Testosterone Levels Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test

Testosterone Test: Free & SHBG, High vs Low vs. Normal Levels

When the tests are used in a home setting, the risk of user error or improper preparation, collection, storage, handling, or shipping only adds to these concerns. The kits contain everything you need to collect a sample and a prepaid, certified shipping envelope to return the sample. Some manufacturers offer step-by-step instructions on their website. When you first receive the kit, you will register on a secure website with the manufacturer.

At-home test kits for checking your testosterone levels are available without a prescription. The kits provide everything you need to collect a blood or saliva (spit) sample to send to a lab for testing. 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.

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. Any value that falls above or below the reference range of value is testosterone on a normal blood test considered abnormal. With that said, reference ranges can vary from one lab to the next, and expert interpretation may be needed. Total testosterone (TT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) are both measured in nanograms per deciliters (ng/dL). Free testosterone (FT) is measured in picograms per deciliters (pg/dL).

Urine testing, such as the DUTCH test, shows how testosterone is broken down or metabolized. This can give great insight into the enzymes 5alpha-reductase and aromatase, as discussed above. Hone-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Hone telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Hone and the medical practices, click here. Research-backed tools, tactics, and techniques to maximize your health, delivered to your inbox every Monday.

Testosterones attached to proteins may prevent tissue from using testosterone the right way. Free testosterone needs tissue to carry out bodily processes like muscle growth. Testosterone testing can also be a useful way to monitor any changes in your health. There are three main types of testosterone tests available for a healthcare provider to use before treatment. People can test their testosterone levels by getting a blood test at a doctor’s office or ordering an at-home test kit online.

However, there are times when treatment is contraindicated and also times when treatment will not result in any changes. Hyperandrogenism is more common in females because testosterone levels considered normal in males can be 15 times higher than what would be normal in females. Age is a factor that can influence what’s considered a normal range of testosterone levels. Testosterone levels are measured in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). A healthcare provider takes a sample of blood and tests for free testosterone and testosterone attached to proteins like albumin.

At this time there are no age-specific testosterone reference ranges for males or females. But there are ranges over a lifetime by which testosterone levels are measured and compared at any age. A saliva test may be an alternative if you experience difficulties with needles or blood samples. Supplemental tests, such as serum testing, are necessary to ensure that salivary test results are accurate.

A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. “Tiredness, Weight Loss, and Itching Are Signs of This Dangerous Liver Disease.” Rupa Health, 3 May 2022, /post/a-functional-medicine-approach-to-non-alcoholic-fatty-liver-disease.

Treatments often involve medications or lifestyle adjustments to manage hormone levels. A testosterone test is a blood test that measures the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream. It is crucial for many functions, including muscle strength, energy, mood, and sex drive.