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

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

A testosterone levels test is a sample that is done to measure the amount of testosterone in the body. It can help diagnose conditions like low testosterone or certain disorders that affect the production of testosterone. A testosterone test is the only way to know for sure if you have low testosterone.

It is essential to interpret testosterone levels in women in the context of their specific age and reproductive stage. Overall, preparing for the testosterone levels test is usually a straightforward process that requires minimal effort from your side. Just make sure to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification if needed. Not necessarily, but some medical conditions (tumors, diabetes, other chronic diseases, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, etc.) may contribute to low testosterone. That’s why routine testosterone testing and determining potential underlying causes of low T are important for individuals with risk factors.

A simple blood test can measure your testosterone levels—typically done in the morning when levels are at their highest. If your levels fall below the normal range (usually considered around 300–1,000 ng/dL), your doctor may recommend further evaluation or treatment. While saliva tests may be available for other hormones, such as cortisol, they are not commonly used or considered accurate for measuring testosterone levels.

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. One of the most accurate methods to check testosterone levels is through a blood test, specifically measuring total testosterone. A blood test involves drawing a small sample of blood and sending it to a laboratory for analysis. This test measures the overall amount of testosterone in your bloodstream.

“Guys tell me they feel a little anxious, which is completely new,” says McDevitt. “Testosterone has a mood stabilizing effect, so as it decreases, anxiety can you be skinny with high testosterone arise.” There are a couple of science-backed ways to help you boost testosterone levels naturally. McDevitt says she sees older men who live a healthy lifestyle in their fifties who have the testosterone levels of a man in his thirties. Evidence shows that high levels of 5alpha-reductase in apocrine sweat glands are in relation to higher testosterone and play a central role in the anabolic activity of androgens. Basically, if your sweat has an unpleasant odor, then your testosterone levels are okay. On the other hand, if the sweat is odorless, the levels of this hormone have decreased. Your testosterone levels are in relation to a large majority of processes in the body, including sweat.

A total testosterone lab test measures both “free” (unbound) testosterone and the amount of hormone bound to blood proteins. Normal testosterone levels are between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). As an online urgent care and primary care practice, we are dedicated to supporting your health at every stage. The frequency matters as there’s a time frame that your body needs to balance everything out. If you’re concerned about your health or testosterone levels, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider.

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. Instead, the blood test looks for your total testosterone levels, which counts free T as well as that bound to the proteins sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. 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. You may talk to your healthcare provider about a testosterone level test if you have symptoms of low testosterone.

So, stand in front of a mirror and focus on the size of the testicles in order to easily determine whether testosterone production decreased or not. Or, an at-home testosterone test can be a convenient first step in understanding your testosterone level. No matter which test method you choose, it’s best to consult with your doctor to discuss your results and go over options for potential next steps. For males under age 45 years, a testosterone test is usually performed in the morning when T levels are highest. Regular testosterone level checks are essential for transgender men and transmasculine people using female-to-male testosterone therapy. You can check your testosterone level with a simple blood test, either at your doctor’s office or with a home test kit. They are not medicines and are not intended to treat, diagnose, mitigate, prevent, or cure diseases.

If you have any concerns about your testosterone levels or related symptoms, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional for a comprehensive evaluation and guidance. During a testosterone levels test, a sample of blood is usually taken from a vein in the arm. The procedure is typically quick and straightforward, and it can usually be done without any significant discomfort or pain.