Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times

7 Ways You Can Test Testosterone Level without Seeing a Doctor

If you’re getting your testosterone tested for the first time, follow these guidelines to get an accurate reading. Health insurance companies generally don’t cover at-home testosterone tests, which can cost around $45. But you can use a health savings account (HSA) or flexible spending account (FSA) to pay for your test.

The typical T range for morning total testosterone levels in males is 300–1,000 ng/dL. Both free and total testosterone levels are sometimes measured to provide a complete picture of your hormonal health. Doctors often suggest testosterone testing if you’re experiencing symptoms of a hormone imbalance, such as feeling tired, struggling with low libido, or feeling moody. Understanding your testosterone levels can be the first step in improving your overall well-being. Mood changes, such as irritability, depression, or a decrease in motivation, may also indicate low testosterone levels.

CAH can cause symptoms such as excessive hair growth, ambiguous genitalia in females, and early-onset puberty in both boys and girls. A testosterone levels test is a diagnostic test that measures the amount of testosterone hormone in your body. Testosterone is a sex hormone that is primarily produced in the testicles in men and in the ovaries in women. It plays a crucial role in the development and maintenance of male reproductive tissues and promotes muscle and bone growth.

Sometimes, the test needs to be retaken to confirm the measurements. Only a testosterone test can measure how much of the hormone is in your body and determine whether your level is within a healthy range. Your doctor uses it to diagnose conditions caused by too much or too little testosterone. 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. Even high-performing men balancing careers, families, and fitness can find themselves battling unexplained fatigue, diminished focus, low libido, and persistent sluggishness despite adequate rest.

One is the Women’s Hormone Test, for women and people AFAB, which evaluates 10 of the key female reproductive hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol among others. No test will replace a doctor’s diagnosis, and at-home kits are unable to diagnose any condition that may be causing low T. Anyone who gets any atypical values from a home test or typical values when they have clinical symptoms should speak with a doctor. However, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) states that at-home tests can help to monitor and detect potential health conditions.

« Both can interfere with testosterone production, especially when used regularly or excessively during your teens and 20s, » he says. Research from the American Urological Association Education and Research Inc. suggests a link between marijuana use and lower testosterone levels. Meanwhile, one Journal of Clinical Medicine study reports that regular alcohol consumption can damage the Leydig cells responsible for testosterone production. To support hormone balance, Houman recommends cutting back on these substances or discussing a reduction plan with your healthcare provider.

These kits let you collect a blood sample from a finger prick and mail it to a lab. While convenient, at-home kits may be less precise than clinical tests. This daily variation in cyp testosterone (https://www.primaryonehealth.org) levels is natural and should be taken into consideration when getting tested. If you are concerned about your testosterone levels and want to get them tested, it is generally recommended to do so in the morning, within the first few hours after waking up. This will give you the most accurate representation of your testosterone levels at their highest point. Hypogonadism can affect males, females, and people who are intersex.

Regular testosterone level checks are essential for transgender men and transmasculine people using female-to-male testosterone therapy. Anyone who suspects their testosterone levels are too high or too low should work closely with a doctor to diagnose the issue. Testosterone levels that are too high or too low can both cause issues in the body. Testosterone tests help identify levels of total or free testosterone in the body. These levels may be key in helping to diagnose any underlying issues.

None of our tests are intended to be a substitute for seeking professional medical advice, help, diagnosis, or treatment. Hormone imbalances can cause a variety of symptoms that can significantly impact your life. These symptoms can also overlap with other conditions, such as depression. At Everlywell, we offer a number of at-home lab tests for hormone levels and other conditions. Your in-clinic healthcare provider is responsible for relaying the results of your in-clinic labs and discussing the potential consequences of the results.