About Us

How to Get Your Testosterone Levels Tested

How Accurate Are At-Home Hormone Tests?

“Both can interfere with testosterone production, especially when used regularly or excessively during your teens and 20s,” he says. Research from the American Urological Association Education and Research Inc. suggests a link between marijuana use and lower testosterone levels. Meanwhile, one Journal of Clinical Medicine study reports that regular alcohol consumption can damage the Leydig cells responsible for testosterone production. To support hormone balance, Houman recommends cutting back on these substances or discussing a reduction plan with your healthcare provider.

A 2020 meta-analysis found that TRT significantly improved depressive symptoms in men with low testosterone. The widespread decline in T levels also has implications for society as a whole, says Houman. Anyone who thinks they have symptoms of low T should contact a doctor.

This involves having blood drawn and sent to a laboratory to measure the amount of testosterone in your bloodstream. This method is still widely used and considered to be the most accurate way to measure testosterone levels. By contrast, an early morning total testosterone above the reference range generally indicates hyperandrogenism. In females particularly, this could suggest a need for hormonal therapy (such as birth control pills) to correct the imbalance of sex hormones.

However, healthcare professionals may use the results to help make a diagnosis or as part of a wider investigation into potential conditions. They typically involve a finger prick or a saliva test, and a person must mail their blood sample to a lab. Other prescription or recreational drugs, herbs, and supplements may also affect testosterone levels, so people should always inform the doctor about anything they are taking. During the normal daily cycle, testosterone levels in men are typically highest in the morning, shortly after waking up. After this peak, testosterone levels gradually decline throughout the day, with the lowest levels usually occurring in the late afternoon or early evening. Men with low testosterone may feel more fatigued and have a decreased sense of well-being. They may also experience more changes in their mood, such as increased irritability, depression, and a decrease in motivation.

We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy. A testosterone test requires little preparation, but timing and certain factors such as food, exercise, and sex can impact accuracy.

Regular testosterone level checks are essential for transgender men and transmasculine people using female-to-male testosterone therapy. Anyone who suspects their testosterone levels are too high or too low should work closely with a doctor to diagnose the issue. Testosterone levels that are too high or too low can both cause issues in the body. Testosterone tests help identify levels of total or free testosterone in the body. These levels may be key in helping to diagnose any underlying issues.

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.

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 does egg boost testosterone – https://kalenborn-scheuern.de – levels could indicate a tumor in your adrenal glands or testicles.

While sedentary behavior, poor diet, and exposure to environmental toxins all decrease T levels over time, prevention is possible. Today, an estimated 25 percent of men over the age of 30 have low testosterone (or, less than 300 ng/dL of testosterone in their blood). However, data suggests that low testosterone impacts up to 40 percent of men over the age of 40. So, why is this widespread drop-off in T levels happening, exactly?

If you feel like your testosterone levels might be too high or too low, talk to your healthcare provider. If you need treatment, your provider can also help you understand the risks and benefits of different therapies. If your testosterone levels are too low or high, you might develop symptoms that interfere with your daily life.