How To Test For Low Testosterone At Home

Why Take This Test

• Find out whether low testosterone levels are causing your symptoms
• Check whether your testosterone levels are within the normal range
• See whether your testosterone levels are decreasing with age
• Guide your exercise and dietary choices to increase your testosterone levels naturally
• Monitor your testosterone levels whilst taking hormone replacement, such as testosterone replacement therapy
• Investigate whether your testosterone levels are too high

What Will The Results From An At

A testosterone test will tell you if your current levels of free or total testosterone are within the normal, high, or low range for your age and sex. As with Everlywell, you may also get some actionable insights on how to improve your testosterone levels.

Remember, none of these testosterone tests can diagnose a medical condition. An abnormal testosterone level is not necessarily indicative of a medical condition that requires treatment. Abnormal testosterone levels can be caused by lifestyle factors, age, and even certain medications.

Therefore, if youre concerned about your testosterone levels, you should take a copy of your test results to your healthcare provider, who will be able to perform additional testing to discover the underlying cause of your abnormal testosterone level if necessary.

When Should You Check Testosterone Levels

In the majority of men, testosterone levels begin to naturally decline from the age of 40 – this decline tends to be pretty gradual at around 1% per year. For those deficient in the hormone, testosterone replacement therapy may be considered.

In saying that, if you suspect you may have a hormonal imbalance or would simply like to know more about your testosterone levels, you can get an idea of your hormonal health with a testosterone test.

The most reliable way to check testosterone levels from home is with an at-home Testosterone Test. The process is simple:

LetsGetCheckeds Testosterone Test offers a complete insight into your testosterone levels by measuring the amount of testosterone in your blood. Once your sample arrives in our certified laboratory, confidential results will be available from your secure online account within 2 to 5 days.

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How Do Our Top Picks Compete On Price

The cheapest testosterone test is from Walk-In Lab with prices starting as low as $36. With lab-based providers, there are no additional shipping costs included, which allows them to offer tests at a cheaper price.

However, at-home testing companies LetsGetChecked and Everlywelloffer subscription and membership programs respectively, for significant savings on regular testosterone screening.

While being the most expensive on this list, arguably,LetsGetChecked and MyLAB Box provide the best value-for-money. They are competitively priced, offer free shipping, and a free medical consultation is included in the cost.

What Does Hones At

Weve already established that salivary at-home tests only measure your free testosterone, but not your total T levels. Most assessments, in fact, can be rather limited in that they test only your testosterone. Hone, however, is one of the most comprehensive assessments available on the market. We test for a wide range of biological markers, or biomarkers, that are pivotal to maintaining normal levels of testosterone, including:

• Total testosterone the complete amount of testosterone, bound to SHBG or albumin, thats produced by the testes

• Free testosterone the remaining testosterone that isnt bound to a protein

• Luteinizing hormone directs its secretion into the testes, creating testosterone that produces sperm

• Estradiol modulates your libido, erectile function and spermatogenesis

• Sex-hormone binding globulin a protein thats produced in the liver, SHGB binds to estrogen, dihydrotestosterone and testosterone, then transports them in the blood as biologically inactive forms

• Albumin in addition to transporting hormones, vitamins and nutrients throughout your body, it accounts for about 60 percent of the total protein in the blood

• Alanine aminotransferase an enzyme that converts food into energy

• Aspartate transaminase an enzyme found in the liver, heart, kidney, red blood cells and skeletal tissue, released whenever muscle or liver damage occur.

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Is There Anything Else I Should Know

Alcoholism in males can decrease testosterone levels. Drugs, such as androgens other than testosterone, can also decrease testosterone levels.

Prostate cancer responds to androgens, so many men with advanced prostate cancer receive drugs that lower testosterone levels.

Drugs such as anticonvulsants, barbiturates, and clomiphene can cause testosterone levels to rise.

Whats The Best Place To Buy Trt Online In The Us

Hone and Vault Health are both based within the United States and offer full testosterone replacement therapy consultations and prescriptions shipped to your door. Both companies offer blood tests as part of their subscription services to determine a clients levels of need.

One of the standout features of Hone Health is that guys that already have lab results can use them and save. Additionally, they offer three different subscription plans. The first two, the preventative and the proactive plans, are excellent for those at risk for low T who want to stay ahead of the curve.

Both companies offer a team of certified medical professionals that will be available to a client on a regular basis. Hone Healths customer support team is particularly useful and offers 24/7 service. Obviously its important to have access to professionals when you start adjusting hormone levels in case you experience any side effects.

