Testosterone Testing

How to Get Your Testosterone Levels Tested

Albumin-bound testosterone, however, can easily detach for use when needed, making it bioavailable. If you’re getting your testosterone tested for the first time, follow these guidelines to get an accurate reading. A testosterone test requires little preparation, but timing and certain factors such as food, exercise, and sex can impact accuracy.

In fact, studies show that masturbation appears to counteract natural drops in testosterone throughout the day but doesn’t alter the ratios between free testosterone, total testosterone, and cortisol. An abnormal testosterone test result could indicate unhealthy lifestyle habits or an underlying health concern that may require attention. Urine tests are another simple testosterone testing option that may offer insights into testosterone metabolism.

Secondary sex characteristics include voice changes, hair growth, and skeletal and muscle development. Testosterone also supports the formation of red blood cells and can also affect muscle mass, endurance, energy, and erections. You can check your testosterone levels in a lab or with an at-home kit. Home testosterone tests (which you can order without a prescription) analyze saliva, urine, or blood.

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. 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.

Different blood types may detect certain types of testosterone more than others. They typically involve a finger prick or a saliva test, and a person must mail their blood sample to a lab. This may help get a more accurate average of testosterone levels. 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 person may have reduced testosterone levels for various reasons.

DHT is more potent than testosterone, and because of this, there are targeted therapies to inhibit the 5alpha-reductase enzyme and thus lower DHT levels. Testosterone can also convert into estrogens primarily in the fat tissue by the aromatase enzyme. Like 5alpha-reductase, pharmaceutical compounds can inhibit the aromatase enzyme to lower estrogen production. 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 cause high testosterone in women – simply click the next website page, 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.

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.

By Julie MarksMarks is a Florida-based health writer with a bachelor’s degree in broadcast journalism and creative writing. TRT may not be recommended for people with a history of prostate cancer, heart disease, or frequent urinary tract infections. Testosterone production is strongest in puberty and early adulthood and begins to decline around age 30 years. Some things that cause low testosterone can also cause a low sperm count.

A testosterone test is a blood test that measures your levels of testosterone, a hormone. While most studies on testosterone and body composition have focused on men, particularly in populations with spinal cord injury (SCI), some emerging evidence supports similar benefits in women. In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men’s health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym. Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest. With all the ads on TV and in magazines heralding treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED).