Testosterone Test

Testosterone is the primary androgen, meaning it stimulates the development of male characteristics.

Although it’s commonly referred to as the “male sex hormone,” testosterone is found in men and women. However, women produce much less testosterone than men.

Sources:

Testosterone Levels Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/

Testosterone: What It Is, Function & Levels. Cleveland Clinic. Published 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24101-testosterone

Your results will provide detailed information on whether your testosterone level is normal, low, or high compared to reference ranges in your age group. If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of hormone imbalances, sharing your test results with your healthcare provider can help them recommend possible next steps.

In people assigned male at birth (AMAB), testosterone is made in the testicles, the part of the male reproductive system that produces sperm.

The ovaries make testosterone in people who are assigned female at birth (AFAB). The ovaries are the part of the female reproductive system that makes eggs. 

The adrenal glands also play a role in testosterone production.

Sources:

Testosterone Levels Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/

As the primary sex hormone in people who are AMAB, testosterone plays an essential role in the following:

• The development of the penis and testes 
• Deepening the voice during puberty
• Muscle size and strength
• Bone growth and strength
• Sex drive (libido)
• Sperm production
• The appearance of facial and pubic hair starting at puberty

Sources: 

Testosterone — What It Does And Doesn’t Do - Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Published July 16, 2015. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/medications/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do

In people who are AFAB, testosterone may play a role in ovarian function and bone strength. Testosterone may also affect sexual behavior, but more evidence is needed to confirm.

Sources: 

Testosterone — What It Does And Doesn’t Do - Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Published July 16, 2015. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/medications/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do

In people who are AMAB, testosterone levels vary over time, peaking by early adulthood and dropping about 1% to 2% a year beginning in the 40s. 

Testosterone levels vary throughout the day, typically highest in the morning. 

Sources:

Treating low testosterone levels - Harvard Health. Harvard Health. Published December 8, 2016. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.health.harvard.edu/mens-health/treating-low-testosterone-levels

Testosterone Levels Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/

Healthcare providers can use a testosterone test, along with other tests, to help diagnose the cause of symptoms related to abnormal testosterone levels. They may also use them in children and teens to discover the cause of early or delayed puberty. 

Please note that the Home Test Box Testosterone Test can only be used by adults 18 years and older.

Testosterone tests may also be used to monitor your testosterone levels, which may be beneficial to people who have had abnormal testosterone test results in the past. People taking medications that can affect testosterone or a man who is transgender that is taking testosterone for masculinizing hormone therapy may find testosterone testing helpful.

Sources:

Testosterone Levels Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/

Several health conditions can lead to low testosterone levels.

Low testosterone may indicate hypogonadism in people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB). This condition occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough of the hormone due to an issue with the pituitary gland or testes. Low testosterone can also be caused by certain medications or being overweight.

Other conditions associated with low testosterone in males include:

• Chronic diseases like liver or kidney disease
• Benign tumors (non-cancerous tumors)
• Alcohol use disorder
• Certain genetic diseases, such as Klinefelter syndrome

In people who are assigned female at birth (AFAB), conditions associated with low testosterone include the following: 

• An adrenal gland disorder
• A pituitary gland disorder
• An ovarian disorder

It’s important to note that low testosterone levels alone cannot diagnose a health condition.

Sources:

Testosterone Levels Test. Medlineplus.gov. Published 2019. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/testosterone-levels-test/

Garrard C. Testosterone: Everything You Need to Know. EverydayHealth.com. Published August 15, 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.everydayhealth.com/testosterone/guide/

Several health conditions can lead to high testosterone levels.

In people who are assigned male at birth (AMAB), conditions associated with high testosterone include the following: 

• A tumor in the testicles
• Steroid use
• An adrenal gland disorder

In people who are assigned female at birth (AFAB), conditions associated with high testosterone include the following: 

• Hirsutism, a hormonal condition that causes the growth of unwanted hair
• Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormonal disorder caused by excess androgen hormones in women
• An adrenal gland disorder like congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) 

Other potential conditions linked to high testosterone in females include disorders of the pituitary gland and ovarian cancer.

It’s important to note that high testosterone levels alone cannot diagnose a health condition.

Sources:

Anthony K. High Testosterone Levels in Women. Healthline. Published October 13, 2017. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/high-testosterone-in-women#causes

If you are experiencing symptoms like decreased muscle mass, hair loss, or acne, you may want to consider testing your testosterone levels. 

Sources:

Heitz D. When to Consider a Testosterone Test. Healthline. Published July 28, 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/testosterone-test

The following lifestyle changes may help balance testosterone levels:

• Cardiovascular fitness and resistance training
• A balanced diet with limited processed foods
• Reducing stress 
• Getting enough quality sleep

Sources:

Heitz D. When to Consider a Testosterone Test. Healthline. Published July 28, 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/testosterone-test

You can check testosterone levels with an at-home test or at a clinic. The Home Test Box at-home test uses a saliva sample you collect in the morning by spitting in a tube that comes with the kit. You then mail the sample to a lab and get your results online. Testosterone testing at a clinic usually involves a blood test, during which blood is drawn from a vein in your arm. 

In males, low testosterone may be associated with the following symptoms:

• Decreased sex drive (low libido)
• Less energy
• Weight gain
• Low mood or feelings of depression
• Moodiness
• Low self-esteem
• Reduced body hair
• Thinner bones

In females, low testosterone levels may be associated with the following symptoms:

• Low libido
• Reduced bone strength
• Poor concentration
• Depression

Source:

Roland J. What Is Testosterone? Healthline. Published January 6, 2021. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-testosterone#low-t-levels

Testosterone is involved in various processes throughout the body, linking high levels of the hormone to many symptoms. 

For one, testosterone is involved in oil production. High levels can lead to acne. It is also involved in hair growth. People with high testosterone levels may notice excess body hair or balding.

Testosterone also affects mood. People with high levels may notice new or worsening irritability, anxiety, or depression.

High testosterone levels can affect males and females differently.

In males, high testosterone is also associated with the following symptoms:

• Blood pressure changes, which may trigger dizziness, headaches, fatigue, nausea, or fainting
• Sexual health changes, including erectile dysfunction, reduced libido, or a lower-than-normal sperm count
• Chest pain
• Difficulty breathing or speaking
• Heart attack or stroke
• Blood clots in the lungs or veins

In females, high testosterone is associated with the following symptoms:

• Increased muscle mass
• Irregular periods
• Sexual health changes, including reduced libido or vaginal dryness
• Deepening of the voice
• Unexplained weight gain
• Enlarged clitoris
• Decreased breast size 

Severe instances of high testosterone in females may lead to obesity or infertility.

Sources:

Jewell T. 28 Signs of High Testosterone in Men and Women. Healthline. Published August 31, 2022. Accessed January 10, 2023. https://www.healthline.com/health/signs-of-high-testosterone

If your testosterone levels are abnormal, you should consult your healthcare provider for the next steps.

We use free testosterone as a marker because it's possible to have a normal total testosterone level in blood but an abnormal free testosterone level in saliva.

The Home Test Box Testosterone Test requires you to self-collect a saliva sample. View details on how to collect your saliva sample here.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.