugs, their dosage and rate of admission should be appointed a doctor. Self-medication is prohibited. It can cause complications and occurrence of other health problems. During treatment the patient will need to be tested for re-content of testosterone in the body.
Equally important for the normal production of the hormone, is a regular sexual life (assuming no individual contraindications). Sex should be safe, that is, using a barrier contraceptive. Should abandon the random connections. The benefits of sex is only if the sexual act completed, ie it is the final orgasm. But excessive lovemaking contraindicated. They will provide additional load and deplete the body.
