Androgens . Patient guide
Total Testosterone
Total testosterone measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood, including both protein-bound and free (active) fractions. It is the standard first-line test for male androgen status and is also used in women to investigate raised androgen symptoms.
This biomarker entry is being clinically reviewed by our team. The factual content draws on UK guidance (NICE, NHS, Royal Colleges and the relevant speciality society where cited).
Reference range
Reported in nmol/L. Final reports always carry the issuing laboratory's range, which is what your clinician will interpret against.
| Group | Range | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Adult men | 8.6 to 29.0 | nmol/L; many UK clinicians consider levels under 12 nmol/L as low if symptoms are present (BSSM) |
| Adult women | 0.3 to 2.4 |
What it is
In men, testosterone is produced mainly by the testes under signal from the pituitary (LH and FSH). It is responsible for libido, muscle mass, bone density, mood, and red blood cell production. In women, smaller amounts come from the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Why a clinician would order it
In men: persistent fatigue, low libido, erectile changes, reduced morning erections, mood changes, loss of muscle. In women: hirsutism, acne, scalp thinning, irregular periods, suspected PCOS / PMOS.
If your level is outside the range
Symptoms of low Total Testosterone
- Reduced libido
- Erectile changes
- Loss of morning erections
- Fatigue
- Reduced muscle bulk
- Mood changes, low motivation
- Reduced body or facial hair
What low can indicate. Primary hypogonadism (testicular failure), secondary hypogonadism (pituitary or hypothalamic cause), age-related decline, obesity, opioid use, post anabolic-steroid use, untreated sleep apnoea.
Symptoms of high Total Testosterone
- In women: hirsutism, acne, scalp thinning, irregular periods. In men: usually due to exogenous supplementation.
What high can indicate. In women: PCOS / PMOS, congenital adrenal hyperplasia, androgen-secreting tumour (rare). In men: exogenous testosterone or anabolic-steroid use, rarely a pituitary or adrenal cause.
Testing tips
Morning sample (ideally before 11am) is essential, because testosterone follows a strong diurnal rhythm and an afternoon sample may read 30 percent lower. Repeat on two separate days before any treatment decision.
Where you can get this tested
Total Testosterone is included in the following WMG Health panels. Same-day appointments at our Harley Street clinic, with results clinician-reviewed.
Want a specific combination of markers we do not have a panel for? Build a custom panel and our clinicians will design one for you.
Related markers
Sources
UK guidance our clinicians use when interpreting this marker.
This page is general patient information, not personal medical advice. A GMC-registered clinician will review your results and tailor any interpretation to you. See our Editorial Policy for how we write and review content.