Testosterone A Frequently Overlooked, But Important Blood Test

By Frank Melograno, MD

Life Force MD, LLC

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Testosterone A Frequently Overlooked, But Important Blood Test

While most patients are familiar with standard blood panels their physician's order that contain a CBC (complete blood count) and tests for cholesterol and lipids such as HDL (high density lipoproteins) and LDL (low density lipoproteins), many patients and some doctors alike are not as versed on the importance of testosterone.

Since testosterone is getting more and more coverage on TV and in print with drug companies and others touting the importance of maintaining testosterone levels, I thought it might be helpful to review some basic information on this important hormone.

Testosterone is a hormone found in both men and women, although it is more commonly associated with men and certainly advertised to “Men with Low-T.” It is a hormone that plays a role in energy, mental cognition/clarity, ability to build muscle, sex drive/performance and other vital body functions.

Testosterone is also a powerful anti-inflammatory within the body and certain studies would indicate patient's who maintain a healthy testosterone level are at decreased risk for certain cardiovascular diseases that result from inflammation and irritation over a protracted period of time.

Therefore, from a high level, testosterone can play an important role in not only how patients feel and experience quality of life, but can also play a role in underlying health and potentially quantity of life.

Because testosterone is not routinely run in many blood panels it is important that patients make sure their physicians understand all of their chief complaints and symptoms, so a physician can factor in if there is a chance low testosterone can be contributing to the symptoms and if further investigation via blood testing could prove beneficial.

As a urologist who has worked with patients suffering from a gamut of complaints I've often times seen how delving into a patient's testosterone level can uncover the unwitting culprit in complaints surrounding energy, sexual performance, inability to lose weight and a host of other common complaints. If you are suffering from these complaints it is important to let your physician know and see if testosterone testing and treatment may be warranted. There are many effective methods to treat low testosterone including some that only need done every 8-12 weeks.