Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in various functions such as energy levels, muscle mass, libido, mood regulation, and overall health in both men and women. When hormone imbalances arise, symptoms may be subtle or severe, ranging from fatigue to sexual dysfunction. Understanding how to test testosterone levels is an essential step in diagnosing and managing these issues.
Here’s how to get your testosterone checked and insights into what the results mean.
Table of Contents
What Is Testosterone and Why Does It Matter?
When Should You Consider a Testosterone Test?
How to Get Your Testosterone Checked: Testing Options
In-Clinic Testing (Laboratory or Doctor-Supervised)
At-Home Testosterone Test Kits
How to Get Your Testosterone Levels Checked: Step-by-Step Process
What Your Testosterone Test Results Mean
What Low Testosterone Levels Can Indicate
What High Testosterone Levels Can Indicate
What to Do After You Get Your Testosterone Levels Checked
1. Review Results with a Healthcare Provider
2. Consider Lifestyle Adjustments
3. Explore Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
4. Schedule Routine Follow-Up Testing
Feel Like Yourself Again—Explore Hormone Therapy at BioRestore CT!
Key Takeaways
✔ Individuals can choose between in-clinic testing and at-home test kits to check their testosterone levels.
✔ In-clinic testing is more accurate because samples are collected by professionals using lab-grade equipment.
✔ Labs often include comprehensive hormone panels that test related hormones like LH, FSH, and SHBG.
✔ Many in-clinic testosterone tests are covered by insurance if deemed medically necessary.
✔ At-home testosterone test kits provide convenience and privacy by allowing sample collection at home.
✔ Results from at-home tests can be less reliable due to collection variability, so professional follow-up is advised.
✔ Both in-clinic and at-home test results are usually available within a few business days.
✔ The right testing method depends on the individual’s health status, need for precision, and access to medical care.
What Is Testosterone and Why Does It Matter?
Testosterone is primarily known as a male sex hormone, but it is present in all sexes and contributes to multiple biological functions. In men, testosterone is produced mainly in the testes, while in women, it is made in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands.
For men, in particular, it’s difficult to determine the exact number of those with low testosterone. However, research estimates that approximately 2.1% or 2 out of every 100 men are affected.
Monitoring testosterone levels can help detect conditions such as hypogonadism, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or endocrine disorders. Understanding how to test testosterone levels allows individuals to take informed steps toward treatment and lifestyle adjustments.
There are three types of testosterone measured during a testosterone test:
- Total testosterone: Includes both free and bound testosterone.
- Free testosterone: The biologically active form not attached to proteins.
- Bioavailable testosterone: Includes free testosterone and testosterone loosely bound to albumin.
Testosterone levels influence:
- Bone density
- Muscle growth
- Red blood cell production
- Mood and cognitive function
- Sexual drive and performance
When Should You Consider a Testosterone Test?
Recognizing the right time to take a testosterone test is key to catching potential health concerns early. Understanding how to get your testosterone checked is crucial for treating symptoms, prevention, and long-term wellness.
Common Symptoms That May Require a Testosterone Test
If you experience one or more of the following symptoms consistently, it may be time to consider how to test testosterone levels:
- Persistent fatigue: Ongoing low energy, even after sufficient sleep, may indicate a hormonal imbalance.
- Low libido or erectile dysfunction: Reduced interest in sexual activity or difficulty maintaining an erection may indicate low testosterone levels.
- Mood swings or depression: Hormonal fluctuations can affect emotional stability, leading to irritability or depressive symptoms.
- Reduced muscle mass and strength: A noticeable decrease in physical strength, despite regular activity, may stem from low testosterone production.
- Difficulty concentrating or memory issues: Cognitive fog, forgetfulness, or reduced mental sharpness can be linked to testosterone deficiency.
- Irregular menstrual cycles (in women): Testosterone plays a role in female reproductive health, and imbalance may disrupt cycle regularity.
- Unexplained weight gain or body fat increase: Especially around the abdomen, hormonal shifts may contribute to fat accumulation.
- Hair thinning or loss: Testosterone impacts hair growth, and low levels may lead to gradual thinning or bald patches.
- Sleep disturbances: Difficulty falling or staying asleep might be a hormonal symptom, particularly in older adults.
Health Conditions and Risk Factors That May Require Monitoring
In addition to symptoms, several medical and lifestyle-related factors can increase your risk of abnormal testosterone levels. These include:
- Aging (especially over 40): Testosterone levels naturally decline with age, and men in midlife or older should consider periodic checks.
- Obesity: Excess body fat—especially abdominal fat—can lower testosterone due to increased estrogen conversion.
- Type 2 diabetes: Insulin resistance is closely linked with hormone disruptions, including low testosterone.
- Metabolic syndrome: A cluster of conditions, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and abdominal fat, increases the likelihood of testosterone imbalance.
- Chronic illnesses: Long-term conditions like liver or kidney disease, HIV/AIDS, or inflammatory diseases can impact hormone production.
- Opioid or steroid use: Certain prescription medications, especially long-term use of painkillers or anabolic steroids, can suppress testosterone production.
