How do I test my testosterone levels?

This article was reviewed by Felix Gussone, MD.

If you’ve been feeling a bit more couch potato than go-getter lately, dragging through the day, snapping at people for no reason, or wondering where your drive disappeared to, you might be wondering if low testosterone is to blame.

Testosterone levels naturally fluctuate, but when they dip too low, they can mess with all sorts of things, like your energy, mood stability, and muscle mass.

The best way to know whether your T levels are low is to test them, and testing your testosterone is pretty straightforward in a lab or at home.

Below, you’ll learn exactly how to check your testosterone, what to expect when testing, and when it’s worth doing.

What Is a Testosterone Test?

A testosterone test is a simple way to measure how much testosterone is present in your bloodstream.

It’s helpful to know if your T levels are off track, as testosterone is the main androgen (male hormone) that plays a role in maintaining your muscle mass, supporting your mood, energy, and bone health, and supporting your libido, among other things.

A total testosterone test is most common. This blood test measures both the amount of testosterone that’s bound to proteins in your blood (where it’s kind of stuck in storage) and the free testosterone, aka the active form that’s readily available for your body to use.

Some situations might also call for checking free testosterone separately (like if your total T levels are only slightly above or below normal). You might also get your T checked alongside tests for other related hormones that influence testosterone like hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), luteinizing hormone (LH), and prolactin.

Overall, a testosterone test isn’t just about getting a number and calling it a day. It’s a tool to help figure out if your symptoms are tied to your T levels and, if so, what to do next.

When Should You Get Tested?

Everyone has low-energy days or trouble focusing now and then, and that’s normal. However, if certain symptoms stick around, it might be time to check what’s going on inside.

Consider talking to a healthcare provider about a testosterone test if you’re noticing potential symptoms of low testosterone, like:

• Low energy or constant fatigue, even after a good night’s sleep
• Reduced drive
• ED or performance issues
• Mood changes, like feeling more irritable, anxious, or down than usual
• Trouble maintaining or building muscle mass
• Increased body fat, particularly around your midsection
• Thinning hair or changes in how your body hair grows (like pubic or armpit hair loss)
• Concerns about your bone density, like fractures
• Brain fog or more trouble focusing than normal
• Enlarged breast tissue, called gynecomastia

Testing is also a smart move if you’re dealing with conditions that can affect hormones, such as pituitary disorders, or if you’re struggling with infertility.

Other health issues, such as depression, sleep apnea, hypothyroidism, or anemia, can lead to similar symptoms to low testosterone. Because of this overlap, it’s important to talk to a healthcare professional to identify the true cause and guide the right testing and treatment approach.

Timing Matters: The Best Time of Day to Test

Your testosterone levels follow a daily circadian rhythm, peaking in the early morning and tapering off as the day goes on.

The ideal window for testing is between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. That’s when your testosterone levels are at their highest and most stable, giving your healthcare provider the best shot at capturing your true baseline.

If you test T too late in the day, your levels might appear lower than they really are, which can throw off your results and potential diagnosis.

This timing tip is especially important for younger men under 45, whose testosterone fluctuates more throughout the day.

For older men, the variation may not be quite as dramatic. For example, in men aged 30 to 40, testosterone levels at 4 p.m. can be 20 to 25 percent lower than at 8 a.m. In 70-year-olds, the drop is around 10 percent.

What Happens During a Testosterone Test

Getting your testosterone tested is relatively quick and painless, whether you decide to test in a clinic or use an at-home testosterone test kit. Testing through Hims at home, you’ll use the Tasso device, a blood lancet that collects a whole liquid blood sample from the upper arm. (Only collect your samples Monday through Thursday before 11 a.m. to avoid any shipping delays.)

Here’s how to use the Tasso device: 

• Prep the area. Before testing, wash your hands, roll up your sleeves so your upper arm is exposed, and shave the area where you’ll be drawing blood. Rub this area for 2 minutes and use the provided heat pack for 4 minutes to promote blood circulation. Then, use the provided alcohol swab to disinfect the area. 
• Prep the device. Remove the Tasso device from its tray and attach the blood collection tube as instructed. Then, remove the clear label from the device’s red button.
• Collect your sample. Peel the tab away from the Tasso device to reveal a sticky side. Attach it directly to the meaty part of your upper arm and let your arm hang straight down. Then, press the red button and hold it down for 3 seconds. Release. 
• Set a timer. If you’re using the tube with a purple cap, let it fill for 2-3 minutes. If your tube has a yellow cap, let it fill to the top line for up to 5 minutes. Blood may not flow immediately. 
• Remove the device. Simply peel it from one side of the skin and apply a bandage. Remove the tube from the device, replace the cap until it clicks, flip the tube over, and give it a flick. Flip it back and forth about 10 times to mix the blood sample.
• Repeat the test on the other arm. Follow each of these steps again to repeat the test on the other arm.
• Send your sample to the lab. Place your tubes in the provided biohazard bag and press to seal. Fill out the collection card and place it in the same box your kit arrived in, along with the tubes. Apply the provided shipping label and ship via FedEx to the lab the same day.   

