What do the results mean?
Results mean different things depending on whether you are a man, woman, or boy.
For men:
High T levels may mean a tumor in the testicles or adrenal glands. Adrenal glands are located above the kidneys and help control heart rate, blood pressure, and other bodily functions.
Low T levels may mean a genetic or chronic disease, or a problem with the pituitary gland. The pituitary gland is a small organ in the brain that controls many functions, including growth and fertility.
For women:
High T levels may indicate a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a common hormone disorder affecting women of childbearing age. It is one of the leading causes of female infertility.
It may also mean cancer of the ovaries or adrenal glands.
Low T levels are normal, but extremely low levels may indicate Addison disease, a disorder of the pituitary gland.
For boys:
High T levels may mean cancer in the testicles or adrenal glands.
Low T levels in boys may mean there is some other problem with the testicles, including an injury.
If your results are not normal, it doesn't necessarily mean you have a medical condition needing treatment. Certain medicines, as well as alcoholism, can affect your results. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
