LH (Luteinising Hormone)

Description

The Testosterone (Total) — Female Test from BiomarkersLabs.com measures total serum testosterone in women, using a high-sensitivity assay calibrated to the lower reference ranges appropriate for the female population. Testosterone is not exclusively a male hormone — in women, it is produced by the ovaries, the adrenal cortex, and via peripheral conversion from androstenedione, and plays important physiological roles in libido, bone density, muscle mass, mood, cognitive function, and general wellbeing. Total testosterone in women is substantially lower than in men, typically ranging from 0.5 to 2.4 nmol/L (15–70 ng/dL) in reproductive-age women, and must be interpreted using female-specific reference ranges and alongside SHBG, which determines the free androgen fraction.

Elevated testosterone in women is most commonly associated with PCOS — where excess androgen production leads to clinical hyperandrogenism including hirsutism, acne, and anovulation — but may also indicate congenital adrenal hyperplasia, ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting tumours, or exogenous androgen use. Low testosterone in women is increasingly recognised as a contributor to reduced libido, fatigue, and impaired quality of life, particularly in peri- and post-menopausal women and those on combined oral contraceptives that suppress adrenal and ovarian androgen production. Results are CLIA-certified (USA) and IVDR-compliant (EU/UK), delivered to the practitioner portal within 1–3 business days.

What does the Testosterone (Total) — Female Test measure?

Testosterone (Total — female high-sensitivity assay) — the combined measurement of bound and unbound testosterone in the female serum. Elevated total testosterone in women suggests hyperandrogenism from ovarian (PCOS, tumour) or adrenal (CAH, tumour) sources, or exogenous androgen exposure. Low total testosterone may contribute to reduced libido, fatigue, and diminished wellbeing in peri- and post-menopausal women. Total testosterone must be interpreted alongside SHBG to understand free androgen bioavailability, as high SHBG can suppress free testosterone even when total testosterone appears normal.

Clinical indications

PCOS hyperandrogenism assessment — elevated testosterone is one of the three Rotterdam diagnostic criteria for PCOS (alongside anovulation and polycystic ovarian morphology). Total testosterone, alongside SHBG and free androgen index, quantifies the degree of biochemical hyperandrogenism.

Hirsutism and virilisation investigation — serum testosterone is the primary biochemical investigation in women presenting with excessive hair growth, acne, clitoral enlargement, or voice deepening to assess for androgen excess and guide differential diagnosis.

Suspected androgen-secreting tumour — markedly elevated testosterone (typically above 5–7 nmol/L) in a woman raises the possibility of an ovarian or adrenal androgen-secreting tumour requiring urgent further investigation.

Female low libido and androgen deficiency assessment — in peri- and post-menopausal women, or those on oral contraceptives, low testosterone may contribute to hypoactive sexual desire disorder and reduced wellbeing. Measurement guides decisions about testosterone replacement therapy.

HRT and testosterone therapy monitoring — women receiving testosterone replacement therapy (e.g. transdermal testosterone gel) require periodic monitoring to ensure levels remain within the physiological female reference range and to assess therapeutic response.

Congenital adrenal hyperplasia screening — mildly elevated testosterone alongside elevated 17-hydroxyprogesterone may indicate late-onset CAH presenting with PCOS-like symptoms in reproductive-age women.

Sample type and collection

Blood (serum). No fasting required. Venepuncture at an approved collection site. A female-specific high-sensitivity testosterone assay is used — standard male-range assays are insufficiently sensitive to accurately quantify testosterone at the lower concentrations found in women. Morning collection is preferred as testosterone follows a mild diurnal pattern. Cycle day should be documented where relevant.

Turnaround time

1–3 business days from specimen receipt.

Availability

USA · EU · UK · Canada

Compliance

CLIA Certified · IVDR Compliant · CE Marked · HIPAA Compliant · GDPR Compliant · PIPEDA Compliant

How to order

Register free at BiomarkersLabs.com. Licensed practitioners only. Pay per test — no subscription required. Results are delivered directly and securely to your practitioner portal and are never released directly to patients.