Free Testosterone
You may need this test to find out whether a low sex drive is caused by a low level of testosterone. In recent years, healthcare providers have used testosterone therapy to treat both men and women with low sex drives.
The test is also done for men with andropause, or late-onset hypogonadism. This is a condition caused by decreased testosterone. Men with this condition may have:
- Anemia
- Depression
- Decreased bone density
- Lack of energy or fatigue
- Loss of muscle mass
- Poor concentration
- Erectile dysfunction or inability to have an orgasm
- Infertility
Men with HIV/AIDS may also have low testosterone levels.
Signs and symptoms of high testosterone in women include:
- Irregular or no menstruation
- Extra hair growth, especially on the face
- Blood sugar imbalance
- Infertility
- Thinning hair on the scalp
If you are a man and this test reveals your free testosterone is lower than normal, your healthcare provider may prescribe testosterone therapy. The FDA has not approved any testosterone medicines for women.