Updated:28 July 2004

Testosterone is a male sex hormone secreted by the testes. It gradually increases from childhood through puberty until its adult level. In females testosterone is mainly produced by peripheral conversion of prehormones and remains low. Testosterone monitoring is used clinically to diagnose and differentiate endocrine disorders in both males and females.

In the oncology setting anti-testosterone (anti-androgen) therapy is used as a form of hormonal treatment in men with prostate cancer. The goal is to produce chemical castration by eliminating the testosterone stimulation of the prostate cancer cells. Serum testosterone levels are measured to determine the success of such treatment.

Testosterone is measured by electrochemiluminescence on the Roche Elecsys 2010 analyzer.

Reference Ranges are:

Males < 55 years = 5.8 - 28 nmol/L

>55 years = 5.5 - 22 nmol/L

Females = 0.22 - 2.9 nmol/L

Interferences: HAMA, heterophilic antibodies