Testosterone Test: What Is It?

The hormone testosterone is often thought of as masculine. However, women also produce this hormone, and an imbalance can wreak havoc on your health. Testosterone is responsible for traits such as body hair, muscle mass and strength, and the production of red blood cells. While it’s natural for your levels to decline as you age, they don’t have to, and you shouldn’t have to suffer through the symptoms caused as a result.

If you’ve been struggling or this sounds familiar, here’s a guide to the testosterone test. This includes when you may need one, what the results mean, and what treatment options you’ll find at Bion Aesthetics and Med Spa. We’re here to provide you with an individualized wellness plan and healthy aging options.

Testosterone is a vital hormone found in both men and women. It influences the reproductive system, physical appearance characteristics such as body hair, bone density, and muscle mass, and can even boost your mood when your levels are right. To get a diagnosis of low testosterone, you must undergo a physical exam and have a blood test performed. Before you have your test done, you should stop taking any medication or supplements that may affect your results.

A blood test will test both your free testosterone levels and your total testosterone levels. Testing both of these levels is critical to understanding the actual amount of testosterone your body produces naturally and in developing a proper treatment plan and goal.

It’s normal to have some decrease or fluctuation in your testosterone levels at different points in your life. Typically, a normal level for a man is in the range of 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter of blood. For women, an average level is between 15 and 70 nanograms per deciliter. Levels that are not within normal limits can typically be corrected with the right treatment plan. At Bion Aesthetics and Med Spa, our medical provider will discuss your results and options with you to make the right move based on your results.

People come in for various reasons that may lead to testing their testosterone levels. This hormone isn’t limited strictly to men or women and can be found abnormal in both.

Symptoms of abnormal t-levels in men include:

• Fatigue.
• Sleeplessness.
• Night sweats.
• Sexual dysfunction in various forms, including erectile dysfunction and low libido.
• Increased body fat.
• Increased risk of osteoporosis and diabetes.
• Decreased mortality rate.

Symptoms of abnormal testosterone in women include:

• Hair loss.
• Anxiety and depression.
• Mood swings.
• Trouble concentrating.
• Decreased sex drive.
• Difficulty maintaining a healthy weight.
• Fatigue.

If you’re dealing with low testosterone levels or the symptoms above, Bion Aesthetics and Med Spa can help you develop a customized treatment plan based on your results. Reach out to us today at 317-797-9139 to get started.

Your testosterone levels will typically peak during the adolescent years and early adult years. As you age, it’s normal for your testosterone levels to decrease about 1% per year, starting between the ages of 30 and 40 for men. A normal decline doesn’t always necessarily mean you need testosterone replacement therapy. A medical provider can help you decide which treatment, if any, would be right in your situation. In women, an abnormal testosterone level can cause issues involving your menstrual cycle and even fertility.

It’s normal to be concerned about your symptoms and your testosterone level. There are many reasons your levels may be off, and consulting with a medical provider at Bion Aesthetics and Med Spa can help you determine the next steps.

At Bion Aesthetics and Med Spa, we offer several different options for testosterone therapy for both men and women. Testosterone therapy is a good option for both men and women and works by balancing your testosterone levels and balancing other essential hormones in the body. For men, the treatment option includes intramuscular testosterone injections, typically performed once a week. For women, the option includes a topical testosterone gel applied to the abdomen, wrist, or inner arms.

There are various benefits to testosterone therapy and balancing your levels back out. These include:

• Increased memory, reasoning, and spatial abilities. It may also reduce your risk of Alzheimer’s disease.
• Increased libido. As testosterone levels regulate and rise in men, it’s been shown that they have an increased libido leading to sexual arousal.
• Stronger bones. Testosterone plays a significant role in bone density. Raising your T levels may help support your bones, which in turn may increase athletic performance.
• Better muscles. Proper treatment can increase muscle mass, strength, and muscle size, especially when combined with exercise.
• Weight control. Proper testosterone levels can help you maintain a healthier weight.
• Healthy heart. Studies show that those with a testosterone level in the normal range were up to 24% less likely to suffer a heart attack and 36% less likely to become victims of a stroke.

If you’re interested in seeing if you qualify for testosterone therapy, Bion Aesthetics and Med Spa can help.

Certain medical situations would deem testosterone therapy inappropriate. These situations include medical conditions such as heart failure, which is poorly controlled, a recent stroke or heart attack, a condition known as thrombophilia, a tendency to form blood clots, and any plans to become a father in the near future. You should also ask about other treatment options if you’ve had an elevated PSA test or currently have prostate or breast cancer. Our medical provider can help you find a more appropriate therapy or treatment to help alleviate your symptoms.