Do I Need to Prepare?

To prepare for the test, do the following: 

• Plan to collect your samples Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or, Thursday before 11 a.m. (to avoid shipping delays).
• Avoid alcohol use for 24 hours before testing.
• Fast for 9-12 hours.
• Drink plenty of water before testing.
• If you’re taking testosterone injections, collect your sample midway between doses.
• Medications and supplements can sometimes interfere with results, so be sure your provider is aware of everything you’re taking so they can instruct you accordingly.  

When in doubt, ask your Care Team ahead of time so you won’t be caught off guard. Preparing beforehand means you’ll get the most accurate results possible.

Are There Risks?

The risks of getting a testosterone test are very low. It’s a standard blood draw, with minor risks like bruising or soreness at the needle site, a small risk of getting lightheaded or fainting (especially if that’s something you tend to do around needles), and a rare risk of infection.

What the Results Mean

Once your results come in, your total testosterone level will usually be reported in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Normal ranges can vary slightly depending on the lab, but for adult men, a typical total testosterone range is roughly 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. The American Urological Association defines low testosterone as a total testosterone level of less than 300 ng/dL.

However, a 2022 paper in the Journal of Urology analyzed testosterone levels in 1,486 men aged 20 to 44 and proposed age-specific cutoffs for low testosterone because younger men naturally have higher testosterone levels.

The authors concluded that age-specific reference points ranging from 409 ng/dL in 20 to 24-year-olds to 350 ng/dL in 40 to 44-year-olds should be used when evaluating younger men for testosterone deficiency, rather than applying a one-size-fits-all standard.

However, the current standards for what’s normal are as follows:

• Normal: 300 to 1,000 ng/dL (but remember, “normal” can depend on age and symptoms)
• Low testosterone: <300 ng/dL
• Borderline: Somewhere close to the lower limit, and you might need a second test to confirm

Low testosterone levels for guys can indicate primary hypogonadism, meaning your testicles are struggling to produce testosterone. This could be something you were born with or developed later in life.

It could also be secondary hypogonadism, meaning the problem is with your pituitary gland (which releases luteinizing hormone) or hypothalamus (which releases gonadotropin-releasing hormone).

These are located near the base of your brain and act like command centers for T production. Secondary hypogonadism is characterized by low T with normal or low LH levels.

High testosterone levels could potentially indicate a tumor in your testicles or adrenal glands. These are rare, but the results require further evaluation.

Either way, if your testosterone comes back as abnormal, your provider may recommend retesting, checking additional hormones, or looking into possible causes like lifestyle factors, medications, or underlying medical conditions. This helps determine next steps.

A Note About At-Home Testosterone Test Kits

Make sure to look for at-home kits that are processed by reputable, CLIA-certified labs, which will deliver the most reliable results. CLIA stands for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, and facilities with these certificates meet certain requirements for quality laboratory testing. Testosterone testing kits at Hims use CLIA-certified labs.

An at-home test can be a great starting point to get a general idea of where you stand, but if you get a low or unexpected result, it’s smart to follow up with a trusted healthcare professional for confirmation and further evaluation. Keep in mind you can’t diagnose yourself with low T after taking one at-home test. Low testosterone is formally diagnosed after blood tests show low levels, and you experience signs or symptoms of deficiency.

Testing Testosterone: The Takeaways

Getting a testosterone level test doesn’t have to be complicated. Plus, it can be a huge help in understanding what may be going on in your body and helping you feel more like yourself again.

Whether you go through your healthcare provider or use an at-home testosterone test kit, the important thing is getting clear answers.

Here’s what to remember:

• Morning matters. Testosterone should be tested between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., as this is when your levels are at their highest, allowing for the most accurate read.
• Pay attention to symptoms. If you’re feeling more tired than usual, experiencing bothersome mood changes, losing muscle, storing more body fat around your belly, or struggling to get in the mood (or perform), it may be a good time to check for low T.
• Rule out other conditions. Conditions like depression, sleep disorders, thyroid problems, or anemia can cause symptoms that closely resemble those of low testosterone.
• Choose your test. Testosterone can be tested by a clinician at a lab using a blood test. It can also be done using a testosterone test kit at home using a finger prick or saliva sample. If going with the latter, look for a reliable, CLIA-certified option.

Many guys will just brush it off when something doesn’t feel quite right, but ignoring symptoms often makes little issues worse.

Take control by speaking with your healthcare provider and testing your testosterone levels — it’s one of the simplest things you can do to get data on yourself.

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This article originally appeared on Hims.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org