How to Get Your Testosterone Levels Tested

How to Test Testosterone Levels: Everything You Need to Know

In conclusion, blood tests are the most accurate method for determining testosterone levels. They provide valuable information about both total testosterone and free testosterone levels, allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions regarding diagnosis and treatment. While saliva and urine tests may offer convenience, their accuracy is generally considered lower due to their inability to differentiate between bound and free testosterone. It is important to consult with a healthcare professional for the most accurate and comprehensive assessment of testosterone levels. Testosterone is an important hormone that plays a vital role in the development and maintenance of male secondary sexual characteristics. It is produced primarily in the testes and is responsible for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, red blood cell production, and libido. As men age, their testosterone levels naturally decrease, which can lead to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and reduced muscle mass.

If you’re worried that you might have testosterone imbalance, you might want to think about a testosterone test. Your doctor can perform a testosterone test or you can order a quick and easy to use at-home testing kit. Our testosterone page explains the functions of testosterone in the body. In this article, we talk about how to get testosterone tested and some of the signs of testosterone imbalance in men and women.

A 2023 study notes that the typical range of testosterone in females during the reproductive age is 15–46 ng/dL. These tests can be a convenient way to gain initial insight into testosterone levels. However, a person should not make any health decisions based on their results before discussing them with a doctor. At-home test kits can be convenient, but they cannot diagnose underlying health conditions that cause high or low testosterone.

Free testosterone (the active form) also matters, as does the patient’s overall health picture. Leading a sedentary lifestyle may exacerbate testosterone declines in men as they age, according to a 2024 review published in Frontiers in Aging. But on the flip side, “regular physical activity, including strength training, has been linked to supporting healthy testosterone levels,” according to Bailey. You may choose to have your testosterone tested if you are experiencing problems such as erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, decreased muscle mass, dominant testo shark tank or infertility. People can check their testosterone levels by ordering an at-home test kit from a reputable health testing company, such as LetsGetChecked or Everlywell. People should follow the test kit instructions carefully and discuss their results with a healthcare professional.

You can guess all you want, but the only way to know if your testosterone levels are where they should be is to test them. Maybe you’re feeling sluggish, struggling to add muscle, or your sex drive isn’t what it used to be. Or maybe you just want a baseline, to have something to measure against if issues arise. Whatever your reason, testing gives you hard data—the first step in taking control of your health. Any unusual symptoms may warrant hormone testing, as certain medical conditions (diabetes, STDs, tumors, kidney issues, liver problems, etc.) may be the underlying causes of hormone imbalance.

On the other hand, if your testicles are big and full, the levels of this hormone are high. Testosterone levels have a major impact on the size and shape of your testicles. That happens because this much-needed hormone is produced in your testicles, meaning you should pay more attention to their size. You may also want to take a testosterone test if you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high testosterone.

“Finger-prick” blood tests tend to be the most accurate, but saliva-based tests are painless and ideal for people who are squeamish about blood. Approaches for testosterone imbalances typically consist of making healthy lifestyle changes and/or considering testosterone replacement therapy. This therapy may involve the use of gels, injections, skin patches, oral testosterone, subdermal hormone pellets, buccal tablets, or testosterone nasal gels. Tumors, steroid use, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, ovarian cancer, and adrenal or pituitary conditions may contribute to high testosterone levels. The reasons for testosterone tests include having symptoms of hormone imbalance or health concerns. These tests can also monitor the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A blood sample for a testosterone test should be taken in the morning between 7 and 10.

To diagnose certain conditions, doctors sometimes look only at free testosterone levels. Plus, across the lifetime, it can result in increased risk for things like insulin resistance, osteoporosis (low bone density), and cardiovascular disease, says Houman. “Lifestyle changes across generations, such as reduced physical activity and unhealthy diets, further exacerbate the problem,” says Bailey. But by and large, he says this lack of movement and nutrient-dense food leads to low T by contributing to fat mass, obesity, and metabolic dysfunction, which are linked to lower testosterone levels. In some cases, healthcare professionals may request multiple tests over a certain period of time to get a more accurate picture of your testosterone levels.

Again, stand in front of a mirror, take off your shirt and focus on the chest area. Do you have toned pecks or have the size and shape of the breast area started to change? Answer this question honestly, test your testosterone level, and you’ll have more insight into it. Remember, with regular exercise you can tone your body, including the chest area, and enhance testosterone production.

Testosterone is a critical hormone necessary for both men and women, though it’s often considered a male hormone. However, testosterone levels sometimes fluctuate and become too low or too high. After the testosterone levels test, the results can provide important information about the levels of testosterone in your body. The test measures the amount of testosterone in your blood sample, usually taken from a vein in your arm with a needle. Overall, the testosterone levels test is a safe and effective way to assess testosterone levels and any potential health issues related to it.