A key sex hormone that supports sex drive, muscle, bone, mood, and energy.
Testosterone is the main male sex hormone, though both men and women make it. This test measures total testosterone, the full amount circulating in your blood, both bound and free.
It supports muscle and bone strength, sex drive, mood, energy, and, in men, sperm production. Levels are highest in the morning.
In men, low testosterone can cause low libido, fatigue, loss of muscle, low mood, and reduced fertility. It tends to drift down gradually with age. High levels are less common and may relate to supplement or steroid use.
In women, raised testosterone can point to polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) and may show up as acne, irregular periods, or unwanted hair growth.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
| Group | Total testosterone (SI) |
| Men | ~8.6 to 29 nmol/L |
| Women | ~0.3 to 1.7 nmol/L |
Ranges are guidance only and vary by lab, assay, age, and time of day. Mass spectrometry methods are the reference standard. Read your result against your own lab's interval, in line with DGKL practice.
Levels peak in the morning and fall later in the day, so morning draws are standard. Acute illness, poor sleep, and obesity lower readings. SHBG changes (from thyroid disease, liver disease, or oestrogen) shift total testosterone without changing the active free fraction. Biotin can interfere with some assays.
Best read with SHBG (to estimate free testosterone), and with LH, FSH, and prolactin when low levels or fertility are being investigated.
What do my testosterone results mean? Higher levels can relate to androgen excess or supplements. Lower levels can occur with aging, illness, or some medicines. Your doctor will consider symptoms and context.
Do I need to fast? No. A morning sample is best, especially for men. Avoid high-dose biotin for 24 hours before testing.
How often should I test? If a result is low, repeat on a morning sample to confirm. During treatment, your clinician may check levels every few months, then less often.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What can affect my levels? Time of day, acute illness, intense exercise, alcohol, and medicines like steroids, opioids, or androgens can shift results.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Share symptoms, all medicines and supplements, and goals. Ask if free testosterone, SHBG, LH, or FSH testing would add clarity.
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