- Sleep apnea: Poor oxygenation during sleep interferes with hormone production and regulation.
- Pituitary gland disorders: Issues with the gland responsible for signaling testosterone production can cause secondary hormone deficiencies.
How to Get Your Testosterone Checked: Testing Options
When deciding how to get their testosterone levels checked, individuals typically choose between two main methods: in-clinic testing or at-home testosterone test kits. Each option comes with unique benefits and trade-offs depending on your goals, budget, and health status.
In-Clinic Testing (Laboratory or Doctor-Supervised)
This method remains the most trusted approach for accurate hormone evaluation. It is recommended especially for those with complex symptoms or existing health conditions.
Benefits of in-clinic testing include:
- Professional supervision: Blood sample is collected by a trained technician, reducing the chance of error.
- Accurate results: Labs use high-grade equipment that ensures reliable testosterone test readings.
- Comprehensive hormone panels: Providers may test for related hormones such as LH, FSH, and SHBG for a broader endocrine picture.
- Insurance coverage: Many health insurance plans cover medically necessary testing, reducing out-of-pocket costs.
- In-person consultation: Immediate access to medical advice based on test results.
How In-Clinic Testing Works
- Visit a lab or doctor’s office, usually in the morning.
- A blood sample is drawn from a vein (not a finger prick).
- Results are available within a few days through a secure portal or provider follow-up.
At-Home Testosterone Test Kits
These kits allow users to check testosterone levels from the comfort of home, making them ideal for routine monitoring or initial screening.
Benefits of at-home testing include:
- Convenience: Collect your sample without scheduling an appointment.
- Privacy: No need to visit a clinic or disclose information directly to medical staff.
- Ease of use: Simple instructions, usually involving a small lancet for finger-prick blood or a saliva tube.
- Quick delivery: Many companies offer fast shipping and digital result reporting.
Considerations for At-Home Testosterone Test Kits
- Slightly less accurate: Sample collection methods may affect reliability.
- No on-site consultation: You’ll need to follow up with a provider separately to interpret results and plan next steps.
- Out-of-pocket cost: May not be covered by insurance.
How to Get Your Testosterone Levels Checked: Step-by-Step Process
The process of getting a testosterone test is straightforward but requires some preparation to ensure accuracy.
Step 1: Prepare for the Test
Understanding how to test testosterone levels correctly begins with proper timing and preparation.
- Schedule your test between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m., when testosterone levels are at their peak.
- Fasting may be required if the test includes other labs like glucose or cholesterol.
- Avoid strenuous exercise 24 hours before the test.
- Notify your provider about any medications or supplements.
Step 2: Sample Collection
Blood testing is preferred for accuracy, especially when measuring total and free testosterone.
- Blood Test (most common): Performed in a clinic or using a finger-prick method at home.
- Saliva Test: Used in some home kits; less common in clinical settings.
Step 3: Receive Results
Learning how to get your testosterone levels checked includes knowing when to expect results and how to interpret them with your provider’s help.
- Results are typically available within 1–5 business days.
- They may be reviewed through a patient portal, mailed, or delivered by phone.
What Your Testosterone Test Results Mean
Understanding the outcome of a testosterone test is essential for identifying whether your levels fall within a healthy range. However, interpreting results goes beyond simply seeing if numbers are “normal.” It’s about analyzing your hormone profile in context with symptoms, lifestyle, and overall health.
Normal Testosterone Levels
Although lab reference ranges may vary slightly, these general guidelines are used to determine if testosterone levels are within expected limits:
For Men
- Total testosterone: 300–1,000 ng/dL. This includes both bound and free testosterone circulating in the blood.
- Free testosterone: 9–30 ng/dL. This represents the biologically active form, not bound to proteins.
For Women
- Total testosterone: 15–70 ng/dL. Much lower than male ranges, but still essential for female health.
- Free testosterone: 0.3–1.9 ng/dL. Free testosterone plays a role in energy, mood, and libido.
What Low Testosterone Levels Can Indicate
While symptoms like fatigue and reduced libido may raise concern, low testosterone—also known as hypogonadism—is also tied to specific medical diagnoses. These conditions are typically confirmed through clinical evaluation and lab testing.
- Primary Hypogonadism: This occurs when the testes fail to produce adequate testosterone despite receiving proper signals from the brain. It may result from genetic conditions like Klinefelter syndrome, testicular injury, or chemotherapy.
- Secondary Hypogonadism (Hypogonadotropic Hypogonadism): In this case, the issue lies in the pituitary gland or hypothalamus, which fails to signal the testes to produce testosterone. It can be caused by pituitary tumors, inflammation, or certain chronic illnesses.
- Klinefelter Syndrome: A genetic disorder affecting males who are born with an extra X chromosome. It commonly leads to low testosterone, infertility, and underdeveloped secondary sex characteristics.
- Type 2 Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome: Both are frequently associated with low testosterone. Men with type 2 diabetes have a two- to threefold higher risk of testosterone deficiency.
- Chronic Kidney Disease: Reduced kidney function can impair hormone production and regulation, including testosterone.
- HIV/AIDS-Related Hypogonadism: Men with HIV/AIDS may develop secondary hypogonadism due to the disease itself or the medications used in treatment.
