How do testosterone tests work

This test can help identify whether you have low testosterone levels, normal testosterone levels, or high testosterone levels. This means they have to meet high standards to obtain both state and federal certifications and submit themselves to regular inspections.

Everlywell tests are reviewed and approved by an independent board-certified physician within your state. We use state-of-the-art, bank-grade encryption to ensure your data is stored securely, and under no circumstance do we ever sell your data.

However, women also produce testosterone and need healthy levels of it for hormone balance. You can check testosterone levels with an at-home test or at a clinic. The Everlywell at-home test uses a saliva sample that you collect in the morning by spitting in a tube that comes with the kit.

You then mail the sample to a lab and get your results online. Testosterone testing at a clinic usually involves a blood test in which blood is drawn from a vein in your arm known as a serum testosterone test. This testosterone panel is affordable and reliable. It is a first step in understanding why you may be experiencing symptoms of high or low testosterone.

Both younger and older men and women can check free testosterone levels with this at-home test you must be age 18 or above to take this test. Your results will provide detailed information on whether your testosterone level is normal, low, or high compared to reference ranges in your age group.

Your results from this testosterone level test will include evidence-based guidance about lifestyle changes you can make that can positively impact your testosterone and—more importantly—your health. It's always a great idea to share your results with your doctor, and this testosterone panel gives you a head start. Wondering how to test for low testosterone levels from the convenience of home?

The Everlywell at-home testosterone level test is an easy, convenient way to check in on your T levels. Both blood tests and saliva tests are well-established techniques for clinically measuring testosterone levels in men and women.

But there are a few differences between these two testing methods:. After you collect your sample and send it back to their lab, you will receive a detailed assessment with measurements of how much of each hormone is present in your body. Cerascreen offers quick and easy testing by using saliva to measure testosterone levels. Once you take your saliva sample, you set up an online account with Cerascreen and answer a questionnaire that will help give you personalized recommendations with your results.

Results take 3 to 5 days to return to you via an online portal. Before you rely on the results of a testosterone home test kit, you should be aware of the accuracy of salivary testing versus blood testing. Testing saliva is easier and less invasive than drawing blood. A study concluded that saliva is a reliable method to determine testosterone levels.

But there has not been enough analysis of commercial home testing kits. Whether they deliver accurate, reliable, and unvarying results has not been confirmed.

If you decide to measure your testosterone levels with a home kit, you should be prepared to take any necessary next steps. The laboratory results should come with an explanation of your measured testosterone level. If your level is considered normal, but you still have symptoms that concern you, talk with your doctor. If your results come back as lower than average, make an appointment to see your doctor before trying any home remedies.

A variety of testosterone supplements on the market carry risks, and they can cause side effects like:. Low testosterone can sometimes be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. This is yet another good reason to see your doctor if your levels are low. Symptoms can include:.

Having low testosterone levels may be a regular part of your aging process. In either case, the best solution is to see your doctor for an accurate diagnosis and learn about your treatment options. Lower testosterone is natural as you age. Learn how to tell when it's too low and what you can do about it. Estrogen is the hormone most often associated with women.

But do women have testosterone as well? We'll tell you why testosterone plays an important…. Low levels of the male hormone testosterone affect muscle mass, bone density, and more.

Learn if testosterone injections work and if they're right for…. Learn what causes blue balls and when testicular pain may be a sign of something more serious. A ruptured testicle is a painful injury, usually resulting from blunt trauma to the scrotum. Learn more about the treatment and recovery for a…. Testosterone therapy may be used for a variety of medical conditions. It may also affect cholesterol levels. Learn more. For women, the symptoms of low testosterone can include Mazer, :.

Having too much testosterone is not a good thing, either. In men, the most common cause is the use of anabolic steroids or taking too much testosterone prescribed by a healthcare provider. Symptoms of having too much testosterone include UCF, n. Signs of hyperandrogenism in females include Makrantonaki, :. If your testosterone levels are low, your healthcare provider may recommend testosterone replacement therapy TRT.

These are some of the methods that are available. These common treatments are applied to the skin: the testosterone patch brand name AndroDerm , gels brand names AndroGel, Testim, and Fortesta and solutions brand name Axiron. Depending on the formulation, an injection lasts from a week to a few months before a new shot is necessary. Buccal testosterone therapy brand name Striant is an oral patch designed to stick to the gums above your incisors. It is usually applied twice a day.

Testosterone pellets brand name Testopel are implanted under the skin near the hips. They slowly release testosterone for three to six months. Nasal testosterone gel brand name Natesto is applied to the inside of the nose three times a day in each nostril. Many healthcare providers are waiting for long-term safety data before prescribing it.

Most healthcare providers will suggest trying topical gels for TRT first, because they provide stable levels of testosterone and are relatively easy to use. It can cause side effects and interact with some drugs. If you have certain medical conditions, you may not be a good candidate for these treatments.

TRT may also increase your risk of developing certain health conditions; ask your healthcare provider if testosterone therapy makes sense for you. Read more about TRT here. It may be possible to boost your testosterone levels by making lifestyle changes like improving your diet, getting regular exercise, sleeping well, and not drinking alcohol to excess.

Read more about 8 ways testosterone can be boosted naturally. Last updated March 23,