7 Ways You Can Test Testosterone Level without Seeing a Doctor

Testosterone Test: Free & SHBG, High vs Low vs. Normal Levels

Testosterone levels also vary with age and major growth events, such as puberty. According to the Urology Care Foundation, levels below 300ng/dL indicate a low T. However, other guidelines specifically for Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)-certified labs consider low T levels to be below 264 ng/dL.

Sometimes, the test needs to be retaken to confirm the measurements. Only a testosterone test can measure how much of the hormone is in your body and determine whether your level is within a healthy range. Your doctor uses it to diagnose conditions caused by too much or too little testosterone. In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men’s health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym. Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest.

These kits usually require a blood or saliva sample that is sent off to a lab for analysis. While these kits may provide some information about your testosterone levels, they are generally not as accurate as tests conducted in a medical laboratory. Additionally, it is important to consider that self-administered tests may not be performed correctly, leading to inaccurate results. While these symptoms may indicate low testosterone levels, it’s important to note that they can also be caused by other factors or medical conditions. Therefore, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause of the symptoms and whether a testosterone level check is necessary.

Measuring free testosterone levels can be done through a calculation called the Free Androgen Index (FAI) or by using equilibrium dialysis. The FAI is a calculation that takes into account the ratio between total testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), a protein that binds testosterone in the blood. Equilibrium dialysis, on the other hand, directly measures the amount of free testosterone using a more sophisticated laboratory technique.

It is not necessary to fast for the testosterone test, but it does marijuana decrease testosterone recommend you’re well-hydrated. To increase blood flow, the company recommends people wash their hands under warm water. Treatment of the underlying cause may also be needed, along with treatment for symptoms like hormone-induced feminization and virilization. Total testosterone (TT) and bioavailable testosterone (BT) are both measured in nanograms per deciliters (ng/dL). Free testosterone (FT) is measured in picograms per deciliters (pg/dL). The technician will insert a needle into a vein, and blood will be drawn into a tube.

CAH can cause symptoms such as excessive hair growth, ambiguous genitalia in females, and early-onset puberty in both boys and girls. A testosterone levels test is a diagnostic test that measures the amount of testosterone hormone in your body. Testosterone is a sex hormone that is primarily produced in the testicles in men and in the ovaries in women. It plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and promotes muscle and bone growth.

PWNHealth and its affiliates review your purchase to ensure it is medically appropriate before submitting the test order for processing. PWNHealth also reviews your test results and will contact you directly if they require prompt attention. Included in each purchase is the option to discuss your test results with an independent physician; however, you are also encouraged to speak with your primary healthcare provider. Dr. Jayadevan adds that he sees guys every week who got a testosterone gel or injections from the internet. An abnormal testosterone test result doesn’t guarantee that you have a medical condition. Other factors, like certain medications and existing health conditions, can affect your test results. High testosterone levels could indicate a tumor in your adrenal glands or testicles.

If you and your healthcare provider decide to treat low testosterone levels, you may be a candidate for testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). With this treatment, you are essentially supplementing your body with the testosterone it’s missing. It may also reveal whether underlying conditions, health issues, aging, or lifestyle choices are affecting your testosterone production.