How can I test my testosterone levels at home?

LetsGetChecked offers testosterone testing kits that use a finger prick to measure testosterone levels in the blood. After you collect your sample, you send it to the lab on the same day you collect it using prepaid shipping supplies. Within 2 to 5 days, your results will be available to you online.

healthline.com - 6 Best At-Home Testosterone Test Kits for 2023 - Healthline

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Share on Pinterest Design by: Jackie Cruz 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. How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. 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: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

Do they have the potential to cause harm? Fact-check all health claims: Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence?

Do they align with the current body of scientific evidence? Assess the brand: Does it operate with integrity and adhere to industry best practices? We do the research so you can find trusted products for your health and wellness. Read more about our vetting process. A quick look at the best at-home testosterone kits Best overall at-home testosterone kit: LetsGetChecked

LetsGetChecked Best medical support testosterone kit: Everlywell

Everlywell Best for testing blood and saliva: myLAB Box

myLAB Box Most affordable at-home testosterone kit: Verisana

Verisana Most comprehensive at-home test kit: Roman

Roman Most personalized results: Cerascreen Low testosterone levels can occur in people of any age. An underlying health problem like a pituitary gland disorder or an injury can reduce testosterone levels. Cancer treatments may also be a cause. One way to check your testosterone levels is to take an at-home testosterone test. In this article, we’ll go over our picks for some of the best at-home testosterone test kits. We’ll also cover the symptoms and diagnosis of low testosterone. A note on gender You’ll notice that some of the language used to share stats and other data points is pretty binary, i.e. “male” and “female” or “men” and “women.” Although we typically avoid language like this, specificity is key when reporting on research participants and clinical findings. Unfortunately, not all resources regarding sex hormones report data on, or include, participants who are transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, or agender. We encourage you to talk with a healthcare professional if you need support navigating how the information in this article may apply to you. What is testosterone? Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in the testicles and ovaries. Production of testosterone ramps up during puberty and begins to gradually decline in adulthood. It’s often considered the “male” sex hormone, but people of all sexes and genders produce testosterone. People assigned male at birth (AMAB) produce more testosterone than people assigned female at birth (AFAB), though. Your body uses testosterone for many purposes, including: development and function of reproductive organs, including the penis, testicles, and ovaries

voice deepening during puberty

development of facial hair and body hair as well as the progression of balding later in life

development, growth, and strength of bones

muscle mass and body fat distribution

sex drive (libido)

production of sperm

production of red blood cells Testosterone levels may also play a role in regulating your mood and supporting cognitive function, though research is still inconclusive on exactly how this works. A decrease in testosterone levels is a normal part of aging for people assigned male at birth, especially after age 30. When your testosterone levels are too high (hypergonadism) or too low (hypogonadism), you may experience uncomfortable symptoms. A blood or saliva test can check the amount of testosterone your body is making. In males, testosterone levels should generally fall between 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), or 10–35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L). In females, the testosterone levels produced in the ovaries are quite low, between 15–70 ng/dL, or .5–2.4 nmol/L. Who needs their testosterone levels checked? You may need to check your testosterone levels if you’re experiencing any symptoms associated with low T, regardless of your age or sex. Keeping an eye on your testosterone levels is important for transgender men and transmasculine people using masculinizing HRT, also known as female-to-male testosterone therapy or simply T therapy. Before you start T therapy, your healthcare provider will need to check your base levels of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen so you can take an appropriate dose of T to achieve the level of masculinization you want. Current guidelines suggest getting your levels checked every 3 months for the first year that you’re on HRT and every 6–12 months afterward. Monitoring your testosterone levels is important because taking too much testosterone can have adverse effects like metabolic problems, while doses that are too low may induce a hypogonadism-like state and could cause significant losses in bone density. Not to mention, if your testosterone levels aren’t high enough, you may not experience the masculinization you desire or you may notice changes happening very slowly. Remember, though, that it can take several years for the maximum effects of T therapy to develop. Plus, not everyone taking T will experience the same effects — everybody is different! A note on accessing gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy The best option is to work with a healthcare professional you trust, such as a primary care physician or endocrinologist experienced in trans health or an LGBTQIA+ health clinic. However, finding trans-informed healthcare professionals isn’t always realistic, especially as it’s increasingly difficult to access gender-affirming healthcare — including T therapy — in many states. If you’re struggling to access HRT in your area, this map maintained by trans activist Erin Reed can help you find a clinic that operates on an informed consent basis. That means you won’t need to provide a letter from a therapist or go through other gatekeeping measures to start HRT. Alternately, trans-led telemedicine services like Plume and Folx Health may be able to provide you with the care you deserve. And these resources could help you identify a healthcare professional who is an LGBTQIA+ ally. How we chose the best at-home testosterone test kits You may be tempted to test your testosterone levels using one of the home testosterone testing products you’ve seen advertised. Before you try a test kit, make sure you understand: how it works

