Testosterone tests are often ordered for young males and females who are not developing properly or when parents notice delayed puberty. High T levels can indicate ovarian or testicular cancer. PMID: 17178554. At-home test kits can be convenient, but they cannot diagnose underlying health conditions that cause high or low testosterone. She’s most passionate about hiking, traveling, mindfulness, cooking, and really, really good coffee. Testosterone levels typically decrease with age, so it’s not unusual to have lower levels at an older age. Morley JE, et al. (2014). “It took just 1 day to get my results. So, some men may be on the lower end of the spectrum while others may be on the higher end. They typically involve a finger prick or a saliva test, and a person must send their blood sample to a lab through the mail. ©2023 Hearst Magazine Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Ages 19 to 49 -- 249 - 836 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). There are two types of testosterone tests: one that measures total (bound and free) testosterone in the blood and one that measures free testosterone. For example, the problem might not be in the testicles, as with hypogonadism, but could actually be in the signaling pathway from the pituitary gland, Dr. Jayadevan explains. Total Testosterone doesn't tell the full story about your Testosterone levels. 2019 Nov 7;14(11):e0224892. Here’s what to expect when it comes to signing up, paying for sessions, and more. Instead, the blood test looks for your total testosterone levels, which counts free T as well as that bound to the proteins sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. 2011 Jun [cited 2022 May 30];96(6):1610-22. doi: 10.1210/jc.2011-0225. You can book an appointment with a primary care doctor in your area using our Healthline FindCare tool. As for when in life should you get tested: The primary reason to get a T test is if you feel symptoms, namely decreased energy or decreased libido, although your doc might suggest it if you have another disease that predisposes you to or indicates low T, such as osteoporosis, diabetes, or HIV. (2009). Food and Drug Administration. If you took an at-home testosterone level test and your results showed levels outside the standard range, it may be worthwhile to make an appointment to see a doctor to discuss the results. Testosterone is responsible for the production of male sexual characteristics and functions including a deep voice, facial hair, denser bone, and muscle mass, and is directly related to erectile functions, penis and testicular size, and the sex drive. According to a 2020 review, there is a lack of research into the collection methods and effectiveness of saliva tests. My results were accessible through email. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. Supplemental tests, such as serum testing, are necessary to ensure that salivary test results are accurate. A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. Erratum in: JAMA Intern Med. University of Florida; c2022. For more research-backed information and resources for men’s health, please visit our dedicated hub. Made with Muscle. Depending on your specific situation, your doctor may also recommend lifestyle changes, such as exercising to build muscle and weight management through dietary changes, which can help balance your testosterone levels. The advice for this is to be honest and err on the side of caution. Testosterone levels also vary with age and major growth events, such as puberty. All rights reserved. During puberty, testosterone levels will increase dramatically. Medical News Today only shows you brands and products that we stand behind. The most common reason is age. 1989 Aug;49(2):159-69. doi: 10.1016/0047-6374(89)90099-7. 1997 Apr;46(4):410-3. doi: 10.1016/s0026-0495(97)90057-3. There are many reasons you should advocate for a blood test: For starters, a blood test can reveal nuanced markers that might point to the real culprit of your symptoms, which a TRT prescription won’t fix. 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. This is essential for the development of male sexual characteristics. Available from: Oberfield SE, Sopher AB, Gerken AT. It helps maintain hormone balance and regulates other body functions. {"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Test-Testosterone-Levels-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Test-Testosterone-Levels-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bd\/Test-Testosterone-Levels-Step-1.jpg\/aid7166845-v4-728px-Test-Testosterone-Levels-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"