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Testosterone

(continued)

What Affects the Test

Reasons you may not be able to have the test or why the results may not be helpful include:

Taking medicines such as estrogen (including birth control pills), testosterone, corticosteroids, digoxin (Lanoxin), spironolactone (Aldactone), or barbiturates.
Having hyperthyroidism. This can raise sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Hypothyroidism can lower SHBG levels.
Taking medicines to treat prostate cancer.
Taking medicines that raise prolactin levels, such as certain seizure medicines.

What To Think About

Most of the testosterone in the blood is bound to a protein called sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). "Free" testosterone may be checked when conditions that can increase SHBG levels, such as obesity or hyperthyroidism, are present.
The levels of other hormones made by the pituitary gland, such as follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH), may be checked to see whether a low testosterone level is caused by problems with the testicles or ovaries or the pituitary gland. A really high level of LH and a low level of testosterone often means that the testicles or ovaries are not working properly. A low LH level and a really low or high testosterone level may mean a problem with the pituitary gland. For more information, see the topics Follicle-Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone.
For women, medicines such as birth control pills or corticosteroids may lower levels of testosterone. Oral estrogens used for hormone replacement therapy can also lower testosterone levels.

Other Works Consulted
Chernecky CC, Berger BJ (2008). Laboratory Tests and Diagnostic Procedures, 5th ed. St. Louis: Saunders.
Fischbach FT, Dunning MB III, eds. (2009). Manual of Laboratory and Diagnostic Tests, 8th ed. Philadelphia: Lippincott Williams and Wilkins.
Pagana KD, Pagana TJ (2010). Mosby’s Manual of Diagnostic and Laboratory Tests, 4th ed. St. Louis: Mosby Elsevier.

By	Healthwise Staff
Primary Medical Reviewer	E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Specialist Medical Reviewer	Matthew I. Kim, MD - Endocrinology
Last Revised	April 21, 2010

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WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise

Last Updated: April 21, 2010

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information.