Testosterone Levels Test: MedlinePlus Medical Test

Testosterone Tests: How It’s Done, Levels, and Results

A meta-analysis of nine studies suggested Tongkat may help support testosterone levels. The dosage of Tongkat ranged from 100 to 600mg/day for three days to six months. In men, testosterone is responsible for producing both primary and secondary sex characteristics. Primary sex characteristics include sperm production, testicular and penile development, and increased libido.

Therefore, for the most accurate results, blood tests should be conducted in the morning when testosterone levels are at their peak. In addition to blood tests, saliva tests and urine tests are other methods used to measure testosterone levels. Saliva tests are a non-invasive alternative to blood tests and involve collecting saliva samples for analysis.

These include testicular dysfunction, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), adrenal tumors, and Cushing’s disease. Low testosterone levels may also account for problems with fertility or sexual function. Suppose you’re experiencing ongoing symptoms like low energy, mood swings, or muscle loss. In addition, symptoms of high testosterone, such as acne or unusual hair growth, can signal an imbalance.

We encourage you to discuss your free testosterone result with a health professional. A clinical interpretation of this result will differ case-by-case depending on a host of other factors. A testosterone blood test is the withdrawal and assessment of your blood. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm using a small needle. Get your blood drawn between 7 and 10 a.m.—when they’re at their highest—for the most accurate reading. 4 This applies to in-home tests, lab visits, or blood drawn at a doctor’s office. In certain cases, you may need to fast (not eat or drink) for several hours before the test.

The level of testosterone starts to decline around age 40, then gradually becomes less in older men. Not necessarily, but some medical conditions (tumors, diabetes, other chronic diseases, HIV/AIDS, malnutrition, etc.) may contribute to low testosterone. That’s why routine testosterone testing and determining potential underlying causes of low T are important for individuals with risk factors.

This includes avoiding vigorous physical activity, stress, and sleep deprivation before the test. These factors can potentially affect testosterone levels and skew the results. During the normal daily cycle, testosterone levels in men are typically highest in the morning, shortly after waking up. This is often referred to as the “morning surge” of testosterone.

Hypogonadism can affect males, females, and people who are intersex. In males, the prolonged effects of low testosterone can lead to the development of secondary sexual characteristics more typical of females, sometimes referred to as feminization. Learn more about the potential signs that low testosterone levels may be a result of high amounts of stress. During the pre-qualification process, a licensed healthcare provider can order lab work for you to determine your eligibility for treatment before committing to the program. If you don’t qualify for testosterone therapy, Rex MD may offer alternative options. Using an at-home test, you can testosterone be increased take a sample of blood or saliva to send back to a lab. Consider sending the results of your test to a  healthcare provider if you want to learn more about the results.

High testosterone levels could indicate a tumor in your adrenal glands or testicles. Testosterone plays a key role in skeletal muscle development and maintenance. Similarly, Miller66 reported that although low testosterone in women may not significantly alter fat mass, it can affect skeletal muscle dynamics.