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In men, the testicles primarily make testosterone. Women’s ovaries also make testosterone, though in much smaller amounts.  The production of testosterone starts to increase significantly during puberty and begins to dip after age 30 or so.

Testosterone is most often associated with sex drive and plays a vital role in sperm production. It also affects bone and muscle mass, the way men store fat in the body, and even red blood cell production.  A man’s testosterone levels can also affect his mood.

Low levels of testosterone, also called low T levels, can produce a variety of symptoms in men, including:

  • decreased sex drive

  • less energy

  • weight gain

  • feelings of depression

  • moodiness

  • low self-esteem

  • less body hair

  • thinner bones

 

While testosterone production naturally tapers off as a man ages, other factors can cause hormone levels to drop.Abnormally low or high levels can affect a man’s mental and physical health.Testosterone therapy is available to treat men with low levels of testosterone.

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About Testosterone
Testosterone is required by all men for a healthy life, both physically and psychologically. Testosterone levels start to decline when men get to between 30 and 40 years old, but in some the decline can be faster leading to abnormally low levels of testosterone.

Low testosterone levels can cause many symptoms and is associated with other chronic conditions such as diabetes. Low testosterone can lead to osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) increasing the risk of fractures of the hip and spine.
What are the signs of low testosterone
Low testosterone can cause:

• Fatigue and lethargy
• Depression, anxiety, or irritability
• Reduced sex drive and erectile dysfunction
• Reduced exercise tolerance and strength
• Excessive sweating and night sweats
• Poor concentration and memory
• Reduced need to shave

Over time osteoporosis (weak and brittle bones) can occur with increasing risk of fractures of the hip and spine.

Low testosterone is linked to male infertility
Other causes of Low Testosterone
Being overweight is a common cause of low testosterone. Fat cells are responsible for converting male hormones to female hormones so being overweight can lead to a low testosterone to oestrogen ratio.

Damage to the testes or to the other organs that control hormone production from physical injury, inflammation or infection can lead to low testosterone. Infections such as Mumps and HIV are associated with low testosterone.

Long term use of opiate pain killers (codeine, tramadol, morphine etc) are also linked to a reduction in testosterone production
Why test
Many of the symptoms of low testosterone can be non-specific or may overlap other common conditions. If you have decreased early morning erections, lower libido and difficulty gaining and maintaining an erection and generally feeling tired then a testosterone test would be particularly helpful in understanding if testosterone is the cause.
Our tests
When you order a test from us we will send you a pack with a lancet to prick your finger, a sample bottle to collect your blood sample, an instruction leaflet and a special envelope to send your sample to our laboratory. We work with an expert laboratory who will process your sample quickly and your result should be available in a couple of days.
When to test
It is best to take the sample for this test in the morning before breakfast or at least before you have eaten anything since the previous evening. This is called a fasting blood test.

Note: testosterone levels fluctuate during the day and can be affected by high sugar intake. Therefore, we ask you to take an early morning sample before you have eaten anything.
What do the results mean?
A total testosterone level of 12nmol/l would be considered normal. It would be wise to repeat the test in a couple of year’s time.

A total testosterone level of 8nmol/l or below would be considered low. You will probably benefit from further assessment and testosterone replacement therapy.

A total testosterone between 8nmol/l and 12nmol/l would be considered borderline. If you are experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency then a trial of testosterone replacement therapy would seem sensible.
Pick your test
Pick the right test for you and we'll deliver it straight to your door, all in a handy letterbox sized package.
Collect sample
The test kit will guide you through how and the best time to perform a finger prick blood test. Simply collect your sample and used the pre-paid box to send back to our laboratory for testing.
See your results
Our accredited lab will perform the test, and upload your results to your dashboard, with expert advice on then best next steps. Usually within 2 days or receiving your sample.
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