How to Get Your Testosterone Levels Tested

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

Free testosterone is the biologically active form of the hormone that is responsible for its effects on the body. Therefore, it is important to measure both total testosterone and free testosterone to accurately evaluate your hormone status. Are you feeling fatigued, experiencing a decrease in muscle mass, or struggling with a low sex drive? To find out if this is the case, it’s essential to check your testosterone levels. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods available for measuring testosterone levels and provide you with guidance on how to check your testosterone level effectively. Although testosterone is typically higher in males due to production in the testes, it is also produced at lower levels in females and people without testes. It has functions in the female body, including sex drive, bone and muscle health, and mental sharpness and performance.

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.

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.

Bound testosterone binds to different proteins, such as albumin and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) in the blood, and free testosterone does not attach to proteins. A testosterone test may help doctors gauge if a person has too much or too little testosterone in their blood, which could help diagnose underlying conditions. Any value that falls above or below the reference range of value is considered abnormal. With that said, reference ranges can vary from one lab to the next, and expert interpretation may be needed. Many proven testosterone boosting supplements (gastouderbureauheuvelrug.nl) blood tests are finger-prick tests that draw a drop of blood using a spring-loaded cutting device called a lancet. The tests are generally performed by placing drops of blood onto a collection card covered with circles. Some require an oral swab, while others ask that you spit into a test tube.

You may see a lot of advertisements or information about supplements that claim to support your hormone levels. If you’re considering starting a supplement, you should check with your healthcare provider prior to use. Testosterone tests only give a glimpse of the testosterone levels at one moment in time. Doctors may order more than one test to see how the levels vary based on other factors. Doctors tend to carry out tests in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. The blood test involves taking a sample of blood from the arm using a small needle. When getting tested for testosterone levels, it is important to follow certain guidelines to ensure accurate results.

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.

These include a decrease in libido or sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, fatigue or decreased energy levels, muscle mass loss, and mood changes. In conclusion, the most common test used to check testosterone levels in the body is a blood test that measures the total testosterone level. 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.

Some at-home-based labs have variable access to healthcare provider support for understanding the results. Low levels of testosterone in females may be a sign of menopause or problems with the ovaries’ pituitary or adrenal glands. The results page had a very simple graphic showing where my testosterone levels were on a scale of typical to atypical ranges. I could download a PDF of my results, too, which makes it easy to share with doctors. A doctor may order different tests based on what they suspect the issue is. If convenience is a priority, at-home testosterone test kits are also available.

While you’re with them, a doctor may recommend blood tests to assess hormone levels, says Houman. From there, they might provide guidance on healthy lifestyle changes, such as the tips above. Or, they might suggest a treatment tailored to your specific needs, which could include health testing, hormone therapy, or dietary adjustments. Testosterone is a crucial hormone that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including the development of male reproductive tissues, muscle mass, and even mood regulation. As such, determining testosterone levels is an essential part of diagnosing and treating conditions such as hypogonadism and infertility, among others.