Testosterone Levels By Age: Chart & How to Test

7 Ways You Can Test Testosterone Level without Seeing a Doctor

This means refraining from eating or drinking anything other than water during that time. Fasting helps ensure accurate results by eliminating any potential interference from food or beverages. Edgar C. Johnson is an Australian medical writer with a strong focus on public health and disease prevention.

These kits may not provide accurate or reliable results, and interpreting the results can be challenging without proper medical guidance. It is always best to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in hormone health for an accurate assessment of your testosterone levels and appropriate treatment, if necessary. Normal testosterone levels can vary depending on age, health, and other factors. In general, the normal range for total testosterone in adult men is between 300 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). However, it’s important to note that the interpretation of testosterone levels should be done in the context of other symptoms and health conditions.

The reasons for testosterone tests include having symptoms of hormone imbalance or health concerns. These tests can also monitor the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A blood test is a common way to measure testosterone (free and total), though saliva and urine tests are also available. While it’s the most widely used test, caution is needed when interpreting the results. First, a lot of the testosterone bound to proteins is not active in the body. Also, the percentage that binds to proteins differs; it differs from one man to the next. Laboratories set normal values based on men having their blood drawn between 7 a.m.

Other tests that may be ordered to measure testosterone levels include a bioavailable testosterone test and a sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) test. The bioavailable testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone that is available for use by your body, including both free and albumin-bound testosterone. The SHBG test measures the amount of sex hormone-binding globulin, a protein that binds to testosterone and can affect its availability. If you suspect you may have low testosterone or an imbalance in your hormone levels, it is important to get tested to determine the underlying cause. Testing testosterone levels typically involves a series of blood tests that can be done by your healthcare provider. Regularly monitoring your testosterone levels is especially important for men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, including fatigue, decreased libido, or mood changes. Understanding your normal testosterone range or identifying a potential testosterone deficiency empowers you to take proactive steps toward improving your health and quality of life.

JHL, JYK, JDC and JBP contributed to the study design and provided critical revisions to the manuscript. JYK, JHL, YK, ICC, JDC, TKY, DGL and JBP conducted the statistical analyses, created figures and tables, and contributed to the interpretation of the results. JHL, JYK, JDC and JBP offered valuable insights to the idea and project administration. JHL, JYK, JDC and JBP supervised the study, provided guidance throughout the research process, and approved the manuscript for publication. Data on men who participated in health checkups at one university hospital in Seoul, South Korea, during the period from 2010 to 2020 were collected. Applying a testosterone gel or cream to the skin is currently the safest way to deliver an effective dose of testosterone to a woman. Since there are no FDA-approved commercial products formulated for women, I rely on transdermal gels from a compounding pharmacy.

Consulting with a healthcare professional specializing in hormone therapy is recommended to get accurate and meaningful results. Blood tests offer a high level of accuracy in determining testosterone levels. They allow healthcare professionals to measure both total testosterone and free testosterone levels accurately. Total testosterone refers to the total amount of testosterone in the bloodstream, including both bound and free testosterone. Free testosterone, on the other hand, refers to the portion of testosterone in the bloodstream that is not bound to proteins and is considered biologically active. Testosterone is a hormone that plays a vital role in many aspects of male health, including muscle mass, bone density, mood, and libido.

Symptoms of high testosterone in women include irregular menstrual cycles, acne, excessive hair growth, and fertility issues. In addition to regular testing, maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also help optimize testosterone levels. Regular exercise, a nutritious diet, adequate sleep, stress management, and maintaining a healthy weight can all contribute to hormonal balance. Lifestyle choices such as avoiding excessive alcohol consumption and smoking can also have a positive impact on testosterone levels. It is also important to consider the potential for user error when using OTC testosterone testing kits. Obtaining accurate readings may require precise sample collection techniques and following the instructions provided with the kit. Improper collection or mishandling of samples can lead to incorrect results or false negatives, leaving individuals with potentially inaccurate information about their testosterone levels.

Such tests can show free testosterone, which isn’t attached to anything, and bound testosterone attached to proteins. Understanding testosterone levels is important for detecting hormone imbalances and supporting optimal health and well-being. This article explores what a testosterone test is, why it’s done, and what the results may mean. Is the gold standard [for testing testosterone levels accurately],” says Dr. Welliver. While a small, annual decline in testosterone levels is a normal part of the aging process, you can take action to optimize your levels and avoid symptoms of low T.