Testosterone Testing

Testosterone Tests: How It’s Done, Levels, and Results

Once the sample has been processed, the results will be returned via the website, usually within a few days. Anyone who thinks they have symptoms of low T should contact a doctor. According to a 2020 review, there is a lack of research into the collection methods and effectiveness of saliva tests. Depending on the results, doctors may order further tests to confirm their diagnosis.

This test provides an overall assessment of testosterone levels and helps determine if an individual has abnormal levels. Additional tests, such as those for free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, and SHBG, can provide more detailed information and help diagnose specific causes of abnormal testosterone levels. Testosterone is an essential hormone that plays a vital role in various bodily functions in both men and women. It is responsible for the development of male sexual characteristics and helps regulate muscle mass, bone density, and red blood cell production. Low testosterone levels can lead to a variety of symptoms such as fatigue, decreased libido, and mood swings. On the other hand, high testosterone levels can also have negative effects, including aggression and acne. While there isn’t a direct way to check testosterone levels without a blood test, specific symptoms can lupus cause high testosterone in females suggest a hormonal imbalance.

In men, testosterone levels peak during puberty and may decline by one to two percent each year starting in the third decade of life. Testosterone is made by activating the Hypothalamic Pituitary Gonadal (HPG) axis. The hypothalamus (in the brain) secretes gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). GnRH signals the pituitary gland to release Luteinizing Hormone (LH), which acts upon the Leydig cells in the testicles, causing them to produce testosterone. The level of circulating testosterone will send a feedback signal to the hypothalamus, with high levels causing suppression of the release of GnRH and low levels doing the opposite. For women with HSDD, TT levels by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) should be monitored every 3 months, with a target level in the high-normal range for premenopausal women.

No test will replace a doctor’s diagnosis, and at-home kits are unable to diagnose any condition that may be causing low T. Anyone who gets any atypical values from a home test or typical values when they have clinical symptoms should speak with a doctor. Doctors will first conduct a physical examination, looking for signs of low T or high T levels. They may ask about medical history and any medications the person takes before ordering the blood test.

Lastly, there are also tests that can be used to assess testosterone levels in specific tissues or organs. For example, imaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or ultrasound can be used to visualize the testes and assess their size and morphology. These tests can help identify specific conditions that may be affecting testosterone production or function. The kits are mail-in tests, meaning that you take a sample of blood or saliva at home and mail it to a lab for testing.

Kvorning et al.61 emphasized that individual differences in hormonal regulation and exercise volume influence the magnitude of post-exercise testosterone responses. This aligns with findings by Kraemer et al.60, who demonstrated that total workout volume significantly impacts post-exercise testosterone levels. When it comes to checking testosterone levels, most people are familiar with the standard blood test. This involves taking a blood sample and measuring the amount of testosterone present in the blood.

A blood sample for a testosterone test should be taken in the morning between 7 and 10. During these hours, your testosterone levels are typically the highest. A testosterone test is the only way to know for sure if you have low testosterone.

This hormone is crucial for helping to maintain muscle and bone strength and plays a significant role in our mood and energy levels. However, whether a high or low SHBG level is concerning in your case depends on how a health professional interprets this result with your symptoms and other results (total and free testosterone levels). A proper testosterone test—done in a certified lab—is the only reliable way to check your levels. At-home tests can be a starting point, but lab tests remain the gold standard. And when testing, look beyond total testosterone—free testosterone and other biomarkers give a fuller picture of your hormonal health.

We encourage you to discuss your free testosterone result with a health professional. A clinical interpretation of this result will differ case-by-case depending on a host of other factors. A testosterone blood test is the withdrawal and assessment of your blood. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Get your blood drawn between 7 and 10 a.m.—when they’re at their highest—for the most accurate reading. 4 This applies to in-home tests, lab visits, or blood drawn at a doctor’s office. In certain cases, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test.