How to Test Testosterone Levels

Medically-verified ways to test and treat low testosterone levels

Testosterone is the male hormone, though it is a normal hormone in women as well. 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. Testosterone is also involved with the production of red blood cells and sperm and can decrease as a man ages. If you are worried about your testosterone levels, there are ways you can check them.

If you're concerned about your sexual health or performance, take our Erectile Dysfunction Quiz to find out if you have ED and get access to quick and easy treatment options.

Things You Should Know

  • Visit a doctor to get your blood drawn and tested for low testosterone. The doctor may also do a physical exam and ask you questions about symptoms.
  • Ask your doctor about testosterone replacement therapies like topical gels or patches, oral tablets, and muscular injections.
  • Common symptoms of low testosterone include sexual dysfunction, depression, anxiety, sleep disruption, fatigue, and decreased muscle mass.
Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Testing for Low Testosterone

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    Go to the doctor for a testosterone test. The most common test for testosterone involves your physician drawing a tube of blood from your vein. In addition to the blood sample, your physician will also perform a physical exam.[1]
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    Be prepared for additional tests. Because low testosterone may be an indicator for an underlying problem, like a problem with the pituitary gland, liver disease, an inherited disease, or Addison's disease, your doctor may want to test you for an underlying problem if you have low testosterone. Depending on your physical exam, your symptoms, and your history, other tests may be required after the testosterone test. Your doctor may test for thyroid function, diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease.[2]
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    Get an oral test. Testosterone can also be measured in your saliva, though not many mainstream physicians offer this option. The test is reasonably reliable, but it is too new of a method to be totally accepted. Two reputable labs that test for salivary testosterone are ZRTLabs and Labrix.
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    The most common test is for “total testosterone,” which is the testosterone that is bound to other proteins in the blood. If your total testosterone from your screening lab test comes back abnormal, ask to have the test for “free” or bioavailable testosterone. The most important testosterone value is the “free” and/or bioavailable testosterone. This is not always measured because it is not so easy to measure.
    • The tests for “free” or bioavailable testosterone are considered better biomarkers.[3]
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    Consider what affects the test. There are things that might affect the results of your test. Taking medicines with estrogen or testosterone (including birth control), digoxin, spironolactone, and barbiturates may interfere with the test. Medicines for prostate cancer and that raise prolactin levels may also have a negative effect. Hypothyroidism can also interfere with the test.[4]
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    Choose a testosterone replacement therapy. If your testosterone levels are low, talk to your physician about testosterone replacement therapy. Testosterone is available as a gel or patch, muscular injections, or tablets that can be dissolved under the tongue.[5]
    • There are also some natural options including dietary approaches, increased exercise, and herbs such as Tribulus terrestris, Ashwagandha, Ginkgo Biloba, Maca, and Yohimbe.
Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Common Symptoms