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What Can Your Results Tell Your Doctor

Theyâll let one know whether you have normal, high, or low testosterone. A normal testosterone level for you will depend on your gender and age.

Normal total testosterone results in adult men:

• Ages 19 to 49 — 249 – 836 nanograms per deciliter
• Ages 50 and older — 193 – 740 ng/dL

Normal total testosterone results in adult women:

• Ages 19 to 49 — 8 – 48 ng/dL
• Ages 50 and older — 2 – 41 ng/dL

Depending on your results, you might also need one of these other tests:

• 17-hydroxyprogesterone. It detects congenital adrenal hyperplasia, which affects your production of hormones.
• Androstenedione . It checks how well your adrenal glands, ovaries, or testicles work.
• Biopsy. Your doctor removes a sample of tissue from your testicles to check for cancer.
• DHEAS. It looks for problems or tumors in your adrenal glands.
• Estrogens. It measures estrogen levels, and can help diagnose infertility or menopause.
• Follicle-stimulating hormone or luteinizing hormone . They evaluate fertility in women, and puberty in girls.
• Prolactin. It diagnoses breast discharge, missing periods, infertility, or low sex drive in women.

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How Do They Work

A testosterone test is a simple form of blood test. Doctors will first conduct a physical examination, looking for signs of low or high testosterone levels. They may ask about medical history and any medications the person takes before ordering the blood test.

Doctors tend to carry out tests in the morning when testosterone levels are highest. The blood test involves taking a sample of blood from the arm using a small needle. This process typically takes a few minutes.

Some people may have to follow some special instructions before the test. A doctor may ask the person to stop taking prescription drugs that could affect hormone levels, such as androgen or estrogen therapies.

Other prescription or recreational drugs and herbs and supplements may also affect testosterone levels, so people should always let their doctor know about anything they are taking.

Doctors may order more than one test, taken on different days. This may help get a more accurate average of testosterone levels.

Depending on the results, doctors may order further tests to confirm their diagnosis.

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What Causes Low Levels Of Free And Total Testosterone

Several factors and health conditions may decrease the normal levels of testosterone in the body.

Whats In The Fine Print

Weve thoroughly researched each testing provider to ensure there will be no nasty surprises for you after you have ordered your testosterone test.

You should be aware that some of the providers on this list such as Walk-In Lab have testosterone tests that are just for men. So, be sure to check the details of your tests before ordering, to make sure youre suitable. Everlywellsand LetsGetCheckeds testosterone test is suitable for all adults, but the same is not sure for all companies.

Many of the tests on this list require special preparation before you can collect your samples, including, fasting, collection shortly after waking, pausing certain supplements or medications, or waiting for a certain point in your menstrual cycle. Make sure you follow all of the instructions for your test to ensure accurate results.

Some providers may not be able to send out test kits or perform lab-based testing in certain states. For example, Labwork365 is only operational in 47 states with the exception of New York, New Jersey, and Rhode Island. Before ordering, check the test is available in your location.

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At Your Healthcare Providers Office

You can also get your testosterone level checked at a healthcare providers office or certified lab with a blood test. The provider draws a blood sample and follows up with you about the test results. Healthcare providers generally require two tests taken on two separate days before theyll make a diagnosis of low T.

At your visit, your healthcare provider might order the following blood tests :

• Total testosterone level. Your total testosterone level includes testosterone thats bound to sex hormone binding globulin and free testosterone, the amount of testosterone circulating freely in the blood.
• Luteinizing hormone . This hormone controls how you make testosterone, and abnormal levels may signal a problem with the pituitary gland.
• Blood prolactin level. A high prolactin level may indicate pituitary problems or tumors, which could be affecting your testosterone level.
• Blood hemoglobin . This checks whether you have anemia, which can be caused by low testosterone.
• Follicle stimulating hormone and estradiol. Low levels of these hormones can assist with a diagnosis in both women and men.
• Hemoglobin A1C . This evaluates long-term control of blood sugar, which can test for diabetes.

Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, so its important to follow the instructions given by your healthcare professional, or those provided in the test kit, on when to test.

Hone Health Vs Vault Health: Whats Better

If youre trying to decide between Hone vs Vault, wed go with Hone. Its slightly less expensive, and doesnt require you to commit for as long. Currently they service almost all 50 states, but not quite. Check their FAQ page to see the most up to date list, as they are constantly expanding. Vault also offers an amazing service and currently is available in all 50 states, so if Hone isnt available yet where you are, Vault is a great alternative.

