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Can I test my testosterone myself?

A person can test their testosterone levels using an at-home test that they can purchase online. Many use a saliva sample, but some involve a blood or urine sample. Testing companies usually provide results within a few days.

medicalnewstoday.com - 6 of the best home testosterone tests for 2023 - Medical News Today

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We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

How we vet brands and products

We include products we think are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more . Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here . All quotes are provided by a Medical News Today Editor, Lois Zoppi, who received a free testosterone test from LetsGetChecked to review. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these services. This article looks at some home testosterone kits and who might need one. It also gives a list of tests, advice on taking them, and approximate costs. Finally, it answers some common questions about home testosterone kits. People may take a testosterone test if they experience high or low testosterone symptoms. Testosterone is a male sex hormone that regulates male sex characteristics, fertility, and sperm production. It also influences male hair patterns, voice deepening, and growth. Testosterone levels typically decline as a person ages, but some people may have low testosterone due to certain health conditions. Symptoms of low testosterone may include low sex drive, tiredness, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression. An at-home test may indicate when to contact a doctor.

MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:

An older review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that there are links between testosterone levels and certain diseases and conditions. These include: A home testosterone test is a kit allowing a person to test their testosterone levels. This can help indicate if an individual has high or low testosterone. The kits are available to purchase online from a range of retailers. Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication. Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.

Below are some home testosterone tests to consider.

Best for affordability: Everlywell Testosterone Test

Price: $49

Sample collection method: saliva

saliva Sends results in: 5–7 days

This Everlywell Testosterone Test requires a saliva sample. A person must register their kit when it arrives and provide a saliva sample within 30 minutes of waking up. Users should then return it to one of Everlywell’s CLIA-certified labs using the pre-paid shipping label. This certification requires that labs meet high federal and state standards. This test measures free testosterone. Everlywell writes this is because a person can sometimes have a healthy total testosterone level in their blood but abnormal free levels in their saliva. Doctors may then look at a person’s symptoms to determine whether their total or free testosterone levels are causing them. Individuals will receive their personalized results online within a few days after an in-state physician reviews them. The company does not currently accept insurance but takes FSA and HSA payments.

A person can consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

affordable

subscription option available

accepts FSA and HSA payments

Cons

can take a week to send back the results

does not accept insurance

Everlywell’s testosterone tests are available to purchase online for $49. Individuals may also opt for a membership if they require regular testing. This costs around $25 per month.

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Learn more about Everlywell here.

Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.

Best for customer support: LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test

Price: $89

Sample collection method: finger prick

finger prick Sends results in: 2–5 days

This company provides a variety of home tests, including testosterone tests. The pack includes a lancet to collect a sample so a person can perform a finger prick test at home.

The company reports that its labs have CLIA certification.

When LetsGetChecked receives a person’s test, an individual should follow the instructions to activate the test on the company’s website and take their sample in the morning. They can then return the sample the same day. An instructional video on collecting the sample is available on the LetsGetChecked website. Results will appear on a person’s online account within 2–5 days. Additionally, the company claims that nurses are available 24 hours a day to explain results and next steps in case of positive or indicative results. LetsGetChecked does not accept private health insurance, but it takes many FSA and HSA payments. “I would recommend this testosterone test to MNT readers. It’s an easily-accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health. The ordering and testing process is very easy and relatively pain-free, and results come quickly.” — Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor

The pros and cons of the LetsGetChecked test may include:

Pros

can send results within 2 days

nurses are available 24 hours a day

accepts FSA and HSA payments

Cons

does not accept insurance

The LetsGetChecked home testosterone test costs $89.

Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.

Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.

Best for color-coded results: Verisana Testosterone Saliva Test

Price: $49.95

Sample collection method: saliva

saliva Sends results in: 3 weeks

Verisana offers many home testing options, including its Testosterone Saliva Test, which adults can use to check their testosterone levels. The company’s terms of service note that its labs do not have CLIA certification, as they are nonclinical and do not perform clinical testing. However, the company writes in its test descriptions state that it sends its tests to CLIA-certified labs. The company requests a person collect their saliva sample between waking up and 10:59 a.m. on a Monday. Once they take their sample, they should store it in the refrigerator until they post it to the lab. If an individual takes their saliva sample on any day other than a Monday, they should store it in their home freezer and advise the lab of this with their return documentation. This test requires a saliva sample, which may be more comfortable for some people than a finger-prick test. However, the company asks individuals to avoid specific foods and drinks for 12 hours before taking the sample. These include:

wine

meat

milk and milk products

soy products

chocolate

Verisana also advises that it does not work with insurance companies. As such, test expenses may be ineligible for claims. However, a person should contact their insurer to confirm this. There is no advice on the website relating to FSA or HSA payments.

A person can consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

samples can be frozen if a person cannot mail them immediately

Cons

does not accept insurance

requires a person to avoid certain food and drink before testing

unclear on whether the company uses CLIA-certified labs

slow turnaround for results

Verisana’s Testosterone Saliva Test is available to purchase online for $49.95.

Best for personalized results: Cerascreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit

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Price: $59

Sample collection method: saliva

saliva Sends results in: 3–4 days

The Cerascreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit requires a person to take a saliva swab in the morning and complete an online questionnaire. The company claims this will ensure individuals receive personalized results, recommendations, and tips. Cerascreen advises that CLIA-certified partner labs carry out the required testing. Individuals should receive their results via email within 3–4 working days. Cerascreen writes that a doctor will review their results, and a person can get a free healthcare appointment to discuss them. Currently, Cerascreen advises this test is not available for those in the following states:

Maryland

New Jersey

New York

Rhode Island

Cerascreen also advises that it does not currently accept insurance payments. However, a person may consider contacting their insurer to confirm if they can pay and claim. There is no advice on whether it accepts FSA or HSA payments.

The pros and cons a person can consider include:

Pros

sends results quickly

includes free health consultation

a doctor reviews the results

Cons

does not ship to all U.S. states

does not accept insurance

Cerascreen’s At-home Testosterone Test Kit is available online for $59.

Best for fast results: MyLAB Box Testosterone Test

Price: $79

$79 Sample collection method: saliva

saliva Sends results in: 2–5 days

MyLAB Box provides testosterone screening for adults. The test requires them to collect a saliva sample and return it to one of its CLIA-certified laboratories. Once an individual’s results are available, the company will send a secure link to the customer within 2–5 days. The company writes that a person will also have a free health consultation with a myLAB Box doctor to discuss their results. The company accepts FSA and HSA payments; a person could also claim back expenses from their insurance provider. However, this is not guaranteed, so individuals should contact their insurer to confirm their plan benefits.

A person may wish to consider the following pros and cons:

Pros

accepts FSA and HSA payments

can send results within 2 days

FDA-registered tests

offers doctor consultations

Cons

more expensive than other brands

not available in New York state

The MyLAB Box Testosterone Test is available online for $79.

Learn more about myLAB Box here.

Best for monitoring health conditions: Labcorp OnDemand Total Testosterone Blood Test

Price: $69

Sample collection method: finger prick

finger prick Sends results in: 2 weeks

Labcorp is one of the largest medical lab providers in the U.S. Testosterone tests from this company are best for those who need to monitor an ongoing health condition with testing. As Labcorp serves many hospitals and healthcare systems, a person can compare test results over a long period to manage health conditions. A person must order this test online and wait for a doctor to approve it before they can provide a sample. Once a doctor has approved the order, a person can go to a Labcorp testing location and provide their sample. This test may suit people who are not confident in collecting samples themselves.