How to Test Testosterone Levels: Everything You Need to Know

Testosterone Levels Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test

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.

There are other causes of these symptoms so it is always important to speak to a doctor to help to assess what the problem is. If you and your partner are having difficulty getting pregnant, it is important that you both see a doctor. Research-backed tools, tactics, and techniques to maximize your health, delivered to your inbox every Monday. The type of tests that are most appropriate vary from patient to patient. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. By Julie MarksMarks is a Florida-based health writer with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and creative writing.

A trained technician draws your blood at a clinic, hospital, or diagnostic center (like Quest or LabCorp). The sample is sent to a lab, and results are available within days. If your doctor is drawing your blood—and potentially treating you for low T—make sure they’re board-certified and specialize in men’s health. “They have the expertise to manage hormonal health issues effectively,” says Houman. Addressing high testosterone could include considering medications, exploring the underlying cause (such as tumor removal), and making healthy lifestyle adjustments. Urine tests are another simple testosterone testing option that may offer insights into testosterone metabolism.

The tubes are labeled with your identification and sent to the lab for testing. A venous blood draw testosterone test will be performed at a clinic or lab. Men should get a testosterone test if they’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. Albumin-bound testosterone, however, can easily detach for use when needed, making it bioavailable. You have to go somewhere for the test, but the results will be more accurate than a home urine or saliva test.

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.

In contrast, high testosterone levels can affect growth and development, fertility, and may be a sign of conditions like polycystic ovarian syndrome or congenital adrenal hyperplasia. A healthcare professional will insert a needle into a vein, usually in the arm, to collect the necessary sample. Sometimes, other samples like saliva or urine can also be used to measure testosterone levels, although blood tests are the most common and accurate method.

Saliva and urine tests measure only the unbound, or free, fraction of sarms increase testosterone – cosmedclinic.co.in – and may not accurately represent the total testosterone levels in the body. In conclusion, testosterone levels can indeed vary throughout the day and over time. The best time to get tested is usually in the morning, within the first few hours after waking up, to capture the peak levels of testosterone. However, it is important to consider other factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health when interpreting the results. Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in hormone therapy is recommended to get accurate and meaningful results.

None of this is meant to suggest that at-home testosterone kits have no value. If performed correctly with a full understanding of the test’s limitations, they may prompt you to seek medical care if you suspect something is wrong and the test results are abnormal. Primary hypogonadism is when something is wrong with your testicles or ovaries, while secondary hypogonadism involves problems with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands. At-home medical tests are increasingly common among U.S. consumers, offering autonomy, privacy, and convenience, often at a lower cost than a medical visit. They are largely regarded as “gateway” tests because abnormal results can prompt a user to seek medical care. Her work has appeared in Washington Post, Prevention, Healthline, Health, The Daily Beast, Runner’s World, Greatist, Real Simple, and more.

These hormones are released by the pituitary gland in response to low testosterone levels and play a crucial role in stimulating testosterone production in the testes. Testosterone tests cannot diagnose any medical condition but can point a healthcare provider in the direction of a medical concern if testosterone levels are abnormally high or low. Testosterone testing is best performed on a venous blood sample collected at a clinic or lab and tested by a certified laboratory. Results should be interpreted by a healthcare provider with consideration of your symptoms, medical history, and other tests. Low testosterone levels can lead to symptoms such as decreased libido, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, and mood changes. High testosterone levels can also cause symptoms such as acne, infertility, and aggressive behavior. After the sample is collected, it is sent to a laboratory for analysis.