A Comprehensive Guide To Testing Testosterone Levels: Exploring The Different Methods

Testosterone Test: Kit Cost and Results in Men and Women

In some cases, low testosterone in females may also be caused by low estrogen or menopause, as there’s some overlap in the symptoms. They’ll let one know whether you have normal, high, or low testosterone. A normal testosterone level for you will depend on your gender and age. Low testosterone can be caused by numerous things, with illness, injuries, stress and genetic conditions all playing a role in how the hormone is produced.

None of our tests are intended to be a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, help, diagnosis, or treatment. Hormone imbalances can cause a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact your life. These symptoms can also overlap with other conditions, such as depression. At Everlywell, we offer a number of at-home lab tests for hormone levels and other conditions. Your in-clinic healthcare provider is responsible for relaying the results of your in-clinic labs and discussing the potential consequences of the results.

There are different forms of testosterone in your blood that may be measured to help diagnose certain health problems. The proteins prevent your tissues from using the testosterone right away, which helps control the amount of “active” testosterone in your body. Testosterone that’s not attached to proteins is called free testosterone.

It is worth noting that testosterone levels can vary throughout the day, with the highest levels typically occurring in the morning. Therefore, for the most accurate results, blood tests should be conducted in the morning when testosterone levels are at their peak. There are several methods available for measuring does testosterone increase sperm volume levels, each with varying degrees of accuracy. The gold standard for measuring testosterone levels is through a blood test. This test measures the total amount of testosterone in the bloodstream and is typically performed in a clinical setting by drawing a sample of blood.

These kits let you collect a blood sample from a finger prick and mail it to a lab. While convenient, at-home kits may be less precise than clinical tests. This daily variation in testosterone levels is natural and should be taken into consideration when getting tested. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels and want to get them tested, it is generally recommended to do so in the morning, within the first few hours after waking up. This will give you the most accurate representation of your testosterone levels at their highest point. Hypogonadism can affect males, females, and people who are intersex.

If you feel like your testosterone levels might be too high or too low, talk to your healthcare provider. If you need treatment, your provider can also help you understand the risks and benefits of different therapies. If your testosterone levels are too low or high, you might develop symptoms that interfere with your daily life.

Joshua Calvert, M.D., a board-certified urologist specializing in male infertility and low testosterone management. Testosterone imbalance is a common problem with multiple causes that affects both men and women. Disorders of the pituitary gland, adrenal gland, or ovaries may also play a role in testosterone imbalance. No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.

Testosterone supports muscle mass, libido, energy levels, mood, focus, sleep quality, bone density, metabolic health, and more, says Houman. So, having lower-than-optimal testosterone levels can lead to a range of physical, mental, and emotional side effects, he says. Research suggests that low testosterone levels may be more common among young men today compared to previous decades. Multiple large-scale studies have shown that average testosterone levels in men, including adolescents and young adults, have been on the decline over the past few decades, according to Houman.