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Other Frequently Asked Questions About At

Theres a ton of information to digest, and it can be a bit overwhelming. So please know that we at Hone are happy to answer any and all of your questions, day or night, by emailing . You can also contact us by phone Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. EST. Were here to help.

Before you do contact us, though, we invite you to check out our FAQ section on the Hone website. It may already have the answers to your questions, including the following:

If youre unsure whether or not youve accurately collected your sample, were happy to review a photo of your sample on the card, to confirm whether or not its sufficient for processing by the lab. You can email the photo at .

All materials can be uploaded into your Hone patient portal prior to your consultation with the physician. You can also email them to .

References:

Mulhall JP, Trost LW, Brannigan RE, Kurtz EG, Redmon JB, Chiles KA, Lightner DJ, Miner MM, Murad MH, Nelson CJ, Platz EA, Ramanathan LV, Lewis RW. Evaluation and Management of Testosterone Deficiency: AUA Guideline. J Urol. 2018 Aug 200:423-432. doi: 10.1016/j.juro.2018.03.115. Epub 2018 Mar 28. PMID: 29601923.

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Stay Honed In

Can This Test Help Me Learn If My Lifestyle Changes Are Working

Yes. For example if you are on hormone replacement therapy for testosterone, this is an ideal test to take regularly to see if your levels are increasing to a normal, healthy range. If you are not on hormone replacement therapy and you have low testosterone, there are natural lifestyle changes you can make to help â such as getting a good night’s sleep, decreasing alcohol consumption and regularly exercising. Read more about ways to increase testosterone naturally.

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Are Saliva Testosterone Tests Accurate

For those who are looking for an easy, comfortable way for them to test their testosterone levels, saliva testing is a great way not only to remove the stress of a traditional blood test, but also save money in the process. In short, yes, saliva testosterone tests are accurate. However, something important to note is that the results may sometimes vary, making it more reliable overall to invest in a blood testosterone test.

That being said, this is not to discount the efficiency of saliva testosterone tests. As previously mentioned, they are accurate and will give you a good reading, making them worth your while. Because there are some Pros and Cons to consider before looking into saliva testosterone tests, lets properly weigh the options:

Pros

Cons

• Not quite as accurate as blood tests

At the end of the day, whether or not you invest in a saliva testosterone test solely depends on your personal preference. Though they are technically less accurate than blood tests, the difference in accuracy is pretty small. Whether or not a certain test is more appropriate also depends on which type of medical condition you are gauging your testosterone for. To figure out which test is right for you, consulting a doctor is often the most practical way to go. If you want to be absolutely certain, get a blood test, but also be aware that there are many saliva tests worth looking into as well.

Testing For Hyperandrogenism In Women

Serum total testosterone is frequently normal in women with mild clinical hyperandrogenism . cBAT testing has a better diagnostic yield for testosterone excess in women.19 Repeat serum testosterone testing is not indicated if cBAT is normal. Testing of other androgens is dependent on clinical findings and is beyond the scope of this protocol for more information refer to the BC Guideline.caHormone Testing – Indications and Appropriate Use. For women who have regular menstrual cycles, collection should be performed in the morning on day 410.18

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Carbohydrates Are Your Friend

Testosterone concentrations in seven normal men were consistently higher after ten days on a high carbohydrate diet. That sentence is lifted verbatim from a scientific study looking at the relationship between carbs and testosterone levels . Its the kind of clear-cut statement thats hard to ignore and, if youre interested in raising your testosterone levels, that you shouldnt ignore. Remember, too, that if you are weight training, the carbs will be necessary to power your workouts.

We cant mention carb-loading without mentioning the potential dangers, however. If you are not physically active and elevate your carb intake, any testosterone boost will be temporary. Eventually, you will put on so much excess weight that your testosterone levels will drop, and youll open yourself up to heart disease, diabetes, and other conditions.

What Are The Best In

In-person clinics may be preferable to patients who do not wish to have medical consultations virtually, or those who lack necessary technology for virtual communication. Low T Center, Defy Medical, and Royal Medical Center.

It should be noted for any in-person TRT clinic that normal standard of operations may be affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Always call and get in contact before showing up at an in-person clinic to be sure they are taking walk-ins or in-person appointments. Some clinics that are usually in-person may be temporarily remote and virtual through telehealth services. Overall, there are lots of ways to get cheap testosterone therapy these days, whether from your local clinic or virtually from a fast-growing, nationwide provider.

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