Standard Male Hormone Panel 3 Tests

Testosterone Test Kaiser Permanente

If your doctor suspects you have irregular testosterone levels, they may recommend a blood test. Typically, men will notice symptoms of low testosterone as they age and testosterone levels start to drop. Yes, at-home testosterone tests can offer a convenient and reliable measure of testosterone levels, but it’s important to confirm and seek guidance from a healthcare provider.

They are the key to diagnosing health conditions and monitoring hormone therapy, providing a clear measure of testosterone levels in your blood or saliva. A testosterone level test is a blood test that measures the amount of testosterone hormone in the blood. Testosterone is the primary male hormone, but both males and females have it in their bodies. Testosterone is essential for sexual and reproductive development, maintaining muscle mass, and sex drive. This testosterone test is a first step in understanding why you may be experiencing symptoms of high or low testosterone. Both younger and older people assigned male at birth can check total testosterone levels with this at-home test (you must be male and age 18 or above to take this test).

This test offers a more detailed view by providing the amount of testosterone that is not bound and is freely available for use by the body, in addition to the total testosterone levels. Total testosterone is a measurement of both the free testosterone and the testosterone that is attached to proteins in the blood. Testosterone can be viewed as a vital marker for health, affecting sexual function, cognition, bone density, and more. Therefore, testing testosterone levels when indicated may provide insight and offer a pathway to addressing bothersome symptoms. Blood testing of testosterone should be done in the morning during the peak release and should be done at the same time in subsequent blood draws.

In males, the testosterone test can help find the reason for sexual problems, like reduced sex drive or erectile dysfunction. If you’re having a hard time getting your partner pregnant, the test can tell if your blood testosterone level is low. A low testosterone level can also mean a problem with the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, which controls how is testosterone levels tested much testosterone your body makes. Seeing an abnormal test result may kick off alarm bells in your mind. But know that having an abnormal testosterone result doesn’t necessarily mean you have a serious medical condition. Your healthcare provider will let you know if you need further tests.

In men or anyone with a penis, testosterone is produced by the testicles and the adrenal gland, controlling the development of sperm and male sex characteristics. And in women or anyone with ovaries, testosterone is produced by the ovaries, the adrenal gland, and other tissues, and it aids in overall growth and development. Your body functions best when your testosterone is in a certain range.

The phlebotomist will come to your place and collect the sample. Testosterone is an androgen steroid hormone and the principal male sex hormone, but it is also produced in females. In men, testosterone plays a key role in development of the male reproductive system and promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and chest hair and upper body muscular build.

Neither the blog publisher nor the developers of the AI-powered search engine are responsible for any actions taken based on the information provided in this content. Citations to the original scientific studies are included for reference, but these studies should be reviewed in full and interpreted with the guidance of a healthcare or research professional. At-home testosterone kits are mail-in tests that can tell you if you have high or low testosterone levels. The tests can be used in males and females and involve a blood or saliva sample. If you are noticing infertility symptoms, then book your test to know your testosterone levels. Book your testosterone hormone test with us for the best diagnostic experience at affordable prices. We ensure we provide accurate test reports on time, following the standard protocols.

The tubes are labeled with your identification and sent to the lab for testing. When you first receive the kit, you will register on a secure website with the manufacturer. Once the sample has been processed, the results will be returned via the website, usually within a few days. Excess testosterone in male children can lead to precocious (early) puberty, which is when puberty begins before the age of nine. However, when you hear people use the term « anabolic steroids » they are generally referring to synthetic (made in a lab) variations of testosterone that are injected into your body. The kidneys filter creatinine from the blood and excrete it in urine. Therefore, the creatinine blood test provides information about kidney function.

The symptoms of low testosterone in males include erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass and strength, increased body fat, and a reduced sex drive. Pay attention to these signs and consult a healthcare professional if you experience them. Although testosterone is typically higher in males due to production in the testes, it is also produced at lower levels in females and people without testes. It has functions in the female body, including sex drive, bone and muscle health, and mental sharpness and performance.