Testosterone test

What is a testosterone test kit and how does it work?

A testosterone home test kit is used to measure testosterone levels at home without the need for a doctor’s visit. The kit typically contains everything needed to collect a sample and to post it to a lab for testing. Results are normally available within 2 to 3 days.

Symptoms of low testosterone: When to consider testing

Testosterone affects sex drive (libido), muscle mass, strength, healthy bones, energy levels, fertility, and mood. Your testosterone levels can be affected by alcohol consumption, stress, and even exercise. Low testosterone levels can cause low sex drive and low mood. Testosterone levels also naturally decrease in both men and women with age.

You can use our easy and convenient home testosterone finger-prick blood test kit to measure your testosterone levels if you have any of the above symptoms and are concerned you may have low testosterone levels.

What does a testosterone test kit measure?

The testosterone function test kit checks for testosterone as the specific biomarkers in your blood. Testosterone is a sex hormone that helps to regulate sex drive, control bone and muscle mass, strength, fat distribution, and the production of sperm and red blood cells in men. Testosterone is produced in the testicles in men and, in the ovaries and adrenal glands in women in smaller amounts. Testosterone levels fall naturally in men after the age of 30, causing low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue and difficulty in maintaining muscle mass.

Testosterone testing for men and women: What’s the difference?

• Normal testosterone levels for men are 300–1,000 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). Normal levels for women are 15–70 ng/dL
• After puberty, men produce 20 times more testosterone than women. Also, in women, around 80% of testosterone is attached to SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin), so the free androgen index is a more accurate measure of testosterone levels than free testosterone
• In women, testosterone testing can identify conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome, the cause of irregular periods, and difficulties in getting pregnant

How to use an at-home testosterone test kit

You can take our Testosterone blood test at home, using our finger-prick test kit. We’ll send you everything you need, including instructions and a pre-paid return envelope for your blood sample.

What are the benefits of the testosterone blood test?

• The home test kits are assembled within the UK
• All test kits are security sealed with confidential health test results
• All laboratory testing is performed in an ISO:15189 accredited clinical laboratory

FAQ’s

What can affect testosterone levels?

Stress, alcohol consumption and exercise can all affect the amount of testosterone your body makes.

Can I use this test if I am undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?

Yes. The Testosterone Blood Test can be used to monitor your hormone levels whilst taking TRT.

Does the testosterone test measure total testosterone or free testosterone?

Testosterone in your blood can be attached to proteins or not attached to proteins (free testosterone). Free testosterone is available for your body’s cells to use, while attached testosterone is not. The testosterone test measures the total testosterone level which is a combination of the attached and free testosterone.

When is the best time to take the testosterone blood test?

You are recommended to take the test in the morning when your testosterone levels are at their peak.

Can women use testosterone test kits?

This test is suitable for men and women, as testosterone is also an essential hormone for women. Women may experience low levels of testosterone during the menopause. This can lead to poor bone health, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive.

Women may also experience high testosterone levels due to health conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Women can take the PCOS test, to find out if their hormone levels are causing their symptoms of PCOS.

What causes low testosterone levels in men?

Factors which may cause low testosterone include:

• Damage to the testes
• High-stress levels
• An unhealthy BMI
• Steroid abuse
• Type 2 diabetes
• Cancer treatment
• Tumours affecting hormone production, such as that of the pituitary gland
• Smoking
• Excessive alcohol intake
• Lack of exercise
• Lack of sleep

Do testosterone levels fluctuate?

Yes, testosterone levels change throughout the day and from week to week. Stress, exercise, and alcohol intake can all affect your testosterone levels.

Is there a male menopause?

The natural decline in testosterone levels in men is sometimes called male menopause, manopause, or andropause. The age-related fall in testosterone in men is usually very gradual, and most men will not experience any symptoms of low testosterone.

Can I increase my testosterone levels naturally?

Yes. With some diet and lifestyle changes such as, getting good quality sleep, eating a healthy, balanced diet, exercising regularly, losing weight if you’re overweight, managing your alcohol intake, stopping smoking and managing your stress levels.

What are normal testosterone levels?

Normal testosterone levels for men are 300–1,000 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter). Normal levels for women are 15–70 ng/dL.

How accurate are at-home testosterone tests?

At-home testosterone tests are not as accurate as in-person tests. The accuracy of at-home testosterone tests depends on the test type, human error, sample collection and the time of day it was collected, and other medications being taken.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Low testosterone levels can cause low sex drive, low bone and muscle mass, reduced strength, increased fat distribution, and a reduction in the production of sperm and red blood cells in men.

How often should I test my testosterone levels?

How often you test your testosterone levels depends on a number of factors, such as your symptoms, age, treatment and test results.

What should I do if my testosterone levels are low?

If you have low testosterone levels, try:

• Reducing your stress levels
• Lose weight if you are overweight or obese
• Stop smoking
• Reduce your alcohol intake
• Exercise
• Improve the quality of your sleep
• Consider testosterone replacement therapy

How can I check my testosterone level at home?

You can check your testosterone levels at home using an at-home testosterone test kit, which is available without a prescription. Simply go to our section on health test kits to order yours today.