Testosterone Test

When testosterone comes up in conversation, it is typically because a man is concerned about low testosterone levels and is generally considered a male hormone. However, women also produce testosterone and need healthy levels of it for hormonal balance. 

Testosterone affects everything from libido to facial hair to muscle mass to energy levels and is essential for younger and older men. Both during puberty and throughout adulthood. Men dealing with low levels of testosterone, or “low T,” can occur at any age and cause health conditions, including obesity, decrease in bone density, and erectile dysfunction. 

What Causes Low Testosterone?

There are over a dozen reasons why your testosterone might be lower than normal. It’s extremely common for testosterone levels to decrease as you get older. If you’re relatively young and experiencing low testosterone, you’re not alone. Factors that can influence levels include:

• Lowered testicular function (usually related to age)

• Lifestyle (including diet and exercise)

• Alcohol abuse

• Diabetes

• Genetics 

• Imbalanced metabolism 

• Medications

• Trauma

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Men 

The symptoms of low testosterone are highly varied. The most common symptom in men is decreased interest in sex and the inability to get or maintain an erection. Additional symptoms of low testosterone in men include:

• Decreased muscle

• Poor concentration

• Reduced spontaneous erections 

• Depression

• Increased fat 

• Low energy

• Thinning hair or hair loss on the head or body

Women

The symptoms of low testosterone in women can include,

• Dry skin

• Decreased sex drive

• Loss of muscle tone

• Increased body fat 

If you’re experiencing any of the above signs or symptoms you may be suffering from testosterone-related health conditions and it is recommended that you see your doctor to rule out any serious underlying conditions that may need additional treatment. 

How to Test Testosterone Levels

You can check your testosterone levels in one of two ways. You can either consult with your medical provider or online doctor about ordering a lab test that can be conducted at an in-person clinic or you can test your testosterone levels with an at-home test from one of the many at-home-lab-testing kits. 

At-home-testing-kit companies, such as EverlyWell use a saliva sample that you collect yourself from the comfort and privacy of your own home. Whereas, testosterone testing at an in-person clinic typically requires a blood test where blood is drawn from your arm by a lab technician. 

What’s Measured by an At-Home Testosterone Test?

With most at-home testosterone tests, your Free Testosterone will be measured to ensure that your levels of the hormone are normal. Free Testosterone is produced by the adrenal cortex (testes in men and ovaries in women) and should be tested to make sure you are producing a normal level that benefits your overall health. 

Your results will provide you with detailed information on whether your levels of testosterone are normal, low, or high compared to reference ranges in your age group. And, if you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of low hormone levels, it is recommended that you share your results with your health care provider, as they will be able to guide you through possible next steps.   

How At-Home Testosterone Tests Work

If you’re like us and prefer not to leave the comfort of your home for simple lab tests, ordering an at-home-testing-kit is definitely the way to go. At-home testing is easy, convenient, and like many of the at-home testosterone tests, it will analyze your levels using a sample of your saliva and measure your body’s levels of free testosterone, which is the type of testosterone that’s biologically active and able to regulate metabolism and other cellular function. 

How these tests actually work is simple, painless, and can be done in the privacy of your own space. All you need to do is order a kit, follow the instructions, mail your saliva sample back, and get your results. And, the best thing of all is that you don’t need to get in the car to have some stranger poke you with a needle to collect your sample--all you need to do is spit into a vial first thing in the morning to get the same, accurate results.  

Where to Get an At-Home Testosterone Test

There are many places you can get at-home-lab-tests from, however, there are three companies that the team at ReliefSeeker highly recommend. We have even pre-vetted and reviewed them so that you’re able to make an informed decision. 

Get your at-home testosterone test at: 

• EverlyWell

• LetsGetChecked

• MyLab Box

Benefits of Testosterone Testing

Testosterone testing can help determine if you’re producing the appropriate amount of testosterone, giving you options for naturally increasing the levels of the hormone in your body. If you’re experiencing any of the above symptoms of low testosterone, contact your doctor for a testosterone support consultation. Some of the benefits of taking these types of supplements include:

• Higher levels of energy

• Healthy sex drive

• Less anxiety

• Increased muscle mass

Supplements that Naturally Raise Testosterone

Your doctor may advise you to either change your lifestyle and/or begin taking testosterone support supplements. Usually, doctors advise a combination of the two. Testosterone support supplements (such as the ones prescribed by Roman) contain the following ingredients to balance hormones:

• Ashwagandha

• Maca

• Magnesium

• Vitamin D3

• Zinc

Only a doctor can diagnose hormone imbalance and prescribe testosterone support treatments. Low testosterone symptoms can also alert doctors to problems, such as cancer and thyroid problems, it’s best to check with your doctor before starting any treatment plans.