How Accurate Are At-Home Hormone Tests?

Everyday signs of low testosterone in men as experts warn it is a key link to erectile dysfunction Health

None of this is meant to suggest that at-home testosterone kits have no value. If performed correctly with a full understanding of the test’s limitations, they may prompt you to seek medical care if you suspect something is wrong and the test results are abnormal. Primary hypogonadism is when something is wrong with your testicles or ovaries, while secondary hypogonadism involves problems with the hypothalamus, pituitary gland, or adrenal glands. At-home medical tests are increasingly common among U.S. consumers, offering autonomy, privacy, and convenience, often at a lower cost than a medical visit. They are largely regarded as “gateway” tests because abnormal results can prompt a user to seek medical care. Her work has appeared in Washington Post, Prevention, Healthline, Health, The Daily Beast, Runner’s World, Greatist, Real Simple, and more.

But know that having an abnormal testosterone result doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious medical condition. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need further tests. 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 regardless of your sex. Your healthcare provider may recommend this test if you have symptoms that could point to high or low testosterone.

Just make sure to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification if needed. You may need this test if you have symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels. Other studies have found eating a healthy diet, minimizing stress, and getting enough sleep can work alongside TRT to increase testosterone levels or help normalize hormone levels.

A 2023 study notes that the typical range of testosterone in females during the reproductive age is 15–46 ng/dL. These tests can be a convenient way to gain initial insight into testosterone levels. However, a person should not make any health decisions based on their results before discussing them with a doctor. At-home test kits can be convenient, but they cannot diagnose underlying health conditions that cause high or low testosterone.

While you’re with them, a doctor may recommend blood tests to assess hormone levels, says Houman. From there, they might provide guidance on healthy lifestyle changes, such as the tips above. Or, they might suggest a treatment tailored how to treat low testosterone naturally your specific needs, which could include health testing, hormone therapy, or dietary adjustments. Testosterone is a crucial hormone that plays a significant role in various bodily functions, including the development of male reproductive tissues, muscle mass, and even mood regulation. As such, determining testosterone levels is an essential part of diagnosing and treating conditions such as hypogonadism and infertility, among others.

Saliva and urine tests measure only the unbound, or free, fraction of testosterone and may not accurately represent the total testosterone levels in the body. In conclusion, testosterone levels can indeed vary throughout the day and over time. The best time to get tested is usually in the morning, within the first few hours after waking up, to capture the peak levels of testosterone. However, it is important to consider other factors such as age, lifestyle, and overall health when interpreting the results. Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in hormone therapy is recommended to get accurate and meaningful results.

People can test their testosterone levels by getting a blood test at a doctor’s office or ordering an at-home test kit online. These kits may require saliva or blood samples, depending on the company a person orders from. Those with low T who have testosterone therapy may find improvement in their symptoms. Research from 2023 found that testosterone replacement therapy helped improve quality of life, mood, erectile dysfunction, and libido in men with low T.

When it comes to checking testosterone levels, most people are familiar with the standard blood test. This involves taking a blood sample and measuring the amount of testosterone present in the blood. However, there are actually several other tests that can be used to check testosterone levels, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. Treatment for low testosterone will depend on the underlying cause and severity of the symptoms. It may involve testosterone replacement therapy, either through injections, patches, gels, or pellets. Lifestyle changes, such as regular exercise and a healthy diet, can also help improve testosterone levels. Traditionally, testing for testosterone levels required a visit to the doctor’s office and a prescription for a blood test.