Testosterone (Total) Test

Total testosterone measures the overall amount of this hormone circulating in your blood, including both the fraction bound to proteins and the smaller, biologically active free fraction.

While most commonly associated with male health, testosterone plays important roles in both sexes, contributing to muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood, and overall energy levels, even though women naturally produce it in much smaller amounts.

In men, testosterone naturally declines gradually with age starting around the early 30s, but a sharper or more symptomatic drop can indicate an underlying medical condition affecting the testes, pituitary gland, or hypothalamus rather than simple aging.

In women, elevated testosterone is more often the clinical concern, frequently linked to conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome that cause symptoms such as excess hair growth, acne, or irregular periods.