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

Testosterone Testing

For this reason, there is still no consensus on the ‘normal range’ of free testosterone; different guidelines recognise different free testosterone ranges as normal or abnormal. A general rule of thumb is that free testosterone less than 50–65 pg/mL is considered low. Importantly, there is no universal agreement on what constitutes low, normal, or high levels of testosterone, so various guidelines may offer differing opinions. Hone is an online clinic that helps men and women manage their health. As part of your subscription and as medically indicated, physicians prescribe medications, and recommend supplements that are delivered to you from the comfort of your home. Health insurance companies generally don’t cover at-home testosterone tests, which can cost around $45. But you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for your test.

However, it is worth noting that high testosterone levels are rare in cases where someone is not taking testosterone. If your results show high testosterone levels, it might be worth meeting with your doctor to confirm the results through a physician-ordered blood test and to discuss your next steps. For males under age 45 years, a testosterone test is usually performed in the morning when T levels are highest. Sometimes, the test needs to be retaken to confirm the measurements. Only a testosterone test can measure how much of the hormone is in your body and determine whether your level is within a healthy range. An abnormal testosterone test result doesn’t guarantee that you have a medical condition. Other factors, like certain medications and existing health conditions, can affect your test results.

Testosterone, predominantly recognized as a male sex hormone, is also present in females, albeit in smaller quantities, exerting multifaceted effects on both genders6. In males, testosterone is integral to the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as facial hair growth and deepening of the voice, as well as supporting reproductive function. Moreover, testosterone influences mood regulation, cognitive function, and bone density, contributing to psychological and skeletal health7,8. In females, while estrogen and progesterone are primary sex hormones, testosterone contributes to libido, energy levels, and overall vitality9.

Your lab report should show the range that your lab uses for each test. Your doctor will also look at your results based on your age, health, and other factors. A value that isn’t in the normal range may still be normal for you. They are usually highest in the morning and lowest in the evening. This causes boys to develop a deeper voice, get bigger muscles, make sperm, and get facial and body hair.

They can also provide more information about an individual’s overall hormone balance and help guide treatment decisions. In addition to the total testosterone test, there are other tests that can provide more detailed information about an individual’s testosterone levels. These include tests for free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). Free testosterone is the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins and is available for use by the body. Bioavailable testosterone is a combination of free testosterone and testosterone that is weakly bound to other proteins. SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone and can affect its availability in the body. On their own, results are not diagnostic of any medical condition, but having an abnormally high or low testosterone level may indicate a medical condition in need of treatment.

IF YOU’RE LOW on energy, low on libido, and low on your gym gains despite well-programmed training—well, to be honest, any number of things could be to blame. These are some of the most generic and common afflictions, all signs of stress, depression, and poor diet—just to name a few. For adult females, testosterone is generally between 15 ng/dL and 70 ng/dL. Pharmacies and various companies may sell at-home do moringa powder increase testosterone tests.

Thus, maintaining an optimal testosterone balance is crucial for sustaining physiological equilibrium and promoting general well-being. Maintaining an optimal testosterone balance is vital for muscle health, metabolic function, sexual health, mood regulation, and overall quality of life in both men and women10,11. In conclusion, the most common test used to check testosterone levels in the body is a blood test that measures the total testosterone level.

One of the most common causes of high testosterone in women is a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), which is characterized by enlarged ovaries with small cysts. The correct balance between testosterone and estrogen is crucial for the ovaries to work properly. Too much testosterone in females can lead to a deep voice, larger clitoris, and decrease in breast size. However, some doctors, like Dr. Jayadevan, like their patients to get a baseline test in their 20s. Moreover, it’s also important to know if your T levels are clinically low, as that can be tied to other health risks that you’ll want to pay attention to, particularly related to your heart. But regardless, your doc will always test your total testosterone when checking if you’re dealing with low T.