Testosterone by LC-MS/MS

Testosterone is produced by the adrenals, the theca cells in the ovary and the leydig cells in the testes. As much as 97% of circulating testosterone is bound to serum proteins such as sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). In the male, testosterone stimulates the maturation of genitalia and secondary sexual characteristics and its measurement is used to investigate sexual dysfunction in juveniles and adults. In females testosterone concentrations are much lower and an elevated concentration may indicate polycystic ovarian syndrome among other conditions. Clinical symptoms of testosterone excess in females include infertility, amenorrhea, obesity and hirsutism.