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    Look for symptoms of low testosterone in men. Testosterone levels vary in different men, so it can be difficult to determine if the levels detected in one man are too low. Monitor your body to see if you have any symptoms of low testosterone. Symptoms of low levels of testosterone in men include[6] :
    • Problems with sexual function. This can include erectile dysfunction, decreased desire for sexual activity, and a decrease in the number and quality of erections.
    • Smaller testes.
    • Emotional problems that can include depression, irritability, anxiety, problems with memory or concentration, or a lack of self-confidence.
    • Sleep disruption.
    • Increased fatigue or a general overall lack of energy.
    • Body changes that include increased belly fat, decreased muscle mass along with decreased strength and endurance, decreases in cholesterol levels, softening of the bones, and decreased bone density.
    • Swollen or tender breasts.
    • Loss of body hair.
    • Hot flashes.
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    Check for symptoms of low testosterone in women. Women can have low testosterone as well. The symptoms present differently than they do for a man. The symptoms of low testosterone in women include:[7]
    • Decreased sexual desire.
    • Fatigue.
    • Decreased vaginal lubrication.
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    Decide if you are at risk for low testosterone. Low testosterone can result from different things. You may want to test your testosterone levels if you have experienced any of the following:[8]
    • Aging.
    • Obesity and/or diabetes mellitus.
    • Testicular injury, trauma, or infection.
    • Radiation or chemotherapy for cancer.
    • Chronic diseases, such as HIV/AIDS, or liver and kidney disease.
    • Certain genetic conditions, like Klinefelter syndrome, hemochromatosis, Kallmann syndrome, Prader-Willi syndrome and others.
    • Alcoholism.
    • Drug abuse including heroin,marijuana, opioid or pain medication abuse.
    • Chronic smoking.
    • Abuse of androgens in the past.
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    Determine if you need a testosterone level test. Testosterone tests are performed when a person displays certain characteristics. Tests are commonly done for the following reasons:[9]
    • If a man is having infertility problems
    • If a man is having sexual problems
    • If a boy under 15 years of age shows early signs of puberty or an older boy shows no signs of puberty
    • If a woman develops male features, such as excessive hair growth and a deep voice
    • If a woman has irregular menstrual periods
    • If a man with prostate cancer is taking certain medicines
    • If a man has osteoporosis
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    Be aware testosterone levels vary. Levels of testosterone vary from man to man (and woman to woman). Testosterone levels will vary during the day, and vary from day to day. Levels are generally higher in the morning and lower later in the day.[10]

How Can a Woman Lower Testosterone?

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References

  1. ↑ https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/article/003707.htm
  2. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/testosterone-15738?page=3
  3. ↑ http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3955326/
  4. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/testosterone-15738?page=4
  5. ↑ https://www.endocrine.org/patient-engagement/endocrine-library/hypogonadism
  6. ↑ http://www.hormone.org/questions-and-answers/2010/low-testosterone-and-mens-health
  7. ↑ http://www.bumc.bu.edu/sexualmedicine/publications/testosterone-insufficiency-in-women-fact-or-fiction/
  8. ↑ http://www.hormone.org/questions-and-answers/2010/low-testosterone-and-mens-health
  9. ↑ http://www.webmd.com/men/testosterone-15738
  1. ↑ Pantalone, K. M., & Faiman, C. (2012). Male hypogonadism: more than just a low testosterone. Cleveland Clinic Journal Of Medicine, 79(10), 717-725

About This Article

Ricardo Correa, MD
Medically reviewed by:
Ricardo Correa, MD
Board Certified Endocrinologist
This article was medically reviewed by Ricardo Correa, MD. Dr. Correa is a board certified Endocrinologist. Dr. Correa is the Program Director of the Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism Fellowship at the University of Arizona College of Medicine and was a previous Assistant Professor of Medicine at Brown University. He completed his MD at the University of Panama and completed an internal medicine residency at the Jackson Memorial Hospital - University of Miami. He has been voted one of the 40 Under 40 Leaders in Health by the National Minority Quality Forum in 2019. This article has been viewed 91,259 times.
92 votes - 88%
Co-authors: 8
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 91,259
Categories: Hormones | Erectile Dysfunction

Medical Disclaimer

The content of this article is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, examination, diagnosis, or treatment. You should always contact your doctor or other qualified healthcare professional before starting, changing, or stopping any kind of health treatment.

Article SummaryX

If you are experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, such as a decrease in sexual desire and fatigue, go to the doctor and have your testosterone levels tested. Your physician will most likely draw a tube of blood from your vein, in addition to a physical exam. Depending on your symptoms and history, your doctor may also want to test for heart disease, thyroid function, high blood pressure, and diabetes. If your blood test results come back abnormal, ask your doctor to test you for testosterone that's bound to other proteins in your blood. Then, talk to your doctor about testosterone replacement therapy if you learn that your testosterone is low. Treatment is typically available in the form of a gel, patch, muscular injection, or edible tablet. For more tips from our Medical co-author, including how to know if you are at risk for low testosterone, scroll down.

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