Testosterone Test

What Is a Testosterone Test?

A testosterone test is a blood test that measures your levels of testosterone, a hormone.

Your body functions best when your testosterone is in a certain range. A testosterone level that’s too low or high can cause health problems. Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms that could point to high or low testosterone. Levels of testosterone are naturally much higher in males, but females need this hormone, too.

Different types of testosterone tests

Testosterone in your body can be free (not attached to anything) or bound (attached to proteins). Your provider will check your testosterone levels with one of these three tests:

• Total testosterone: This measures both free and attached testosterone. The testosterone can be bound to sex-hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. This test is the most common testosterone test.
• Free testosterone: This shows free testosterone only. This test may be more helpful for diagnosing certain medical conditions. It’s less common.
• Bioavailable testosterone: This measures free testosterone plus testosterone bound to proteins other than SHBG. This test is also less common.

These test options measure slightly different things. Your healthcare provider will choose which test they feel is best based on your age, symptoms and overall health.

Why would I need a testosterone test?

There are many reasons your healthcare provider would want to check your testosterone levels. Most often, it’s because you have symptoms of either high or low testosterone. The test can help them find a possible cause.

Reasons for men to have a testosterone test

Males may need the test if they have symptoms of low testosterone (low T), like:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Low sex drive
• Fatigue or low energy
• Loss of armpit and pubic hair
• Low muscle mass
• Infertility
• Enlarged breast tissue

Reasons for women to have a testosterone test

Females may need a testosterone test if they have symptoms of high testosterone (high T), like:

• Acne
• Excess facial or body hair
• Irregular periods or no periods
• Voice deepening

Your provider may regularly check your testosterone levels if you’re taking hormone therapy. They may recommend testing if you’ve had irregular results in the past or you’re taking other medications that can affect testosterone levels.

Reasons for children to have a testosterone test

Your child’s healthcare provider may recommend a testosterone blood test if your child has signs of starting puberty earlier or later than expected. High levels may point to precocious (early) puberty. Low levels may indicate a delay in sexual development.

How does a testosterone test work?

Most testosterone tests take place at a medical facility. You’ll provide a blood sample. Your provider will send the sample to a lab for testing.

Pharmacies and online retailers may sell at-home testosterone tests. These kits have everything you need to take a saliva or blood sample at home. Then, you mail it to a lab. Check with your healthcare provider about whether an at-home testosterone test is right for you.

Most providers will recommend taking the test in the morning. They may ask you to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test. In some cases, you’ll need to stop taking certain medications. Ask your provider how you should prepare.

You can expect the following during a blood test:

1. A healthcare provider will check your arms for an easily accessible vein. This is usually on the inside bend of your elbow.
2. They’ll clean and disinfect the area.
3. They’ll insert a small needle into your vein to take a blood sample.
4. They’ll collect a small amount of blood in a test tube.
5. Once they have enough blood to test, they’ll remove the needle and hold a cotton ball or gauze on the site to stop the bleeding.
6. They’ll place a bandage over the site, and you’ll be finished.

A testosterone test usually takes less than five minutes. In most cases, you should get the results of your testosterone test within two to three business days, but it could take longer.

What do the results of a testosterone test mean?

Your test results will include:

• The name of the blood test or what was measured in your blood
• The number or measurement of your blood test result
• The reference range (“normal” range)
• If your result is normal or abnormal, or high or low

Labs may have different reference ranges for normal testosterone levels. “Normal” levels also vary based on your age and sex.

Talk to your healthcare provider about your results and the next steps. They’re the best person to discuss what these results mean for you.

Test results for males

In men, low testosterone levels could point to:

• Primary hypogonadism, which means there’s an issue with your testicles making testosterone
• Secondary hypogonadism, which means there’s an issue with your pituitary gland and/or hypothalamus

High testosterone levels could mean a tumor in your adrenal glands or testicles.

Test results for females

In women, high testosterone levels could point to:

• Polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome (PMOS)
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia
• Ovarian cancer
• Adrenal tumors
• Cushing disease

Certain medications can cause high testosterone levels, including:

• Anabolic steroids
• Progestins
• Antiseizure medications

Low testosterone in women can have several causes, such as:

• Menopause
• Turner syndrome
• Ovarian insufficiency
• Adrenal insufficiency
• Malnutrition

Since your testosterone levels can vary from day to day, your provider may recommend repeat testing to confirm your results.