Why get tested? To determine abnormal testosterone level in males and females; in males, an abnormal level may help to explain difficulty getting an erection (erectile dysfunction), inability of your partner to get pregnant (infertility), or premature or delayed puberty; in females, to explain the appearance of masculine physical features (virilization), inability to get pregnant, and as a marker for polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
When to get tested? If you are male and your doctor thinks that you may be infertile or if you are unable to get or maintain an erection; if you are a boy with either early or delayed sexual maturity; if you are a female but have male traits, such as a low voice or excessive body hair (hirsutism), or have amenorrhea, or are infertile
Sample required? A blood sample drawn from a vein in your arm
This article was last reviewed on February 11, 2009.
This page was last modified on April 8, 2009.
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