A Comprehensive Guide to Testosterone Testing

Testosterone Testing

Low levels of testosterone in females may be a sign of menopause or problems with the ovaries’ pituitary or adrenal glands. Some symptoms of high T levels in females may also be indicators of other conditions related to hormonal imbalances. For example, excessive body and facial hair (hirsutism) is a symptom of both PCOS and mild CAH. At-home test kits can be convenient, but they cannot diagnose underlying health conditions that cause high or low testosterone. In relation to testosterone, it’s thought that testosterone production is highest during sleep and then released at peak levels in the morning.

This article explains what at-home testosterone kits are used for, how they work, and what they can and cannot do. It also explains possible causes of high and low testosterone levels and what to do if an abnormal result is returned. The best way to measure testosterone levels is to use a blood test.

Testosterone levels also vary with age and major growth events, such as puberty. Additionally, a female may have low T due to the removal of the ovaries or if they have adrenal insufficiency where the adrenal glands do not work correctly. However, I tested this kit in the United Kingdom, and the laboratory that tests the samples is relatively close by. It is not necessary to fast for the testosterone test, but it does jerking of decrease testosterone recommend you’re well-hydrated. To increase blood flow, the company recommends people wash their hands under warm water. “I haven’t done any at-home tests before, and I chose this one because I experienced a few symptoms of high testosterone. However, being able to get to a doctor’s office to get a test is challenging due to long waiting lists for appointments.

Testosterone is a hormone produced in the testes (in men) and ovaries (in women) to carry out certain bodily processes. This hormone helps with muscle growth, body hair growth, voice deepening, sperm production, and more. Symptoms of high testosterone are less common but can include acne, hair loss, or even aggression. If testosterone is high, women might also notice unusual hair growth or irregular menstrual cycles.

For a list of covered benefits, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage or Summary Plan Description. For recommended treatments, please consult with your health care provider. Clinical Review BoardAll Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Contact a health care provider if you have questions about your health. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. What’s considered normal for free testosterone varies significantly within the various age ranges.

“Exercise and diet have an impressive effect on T levels,” Dr. Welliver adds. You may also want to take a testosterone test if you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high testosterone. Chromosomes determine sex, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus. Your doctor might order it if you have symptoms of low or high testosterone.

If your results are not normal, it doesn’t always mean you have a medical condition that needs treatment. If you have questions about your results, talk to your health care provider. Testosterone is a critical hormone necessary for both men and women, though it’s often considered a male hormone. However, testosterone levels sometimes fluctuate and become too low or too high. After menopause, typically between the ages of 45 and 55 years, testosterone levels in females decrease significantly. While in men older than 80 years, low testosterone level, or less than 300 ng/dL, is common.

Men should get a testosterone test if they’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly. Testosterone imbalance is a common problem with multiple causes that affects both men and women.