Testosterone is the most important sex hormone in a man’s body. It’s our fuel for feeling like we’re robust, potent, and in charge. For guys who are feeling the symptoms of low testosterone, it might be easy to simply take testosterone supplements or apply a topical cream to get your low T back into line. The problem is that starting testosterone therapy without knowing your testosterone levels is unwise, and by unwise, we mean it’s stupid.
The most reliable testing for testosterone levels is a simple blood test that measures both your total testosterone and free testosterone. Your total testosterone includes your SHBG-bound testosterone (sex hormone-binding globulin), albumin-bound testosterone, and your unbound, or “free,” testosterone. Your total testosterone is a combination of all three testosterone types into one succinct measurement of ng/dl, or nanograms per deciliter. Translation: when your doctor tells you your total testosterone level is 300, he means your total testosterone is currently measuring at 300 ng/dl.
A reliable blood test can help you understand the deficiency levels of your testosterone production. Without this insight, consuming testosterone products without a physician’s supervision or a baseline understanding of your testosterone has dangerous implications. Too much testosterone in your body can lead to a variety of health complications, including increased estradiol (estrogen in men), hair loss, shrinking testicles, and elevated red blood cell production. (TCT)
Don’t be stupid- get your testosterone levels checked before beginning any testosterone treatment. The safest method of treatment always involves the careful supervision of a board-certified physician, such as our physician staff at Mantality. Our team put together a FREE eBook available here for immediate download to answer any questions or concerns you may have about TRT. Download your FREE eBook right now and schedule your next appointment today with our Mantality team.
