How to Check Serum Testosterone Levels: Tests & Symptoms

How to Check Serum Testosterone Levels: Tests & Symptoms

Another symptom that may warrant a testosterone level check is fatigue or a general decrease in energy levels. Testosterone helps regulate metabolism and energy production, so low levels of testosterone can lead to feelings of fatigue or tiredness even after sufficient rest. If an individual is experiencing unexplained fatigue despite adequate sleep and other lifestyle factors, it may be beneficial to check affordable testosterone booster levels. Testosterone supports muscle mass, libido, energy levels, mood, focus, sleep quality, bone density, metabolic health, and more, says Houman. So, having lower-than-optimal testosterone levels can lead to a range of physical, mental, and emotional side effects, he says. If you suspect that you may have low testosterone, consult a healthcare provider.

As part of your subscription and as medically indicated, physicians prescribe medications, and recommend supplements that are delivered to you from the comfort of your home. You could fill a whole refrigerator with the variety of hormone-healthy foods you can add to your plate. Focus on eating a high-protein diet, and consider adding these 14 testosterone-boosting foods to your grocery list.

However, total testosterone levels alone may not provide a complete picture of your hormonal health. Testosterone is primarily bound to proteins in the blood, and only a small amount is available as free testosterone. Free testosterone is the biologically active form of the hormone that is responsible for its effects on the body. Therefore, it is important to measure both total testosterone and free testosterone to accurately evaluate your hormone status. In addition to testosterone testing, your healthcare provider may also order other blood tests to assess your overall hormonal health. These tests may include measurements of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and estradiol (an estrogen hormone).

It is essential to interpret testosterone levels in women in the context of their specific age and reproductive stage. Overall, preparing for the testosterone levels test is usually a straightforward process that requires minimal effort from your side. Just make sure to follow any instructions provided by your healthcare provider, and don’t hesitate to ask for help or clarification if needed. 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.

If you’re experiencing symptoms or have underlying health conditions, your doctor may recommend more frequent testing, such as every six months. These hormones are released by the pituitary gland in response to low testosterone levels and play a crucial role in stimulating testosterone production in the testes. It involves drawing a blood sample and sending it to a laboratory for analysis.

Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus. One of the most persistent myths around TRT is that it makes men overly aggressive or « unnatural. » The reality? The widespread decline in T levels also has implications for society as a whole, says Houman. Should your performance in the bedroom be a pressing concern for you, then check out five doctor-approved suggestions which could minimise issues around getting it up.

Furthermore, a testosterone levels test may be done to diagnose congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH), a genetic disorder that affects the production of cortisol and aldosterone hormones. CAH can cause symptoms such as excessive hair growth, ambiguous genitalia in females, and early-onset puberty in both boys and girls. Testosterone is a critical hormone necessary for both men and women, though it’s often considered a male hormone. However, testosterone levels sometimes fluctuate and become too low or too high. A proper testosterone test—done in a certified lab—is the only reliable way to check your levels.

While these kits may provide some information about your testosterone levels, they are generally not as accurate as tests conducted in a medical laboratory. Additionally, it is important to consider that self-administered tests may not be performed correctly, leading to inaccurate results. The most common test is a blood test, which measures the amount of testosterone in your blood.