how reliable it is

what information it will give you

what to do with your results For the brands listed, we reviewed each of their medical and business practices, including: their ratings, reviews, and accreditations from the Better Business Bureau the health claims they make, and whether or not they’re acceptable and accurate the accuracy of results and if they provide assistance after results are delivered Healthline’s picks for the best at-home testosterone test kits Many products are available for testing your hormone levels at home before seeing your doctor. All of these examine either your saliva, urine, or blood. How you collect your sample and how many samples you take may vary depending on the product. All home test kits require you to mail your collections to a certified lab for testing. You may get the results within a few days or a few weeks. Best overall at-home testosterone kit: LetsGetChecked Price: $69–$199 LetsGetChecked offers testosterone testing kits that use a finger prick to measure testosterone levels in the blood. After you collect your sample, you send it to the lab on the same day you collect it using prepaid shipping supplies. Within 2 to 5 days, your results will be available to you online. If you have questions, there’s a team of nurses available 24/7 to help explain your results. LetsGetChecked offers four at-home tests that include testosterone testing: Testosterone Test ($69): only testosterone testing only testosterone testing Male Hormone Test ($139): testosterone testing, sex hormone binding globulin, and free androgen index

test results arrive quickly and digitally

the company has a team of nurses that can help explain your results Cons tests require a finger prick testing is limited to certain days of the week (samples should not be collected or mailed Friday through Sunday) results are not descriptive Shop now at LetsGetChecked Best medical support testosterone kit: Everlywell Price: $49 Everlywell’s at-home testosterone kit tests your saliva to see if you’re producing the average amount of testosterone for your age. After you collect your saliva sample, you mail it off to the Everlywell labs in prepaid shipping, and within days you’ll receive online results that indicate whether your testosterone levels are normal, low, or high. In addition to their testosterone kit, Everlywell has a more extensive Men’s Health kit at a higher price point. Pros results are easy to read

collection samples are pain-free Cons doesn’t give specific time frame for results

tests aren’t available in some states

saliva tests are considered to be less accurate than blood tests Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off. Shop now at Everlywell Best for testing blood and saliva: myLAB Box Price: $259 myLAB Box offers an at-home men’s health test that measures testosterone levels, as well as cortisol, estradiol, and DHEA. Like other tests in this list, you collect your samples — both saliva and a finger prick — and send them off to their labs. The company claims the finger prick is 100% pain-free, and results should arrive online within 5 days of sending results to the lab. Pros pain-free sample collection

tests are FDA registered

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multiple hormones are tested Cons tests aren’t available outside of United States

tests are more expensive than other brands Shop now at myLAB Box Most affordable at-home testosterone kit: Verisana Price: $49.95–$219.95 If you’re experiencing symptoms of depression, potency issues, weight gain, increased body fat, or fatigue, Verisana’s testosterone testing kit might be for you. Verisana uses saliva to test testosterone levels. Once you collect your sample and mail it to the lab, Verisana will send you a detailed report with your results. Verisana offers a few tests that measure testosterone, including: Testosterone Saliva Check ($49.95)

Male Hormone Health Check ($149.95)

Weight Hormone Check ($149.95)

