This test measures testosterone levels, the principal androgen (male hormone) in men, and can also allow for the detection of hormonal imbalances related to symptoms of male andropause, rapid ageing, low vitality and sexual dysfunction.
With advancing age, testicular function often declines and levels of free, bioavailable testosterone plummet. By the time a man reaches age 50, his bioavailable levels of testosterone may be half their youthful levels. The primary cause of this decline appears to be chronic deterioration of Leydig cells in the testes. This decrease is also influenced by altered hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis activity and age-induced changes in concentrations of sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG).
In women imbalanced testosterone levels are also associated with a number of health complaints including low libido, acne, hirsutism and polycystic ovarian syndrome.