Testosterone,Free and Total

There are two types of testosterone tests that need to be performed in order to have an accurate read: 1) Total Testosterone measures the amount of testosterone in your blood. This measurement represents the amount of T that your body is producing, 2) Free Testosterone measures the amount of testosterone that can be used by the body. Testosterone is a hormone produced in the body, which helps to maintain reproductive tissues; stimulate sperm production; stimulate and maintain sexual function; increase muscle mass and strength; maintain bone strength; decrease risk of disease and death. Like cholesterol and blood pressure, there is a numerical range of testosterone levels that are considered normal. The brain and the testicles work together to keep testosterone within this range. When levels of testosterone are below normal, the brain signals the testicles to make more. When testosterone levels reach a normal level, the brain signals the testicles to make less. Reference ranges do vary from male to female. Although testosterone levels are important in women, the amount they need for their bodies to function properly is much less than that of men.