Hormones have a big impact on how we feel, how our bodies work, and how we age—and testosterone is one of the most important. When your testosterone levels are too low or too high, it can affect your mood, energy, sleep, sex drive, and even how well you perform physically. If you’re feeling tired all the time or have a low interest in sex, a testosterone test can help you understand what’s going on.
A testosterone test is a simple blood test that shows how much testosterone is in your body. It’s a useful tool that can help your doctor figure out if hormone levels are behind your symptoms. From there, they can recommend the best treatment or lifestyle changes to help you feel better.
Knowing your hormone levels gives you the power to take control of your health. If you’ve been feeling “off” and don’t know why, don’t ignore the signs—talk to your doctor and ask if a testosterone test is right for you. It’s a small step that could make a big difference in how you feel every day.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a key hormone that plays a big role in your body’s health. It helps with sexual development, builds muscle, strengthens bones, and supports both mental and physical well-being.
Although it’s often linked with male health, women also produce small amounts of testosterone—it’s important for everyone.
Most of this hormone is made in the reproductive organs:
- In men, it’s produced mainly in the testicles
- In women, it’s made in the ovaries
A small amount is also produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women.
How To Test Testosterone Levels
Testosterone moves through your bloodstream in two main ways:
- Free testosterone – not attached to any proteins, and easily used by the body.
- Bound testosterone – attached to proteins like albumin or sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), making it less available for immediate use.
Depending on your health and symptoms, your doctor might recommend one or more of these tests:
- Total testosterone – measures both free and bound testosterone. It gives a general idea of how much testosterone is in your body.
- Free testosterone – measures only the unbound form. This tells your doctor how much testosterone is immediately available for your body to use.
- Bioavailable testosterone – includes both free testosterone and the testosterone loosely attached to albumin. Since albumin-bound testosterone is still fairly easy for the body to use, this test gives a more complete picture of the testosterone that’s actually active in your body.
When Is a Testosterone Test Needed?
If you’re experiencing certain symptoms, your doctor may suggest a lab test to check your hormone levels. For men, low testosterone is a common issue. Some signs to look out for include:
- Low sex drive
- Trouble getting or keeping an erection
- Feeling tired or depressed
- Problems with focus or memory
- Reduced muscle strength or muscle loss
- Difficulty having children (infertility)
Getting tested can help find the cause and guide the right treatment to help you feel better.
What You Need to Know Before a Testosterone Test
Testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, so doctors recommend getting tested between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. for the most accurate results.
What to Expect During the Test
It’s a quick and simple blood draw from your arm. The whole process takes just a few minutes, and you can expect your results in a few days.
Understanding Your Testosterone Test Results
Your results will show your testosterone level in nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). For men, a normal range is typically 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. If your levels fall outside this range, your doctor may recommend further testing or treatment options.
What If Your Testosterone Test Is Abnormal?
An unusual test result doesn’t always mean something is wrong. Hormone levels can change due to many reasons like stress, medications, or short-term health changes.
If your results are outside the normal range, your doctor might suggest more tests or take a closer look at your symptoms and medical history to better understand what’s going on.
At-Home Testosterone Tests: Do They Work?
You can use at-home test kits, but their accuracy isn’t always reliable. This can happen because of things like:
- Samples getting damaged
- Collecting the sample the wrong way
- Different methods used by labs
For the most accurate results, it’s better to get a blood test done. This can be done easily at your doctor’s office or a nearby lab. Blood tests give more trustworthy and precise information to help with your health decisions.
Conclusion
If you’re feeling tired, low on energy, or noticing other changes, it might be due to low testosterone. Testing your testosterone levels is an easy way to find out if a hormone imbalance is causing these symptoms.
At MD Longevity, our experts are here to help. Book a full hormone check-up with us and get personalized advice to feel your best again.
Don’t wait to feel better call 888-545-3047 or 888-545-9147 to schedule your appointment today!
FAQS
1. How can I check my testosterone level at home?
You can buy an at-home testosterone test kit that uses a saliva or blood spot sample. Just follow the instructions and send it to a lab for analysis.
2. How do I know my testosterone level is low?
Low testosterone often shows fatigue, low sex drive, mood swings, or loss of muscle strength. A doctor’s test is the best way to confirm it.
3. What are average testosterone levels by age?
Testosterone levels are highest in your 20s and slowly decline after age 30. Normal ranges differ by lab but generally decrease as you get older.
4. How do I get my doctor to test my testosterone?
Talk openly with your doctor about your symptoms and ask for a testosterone blood test. They can order it if they think it’s necessary.