Testosterone

Testosterone in the body

In men, testosterone is produced by Leydig cells, which are distributed in the testes, while in women it is produced by the ovaries and the adrenal cortex, and during pregnancy by the placenta.

Testosterone synthesis begins as early as ca. 8 weeks of fetal life fetal life and is responsible for the development of sexual characteristics.

Testosterone is a major contributor to the development of sexual characteristics

Testosterone controls:

• development of male sexual characteristics,
• the formation and maturation of sperm (the so-called process of spermatogenesis),
• development of secondary sexual characteristics ( e.g., facial hair face),
• the synthesis of proteins and inhibition of their breakdown,
• retaining sodium, potassium and phosphorus in the body,
• increase skeletal muscle mass,
• increase in bone mineral density,
• distribution of body fat,
• status of sex drive,

Testosterone levels are distinguished by high diurnal variability. U men, the highest testosterone levels persist from morning to noon, while it is lowest closer to bedtime.

Testosterone norm

With age, testosterone levels gradually decline - by about 1.6% per year.

Low testosterone concentrations adversely affect health mental and physical health. The predicted effects include: erectile dysfunction erectile dysfunction, a decrease in muscle mass and strength, an increase in visceral (in the abdominal) adipose tissue and a decrease in bone mass density bone mass. In addition, mood and cognitive dysfunction may occur cognitive functions.

Testosterone – preparation and the test

The testosterone test does not require any particular preparation. It involves taking a blood sample from the ulnar (elbow) vein, which is done according to the following procedure:

1. Disinfecting the skin.
2. Fitting a tourniquet.
3. Applying pressure at the collection site.

On the day of the test:

• Patients should be on an empty stomach, which means that no meals can be consumed for about 8-12 hours before the test.
• They are allowed to drink a small amount of water in the morning hours.
• Where possible, the test should be performed before patients take their morning dose of medicines, unless their physician instructs otherwise.
• The blood should be collected in the morning hours.
• Before the test, patients should remain at rest for 10-15 minutes (in a sitting position).
• Physical exercise, including moderate effort, such as walking or climbing stairs, may alter the values of laboratory tests.

There are no contraindications to this test.

Testosterone test results

• Test results are available within 3 working days.
• It is possible to collect them at the reception desk of any Medicover Centre.
• The results can be accessed online. To do this, you have to visit the reception desk to generate a password in the centre of your choice.