Comprehensive Hormone Check ($219.95) Pros once ordered, tests are delivered immediately

company gives results based on age

company offers multiple tests that measure testosterone Cons there are no healthcare professionals available to answer questions about results

tests are unavailable in some states

saliva tests are considered to be less accurate than blood tests Shop now at Verisana Most comprehensive at-home test: Roman Price: $69 The Roman testosterone testing kit is provided through Ro, a telemedicine men’s health company. It may be a good choice for someone who is intimidated by or unfamiliar with taking their own blood samples. Step-by-step video guidance is available to help you through the sample collection process, and you can connect with live agents if you need additional assistance. When your results have been analyzed, you’ll receive an emailed PDF report — usually within about four business days. Pros test results arrive within 4 business days comprehensive test kit includes step-by-step video instructions, access to live support, and a cell phone stand so you can watch hands-free Cons tests require a finger prick

not available in Maryland, Alaska, or Hawaii

there are no healthcare professionals available to answer questions about results Shop now at Roman Most personalized results: Cerascreen Price: $59 Cerascreen offers quick and easy testing by using saliva to measure testosterone levels. Once you take your saliva sample, you set up an online account with Cerascreen and answer a questionnaire that will help give you personalized recommendations with your results. Results take 3 to 5 days to return to you via an online portal. Pros results are given with personalized medical advice

tests use saliva, which is painless

tests are shipped same-day if ordered by 2 p.m. Cons testosterone tests are new for the company, so there are few reviews

tests aren’t available in all states

Comparison table of at-home tests Test Price Results Sample type Other callouts LetsGetChecked $69– $199 2 to 5 days, online blood sample nurses available 24/7 for questions Everlywell $49 within days (no exact number given) saliva sample results reviewed by independent board certified doctor in your state myLAB Box $259 within 5 days blood and saliva samples FDA registered tests; test multiple hormones Verisana $49.95– $219.95 — saliva sample immediate delivery of test Roman $69 4 days blood sample step-by-step video guidance of instructions Cerascreen $59 3 to 5 days saliva sample personalized recommendations based on questionnaire and your results How to use an at-home testosterone kit At-home testosterone tests allow you to collect your own sample and ship it back to a lab for evaluation. These test kits require you to collect either saliva or blood, and they come with everything you need to return your sample safely and securely. Testosterone tests, in general, track the amount of free testosterone present in the sample provided. This can help give you a better overall idea of your testosterone levels. Blood test kits will come with a pinprick mechanism that can break the skin on your finger and allow a small amount of blood to flow. The kit also comes with a collection vial, a biohazard/specimen bag, and a return envelope or a separate shipping label. You’ll want to collect the required amount of blood in the included vial, complete any required forms or sample labeling, and securely return your test. Make sure to read through the instructions and take any necessary precautions to make sure that you don’t accidentally damage or taint your blood sample. This could potentially skew your results. Saliva test kits are very similar to blood test kits in how you collect, label, and ship your sample. The advantage of a saliva test is that it doesn’t require a finger pinprick, which is good news for those who are uncomfortable with needles. However, the effectiveness of testing saliva over blood is up for discussion. A 2013 study found that saliva test results were fairly accurate and reliable for testing testosterone levels. However, research from 2014 found that saliva tests were less accurate than blood samples because free testosterone could bind with saliva proteins and ultimately skew the results. If you want to test your T levels, in general, a saliva or blood test is a good option for you. But, if you or your doctor need results that are as accurate as possible, a blood test may be your best bet. Of course, there’s no substitute for getting tests done in person at a certified lab. This can help reduce the risk of any errors in the sample collection and evaluation process. Symptoms of low testosterone Low testosterone may affect about 10% of men over 30, and up to 40% of men over 70 . Low T levels may cause different symptoms depending on your age, your sex assigned at birth, and whether or not you’re undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of a gender transition. In adults assigned male at birth If you’re AMAB and you aren’t intentionally modifying your hormone levels, symptoms of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) may include: erectile dysfunction

