This test is performed when symptoms indicate there may be abnormal androgen (male hormone) production.
In males, the testes produce the majority of the circulating testosterone. The pituitary hormone LH stimulates the testicular Leydig cells to produce testosterone. In females, the ovaries produce the majority of the testosterone. The adrenal cortex produces another androgen, called DHEAS.
In male children, testosterone levels are used to assess early or late puberty. In adult males, testosterone levels are critical in the evaluation of impotence and infertility. Testosterone levels are obtained in women in the work-up of excess hair growth, virilization (male body characteristics) and irregular menses.
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