How To Measure Testosterone Levels In Women
How To Measure Testosterone Levels In Women
The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test may be used to help evaluate women for low testosterone. The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Test may be ordered with other hormone tests to evaluate testosterone levels.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG):
is a protein that tightly binds together the hormones testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). The hormone DHT, Estradiol, Testosterone in a bound state carry the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) in the blood as In this biologically inactive forms. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of hormone that is available to be used by the body’s tissues. Fluctuations in the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) levels can affect the amount of hormone that body tissue to able to use. Additional tests of albumin level and other sex hormones, prolactin, estradiol, and LH (Luteinizing Hormone), may also help evaluate a complete picture of a women’s testosterone levels.
How Is Sex Hormone Binding Globulin Tested?
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin is tested by the injection of a needle into a vein, usually in your arm. Blood samples are then drawn from your vein and placed into a lab test tube. The SHGB shows an overall quantity of testosterone and does not distinguish between bound and unbound testosterone. The test results from the Sex Hormone Binding Globulin may be sufficient to evaluate excess or deficient testosterone production in women.
How Are Bioavailable Testosterone and Free Testosterone Tested?
If your SHBG lab results are too high or too low, your doctor may want to find out the level of Bioavailable Testosterone and Free Testosterone in your blood. The Bioavailable Testosterone and Free Testosterone Test reveals the amount of Testosterone that is present in the blood as “Free” Testosterone.
Your Testosterone Lab Results:
If you are interested in understanding your lab results then LabTestsOnline is a terrific tool to help comprehend your lab results.
Click on Symptoms of Low Testosterone In Women to read about the 5 Symptoms of Low Testosterone In Women.
I hope this has been a helpful overview on How To Measure Testosterone Levels In Women.
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Resources: https://labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/testosterone/tab/faq#4 http://www.mayomedicallaboratories.com/test-catalog/Clinical+and+Interpretive/8508