- Hemochromatosis: An iron overload disorder that can damage the pituitary gland or testicles, leading to reduced testosterone levels.
What High Testosterone Levels Can Indicate
While less common, elevated testosterone levels can also pose risks and often require medical attention.
- Anabolic steroid use: One of the most common causes in men, often seen in athletes or bodybuilders.
- Adrenal disorders: Conditions like congenital adrenal hyperplasia may cause excessive testosterone production.
- Testicular or ovarian tumors: May lead to an overproduction of testosterone and other hormones.
- Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS): In women, elevated levels may result in irregular periods, excess hair growth, and acne. PCOS is the leading cause of elevated testosterone levels in women, affecting approximately 6% to 10% of premenopausal women.
- Behavioral changes: Increased aggression, irritability, and risk-taking behavior can sometimes be linked to high testosterone.
What to Do After You Get Your Testosterone Levels Checked
Getting the results of a testosterone test is only the first step toward managing your health. What follows should be a thoughtful, personalized approach based on accurate interpretation, medical advice, and consistent monitoring.
1. Review Results with a Healthcare Provider
Interpreting hormone levels requires professional insight—numbers alone don’t tell the full story.
- Discuss symptoms alongside results: A healthcare provider will correlate lab values with clinical symptoms to assess if treatment is necessary.
- Check for related hormone imbalances: Additional testing (e.g., LH, FSH, SHBG, estradiol) may be needed to uncover underlying causes.
- Rule out secondary conditions: Pituitary or adrenal disorders may be behind abnormal testosterone levels and require further evaluation.
2. Consider Lifestyle Adjustments
In many cases, moderate changes to daily habits can naturally improve testosterone levels and reduce the need for immediate medical therapy.
- Engage in resistance training: Weightlifting and HIIT workouts have been shown to boost natural testosterone production.
- Prioritize quality sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours per night; interrupted or insufficient sleep can suppress hormone production.
- Maintain a healthy weight: Excess fat, particularly visceral fat, is linked to lower testosterone.
- Limit alcohol and avoid smoking: Both negatively impact hormone regulation and can worsen symptoms.
- Reduce stress levels: Chronic stress elevates cortisol, which competes with testosterone and can cause an imbalance.
3. Explore Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
When natural methods aren’t enough and testosterone levels are significantly low, medical therapy may be required.
- Understand available formats:
- Injections: Administered weekly or biweekly.
- Gels or creams: Applied daily to the skin.
- Patches: Deliver consistent doses over 24 hours.
- Pellets: Implanted under the skin and slowly release testosterone over several months.
- Injections: Administered weekly or biweekly.
- Evaluate the risks and benefits: TRT can improve energy, libido, mood, and bone density—but may carry side effects such as acne, elevated red blood cell count, or cardiovascular risks.
- Use under strict supervision: Testosterone therapy should only be initiated and managed by a licensed medical provider.
4. Schedule Routine Follow-Up Testing
Monitoring testosterone levels after making changes or starting treatment ensures that adjustments are working and side effects are minimized.
Adjust plan as needed: Dosage, delivery method, or additional treatments may be revised based on lab trends.
- Timing: Follow-up testing is usually recommended every 3 to 6 months, depending on treatment type and symptom progression.
- Scope: Providers may repeat total and free testosterone tests, as well as monitor blood pressure, red blood cell count, and prostate health.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can use an at-home testosterone test kit, which typically involves a finger-prick blood sample or saliva collection. After sending the sample to a certified lab, results are usually delivered digitally within a few days. While convenient, it’s best to follow up with a healthcare provider for interpretation and next steps.
Common signs of low testosterone include fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass, and mood changes. Blood testing is the only way to confirm low testosterone levels accurately. If symptoms persist, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for evaluation.
You can have your testosterone levels checked through a blood test ordered by a doctor or using an at-home test kit. In-clinic testing is typically more accurate and may include additional hormone panels. Your provider will help interpret results and recommend any necessary treatment.
Signs of high testosterone may include acne, aggressive behavior, increased body hair, and irregular menstrual cycles in women. In men, it can result from steroid use or underlying medical conditions. A blood test is needed to confirm elevated levels and assess potential risks.
Testosterone levels can be improved naturally through resistance training, quality sleep, weight loss, and reduced stress. In more severe cases, testosterone replacement therapy may be recommended by a doctor. Always consult a healthcare provider before starting any treatment or supplement.
Feel Like Yourself Again—Explore Hormone Therapy at BioRestore CT!
If you’re experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance or simply want to take control of your well-being, now is the time to act. BioRestore offers trusted, professional testosterone testing services tailored to your needs—right here in Connecticut. When considering in-clinic evaluations, BioRestore provides expert guidance and personalized care.
Residents across Connecticut rely on BioRestore for accurate testing, hormone therapy support, and long-term health solutions. With locations throughout Connecticut, BioRestore ensures you can get your testosterone levels checked conveniently and confidently.
Choose BioRestore in Connecticut to start your journey toward better energy, vitality, and wellness. Schedule your consultation today!