lowered sex drive

low semen volume

smaller testicle size

anemia or low blood counts

decreased muscle and/or bone mass

increased body fat, especially around the breasts

decreased body and/or facial hair

fatigue

hot flashes

trouble concentrating, depression, or other mood or cognitive changes Consider talking with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have low or decreased testosterone. Low T can be a normal part of aging, but drastic or rapid changes could indicate a health condition that may need treatment. In adults assigned female at birth For AFAB adults who aren’t intentionally modifying their hormone levels, research is limited into what low testosterone feels like. There also isn’t a set guideline for what constitutes low T in this population. Some symptoms, which are largely attributed to low estrogen levels, may include: fatigue or sluggishness

menstrual irregularities

vaginal dryness

loss of bone density

lowered sex drive

trouble sleeping

problems with fertility

unintentional weight gain

mood changes, including depression Consider talking with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have low or decreased testosterone. Again, since research is limited for low testosterone levels for AFAB adults, the symptoms could vary from those listed above. The onset of menopause, dysfunction of the pituitary or adrenal glands, or problems with ovarian health could be causing your hormone levels to shift, and you may need to seek treatment or support managing symptoms. Diagnosing low testosterone If you’re taking an at-home testosterone test, the type of collection method used to test testosterone levels may vary. Different types of collection methods may include blood samples, urine samples, or saliva samples. Testosterone levels vary throughout the day and are highest in the morning. For this reason, your test instructions may say that you should collect samples between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m. A blood test for testosterone can tell a healthcare professional how much free testosterone is circulating in your blood. It can also show the total amount of the hormone in your body. One study from 2016 indicates that measuring free testosterone is a better way to diagnose hypogonadism accurately. Remember that many factors can affect total testosterone levels, and high or low levels do not necessarily indicate a clinical problem. Some factors that could lead to decreases in T levels might include : your age

your weight

disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland, or brain

use of medications, especially anticonvulsants

use of tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine

liver disease

hyperthyroidism

type 2 diabetes

sleep apnea

chronic narcotic use , like heroin or methadone

What do you do with the results? If you decide to measure your testosterone levels with a home kit, you should be prepared to take any necessary next steps. The laboratory results should come with an explanation of your measured testosterone level. If your level is considered average, but you still have symptoms that concern you, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional like a doctor or endocrinologist. If your results come back as lower than average, make an appointment to see a doctor before trying any home remedies. Over-the-counter testosterone supplements aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and could carry a risk of side effects, especially if you’re taking other medications. Plus, at-home test kits aren’t likely as accurate as in-office lab tests. A doctor may want to double-check your levels before recommending any treatment. Not to mention, low T can sometimes be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. It’s important to work with a professional to rule out or treat any conditions. How to choose the best home testosterone kit for you It’s important to choose a home testosterone kit produced by a reputable brand that delivers results on a timeline that works for you. You might also want to think about costs, collection methods, and whether the brand connects you with healthcare professionals to go over your results. Some other qualities to look out for are: Results delivery time: Some at-home testosterone kits take longer to return your results than others. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that could be associated with low T, you may want to spring for a kit that offers faster results.

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Some at-home testosterone kits take longer to return your results than others. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that could be associated with low T, you may want to spring for a kit that offers faster results. Collection methods: Testosterone levels can be tested in your saliva or your blood. While blood tests are considered more reliable, most people have an easier time collecting saliva samples. Be sure to think through which method you’d prefer. Testosterone levels can be tested in your saliva or your blood. While blood tests are considered more reliable, most people have an easier time collecting saliva samples. Be sure to think through which method you’d prefer. Access to support: Some companies connect you with in-house healthcare professionals, who can help you decipher your test results and talk over next steps if your levels are out of the normal range. Ask yourself how confident you are in your ability to understand your results and determine whether this kind of support is important to you. Some companies connect you with in-house healthcare professionals, who can help you decipher your test results and talk over next steps if your levels are out of the normal range. Ask yourself how confident you are in your ability to understand your results and determine whether this kind of support is important to you. Affordability: The at-home testosterone kits on our list range from $49 to more than $200. Most insurance plans won’t cover these kits, so be sure to keep that in mind as you consider your budget. The at-home testosterone kits on our list range from $49 to more than $200. Most insurance plans won’t cover these kits, so be sure to keep that in mind as you consider your budget. Brand integrity: When submitting your sample for analysis, you’re trusting the lab with potentially sensitive health information. It’s important to choose a brand that you feel will respect your privacy. It may be a good idea to read reviews from real consumers before selecting a testosterone kit. A note about at-home tests Whichever test you decide is best for you, talking with a doctor or specialist to go over your results with you will help you determine the next best steps. Some doctors may require a lab test to confirm results before moving forward. Other low testosterone treatment options Research suggests that only about 5% to 10% of men with low testosterone are receiving treatment. If a healthcare professional diagnoses you with low T, there are several treatment options available. Depending on the cause(s) of your low T, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as a front-line treatment. These could include influencing your weight, switching medications, and cutting back on alcohol or tobacco. Your healthcare provider might also suggest that you start testosterone replacement therapy, a medical intervention through which you supplement your body’s natural T levels by taking synthetic testosterone. Some popular types of T therapy include: skin patch

