A Comprehensive Guide On How To Check Testosterone Levels

How Low Testosterone Affects Your Body and Mind: A Complete Guide NS Blog

Before getting a testosterone levels test, you may have some concerns about how to prepare for it. Fortunately, there are no specific preparations that you need to do for this test. Reasons for low testosterone in men and women include aging, stress, congenital conditions, and chronic diseases like poorly managed diabetes. Carrying excess weight, taking certain medications, radiation therapy, sleep disorders, and alcohol misuse can contribute to low T. Urine tests are another simple testosterone testing option that may offer insights into testosterone metabolism.

I do not recommend pellets or injections, and neither do most academic menopause experts. If you decide to try testosterone for a libido boost, be aware that currently no FDA-approved testosterone preparations are commercially available for use in women in the United States. The commercial testosterone products on the market are intended and FDA-approved for men only. There is controversy, however, about the benefits of giving women testosterone. Simply put, the fact that women’s levels of this hormone drop with age does testosterone make your face puffy (https://speech-language-therapy.com/media/pgs/buy_testosterone_12.html) not necessarily mean that supplementing with testosterone will be beneficial for them. In 2025, clinics like AlphaMan, a men’s health center specializing in hormone optimization, are rethinking how testosterone therapy fits into modern masculinity. Because when it comes to low testosterone, the stakes extend far beyond the gym.

A simple blood test can help you determine if your levels are in the normal range, which is 300–1,000 ng/dL for men and 15–70 ng/dL for women. 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. Both males and females can experience health problems if their testosterone levels are out of the normal range. Laboratories may have different reference ranges for normal testosterone levels. “Normal” ranges for testosterone also vary significantly based on your age and sex. When you get your blood test results back, there will be information that indicates what that lab’s normal ranges are.

A healthcare professional can help interpret the results in the context of your individual health and symptoms. Are you feeling fatigued, experiencing a decrease in muscle mass, or struggling with a low sex drive? To find out if this is the case, it’s essential to check your testosterone levels. In this article, we’ll explore the different methods available for measuring testosterone levels and provide you with guidance on how to check your testosterone level effectively.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you may be wondering if you need a doctor’s prescription to get your testosterone levels checked. The process of getting a testosterone blood test is relatively simple and straightforward. Your doctor will order the test for you, and you will be directed to a lab where a blood sample will be drawn. Generally, it takes about 1-2 days to receive the results of a testosterone blood test. However, this can vary depending on various factors such as the specific lab’s workload and the complexity of the analysis. Generally, individuals experiencing symptoms of low testosterone should have their levels tested at least once to determine if low testosterone is the underlying cause.

What levels are considered healthy are somewhat variable, but levels below 264 or 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) are considered low. Clinically, if you’re doing well and your doctor agrees that your levels are within good ranges, then you’ll want to test every six months. During the ramp up, you should expect to test every 90 days until your levels get to a good therapeutic state, as determined by your doctor and how you feel. The average male who reaches 70 years old will have testosterone production that’s 30 percent below his peak (5). But you don’t have to experience the negative symptoms that come with hormone declines.

It is responsible for defining key male characteristics, such as a deeper voice, facial hair, and muscle development. Beyond these traits, testosterone also supports critical aspects of overall health, including bone strength, red blood cell production, and mental well-being. The practice of measuring testosterone levels dates back to the early 20th century, when researchers began exploring the role of hormones in human health. Thanks to advancements in blood testing technology, assessing testosterone levels has become more accurate and accessible. Yes, a blood test is generally considered to be the most accurate way to check testosterone levels.

Hypogonadism occurs when the body produces insufficient testosterone, often leading to symptoms such as fatigue, reduced libido, and muscle weakness. This condition can be classified as primary (originating in the testes) or secondary (caused by issues in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland). A serum testosterone level test is essential for diagnosing hypogonadism. Typically, a total testosterone level below 300 ng/dL indicates low testosterone, though normal ranges may vary slightly depending on the laboratory. 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.