Normal Reference Ranges of Serum Testosterone and Gonadotropins in Thai Fertile Men: A Cross-sectional Study in a Single Tertiary Center
Abstract
Material and Methods: One hundred and twenty men aged 18-65 years whose wives had conceived within the past year were recruited at Songklanagarind Hospital and stratified into 3 age groups: 18-29, 30-39, and 40-65 years. Serum total testosterone (TT) was measured by electrochemiluminescence immunoassay. Bioavailable testosterone (BT) and free testosterone (FT) were calculated using a validated formula.
Results: The mean serum TT levels of the 18-29, 30-39, and 40-65 age groups were 520±200, 456±160, and 478±166 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), respectively. There were no significant differences in TT levels among the age groups. The overall mean TT was 481±174 ng/dL and the normal TT reference range was 211-970 ng/dL. Both calculated FT and calculated BT significantly decreased in line with increased follicular stimulating hormone with increased age, while luteinizing hormone levels remained similar. BMI had a weakly negative correlation with TT levels (correlation coefficient=-0.33, p-value<0.001) and small correlations with other measures.
Conclusion: Normal ranges of serum testosterone and gonadotropins determined in Thai fertile men with various ages are useful as a reference for clinical practice. Serum TT levels which are negatively correlated with BMI should be interpreted cautiously in obese men.
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