topical gels

injections

oral medications Each method comes with its own risks and benefits, and some might not be available in certain areas. Talk through your options with a healthcare professional like a physician or endocrinologist to choose the type that’s right for you. Most people with low T begin to experience symptom relief within four to six weeks of starting T therapy, though some changes like muscle mass development can take a little longer. If you’re trans and using HRT as part of your transition, your healthcare team can adjust your dose if your levels are consistently too low or too high. Talk with your provider(s) about your dose if you’re concerned.

Frequently asked questions about at-home testosterone kits Are at-home testosterone tests accurate? Before you rely on the results of a testosterone home test kit, you should be aware of the accuracy of salivary testing versus blood testing. Testing saliva is easier and less invasive than drawing blood. Still, testosterone in saliva samples can be affected by how they’re collected and stored, so researchers are interested in whether this method is reliable. The results and expert opinions are mixed. Some studies and reviews suggest that saliva testing is preferable because it’s less stressful for the patient. A 2016 study concluded that saliva is a reliable method to determine testosterone levels. But there has not been enough analysis of commercial home testing kits. Whether they deliver accurate, reliable, and unvarying results has not been confirmed. Are at-home testosterone kits as accurate as doctor-administered testosterone tests? Research into at-home testosterone kits is lacking. It’s unclear how accurate they are compared with tests ordered by a doctor in a lab. However, it’s safe to say that an in-office testosterone test will be less subject to human error. Doctors, especially endocrinologists, are trained in collecting and handling samples properly. Plus, if you discuss the results of an at-home testosterone kit with a healthcare professional, chances are they’ll want to double-check your levels via a professional test anyway. While at-home kits can provide a good baseline for starting a conversation with a provider, doctor-administered tests are likely more accurate . When should I see my doctor about low testosterone? Testosterone levels must be checked more than once to gain a complete understanding of your levels, according to the Endocrine Society. Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if your test results show low testosterone or if you’re experiencing symptoms of low T. They’ll probably want to check again using a more reliable method to be sure. Who should do testosterone testing? You may need to check your testosterone levels if you’re experiencing any symptoms associated with low T, regardless of your age or sex assigned at birth. Keeping an eye on your testosterone levels is also important for transgender men and transmasculine people who are using hormone replacement therapy as part of their transition. Trans folks should check their levels every 3 months for the first year that they’re on HRT and every 6–12 months afterward. How do I choose the right home testosterone test for me? Many different factors go into choosing an at-home test, such as: Would you rather avoid a finger prick?

Do you have a budget?

Are you on a time crunch? You may also want to look at reviews to see if other people have found that certain brands provide better accuracy than others. Also, certain brands may not be able to deliver results to certain states, so make sure you live in a state where the results of at-home kits can eventually be sent to you. Does insurance cover at-home testosterone tests? Health insurance plans don’t generally cover at-home tests. Most insurers prefer that you undergo laboratory testing in a doctor’s office if you have symptoms of low T. However, you may be able to pay using a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA). You can also check with your insurance provider to see if you’re eligible for reimbursement.

healthline.com - 6 Best At-Home Testosterone Test Kits for 2023 - Healthline

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