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Symptoms of low testosterone may include low sex drive, tiredness, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression. An at-home test may indicate when to contact a doctor.
- Best for customer support: LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test | Skip to review
- Best for affordability: Everlywell Testosterone Test | Skip to review
- Best for fast results: MyLAB Box Testosterone Test | Skip to review
- Best for color-coded results: Verisana Testosterone Saliva Test | Skip to review
- Best for personalized results: CeraScreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit | Skip to review
- Best for monitoring health conditions: Labcorp OnDemand Total Testosterone Blood Test | Skip to review
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that
This article looks at some home testosterone kits and who might need one. It also gives a list of tests, advice on taking them, and approximate costs. Finally, it answers some common questions about home testosterone kits.
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
MNT chooses at-home testosterone tests that meet the following criteria:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Sample type: MNT will include tests requiring saliva samples, which may be better for people uncomfortable with blood samples.
- Test result speed: MNT chooses companies that promise fast results.
- Further support: MNT includes companies that can help interpret a person’s testosterone level result.
- Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets. While most at-home companies do not accept insurance, MNT includes ones that accept HSA/FSA payments.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
People may take a testosterone test if they experience high or low-testosterone symptoms. These kits are available to purchase online from a range of retailers.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products.
All quotes are provided by a Medical News Today Editor, Lois Zoppi, who received a free testosterone test from LetsGetChecked to review.
The following table compares the at-home testosterone tests in this article.
| Collection method | Results time | Price | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked | finger-prick test | 2–5 days | $69 | • can send results in 2 days • nurses available 24 hours a day • accepts FSA and HSA payments | • does not accept insurance • requires a finger prick blood test |
| Everlywell | saliva sample | 5–7 days | $69 | • affordable • subscription available • accepts FSA and HSA payments | • it can take a week to receive results • does not accept insurance |
| MyLAB Box | saliva | 2–5 days | $79 | • can send results within 2 days • FDA-registered tests • offers doctor consultations | • more expensive than other brands • not available in New York state |
| Verisana | saliva sample | 3 weeks | $49.95 | samples can be frozen | • users must avoid certain food and drink before testing • unclear if company uses CLIA-certified labs • slow turnaround for results • no access to healthcare professional |
| Cerascreen | saliva swab | 3–4 days | $59 | • sends results quickly • includes free health consultation • a doctor reviews the results | • does not ship to all U.S. states • does not accept insurance |
| Labcorp OnDemand | finger-prick test | 2 weeks | $69 | • suitable for those less confident about providing samples • suitable for monitoring health conditions • accepts FSA and HSA payments | slow to provide results |
A person should consider the following when choosing an at-home testosterone test:
- Price: Some testosterone tests can be expensive. A person should speak with a doctor to see if the test will be useful for them.
- Collection method: A person may also prefer a specific sample collection method. Some tests require a blood sample that typically involves a finger prick. Others may require a lab visit for a blood draw, and some may require a person to take a saliva sample.
- Scope of test: Tests will look for different things, and a person should check what a company tests for before purchasing to ensure they will get the information they need in their results.
- Company reputation: A person should buy tests from a reputable brand. This indicates the company uses reliable and regulated labs to produce accurate test results. A person can read independent reviews on the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot sites to learn about customer experiences with their chosen brand.
- Support: Some brands offer support from medical professionals when a person receives their results. This could be helpful for people who would like to help understand or to interpret their results. If a person chooses a brand that does not offer follow-up support, they should speak with a doctor about their results before making any decisions about their health.
- Testing speed: A person should research how long a company may take to deliver results. Many companies offer results within 2–5 days. A person may also have to send their sample to the lab on certain days to avoid delays in the mail.
A person should take a home testosterone test if they have low testosterone. Alternatively, if a person believes they may be experiencing an excess of testosterone, with
However, if someone is worried about their symptoms, they should speak to their doctor.
Symptoms of low testosterone in males may include:
- low sex drive
- erectile dysfunction
- loss of body hair
- a loss of lean muscle mass
- tiredness
- having a higher body mass index
- low mood and energy
- issues with memory and focus
However, these symptoms may not exclusively relate to low testosterone.
If an individual has severe symptoms, they should not take an at-home test and instead contact a doctor for advice.
The process of taking a home testosterone test varies; a person should always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some services also have sample collection instruction videos on their websites.
Most tests require a saliva sample, but others may require a blood sample via a finger prick.
Usually, individuals send their results to the specified lab on the day of sample collection. Results are then typically available within a few days.
Testosterone levels will vary according to a person’s sex, age, and thyroid function. However, doctors typically state that males have a testosterone level starting around 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
If an individual’s at-home test results are higher or lower than average, they should discuss them with a doctor, who may wish to conduct further tests and provide treatment if necessary. Insurance providers may cover treatment costs.
Those with low testosterone who undergo testosterone treatment may experience
The Urology Care Foundation states a person should always have a testosterone test before starting any treatment, as it may be unsafe.
Testosterone tests are a way for healthcare professionals to diagnose low testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels are
There is also evidence that testosterone levels change seasonally, with people having the highest levels of this hormone in August–October, and becoming lowest in March. While more research is necessary to investigate the link between season and testosterone levels, results may be more accurate if a person tests during late summer and early fall.
Several causes of low testosterone are not symptoms of a clinical conditions, such as:
- aging
- obesity
- using medication such as antidepressants and narcotic pain medication
There are different treatment options for persons with low testosterone:
Testosterone replacement therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical intervention healthcare professionals may recommend to increase testosterone levels. There are
- Oral medication: Healthcare professionals generally do not use oral medication to treat low testosterone due to a higher risk of side effects and lower effectiveness.
- Gels: Nasal and transdermal gels are usually the first treatments doctors recommend as people tend to prefer them, they have a lower cost, and insurance is more likely to cover the medication.
- Injections: Doctors inject testosterone into the body every two weeks. Healthcare professionals generally recommend injections only if people cannot access other treatment methods.
TRT is not suitable for some people, including those with:
- a history of breast cancer
- prostate cancer
- uncontrolled heart failure
- heart attack within the past six months
- cerebrovascular accident within the past six months
- untreated obstructive sleep apnea
TRT is also unsuitable for people who are fertility planning.
Doctors will monitor testosterone levels one month after starting treatment, then 3–6 months after starting treatment, and then once every year.
Gender affirming TRT
People may use testosterone to affirm their gender or as part of a transitioning process.
TRT can help people develop more traditionally masculine features,
A
Learn more about transitioning using testosterone here.
Lifestyle changes
Several lifestyle changes may help naturally increase testosterone levels. People may make these changes alongside taking any medication.
These changes include:
- maintaining an ideal body weight
- exercising regularly
- getting good quality sleep
- avoiding tobacco products
- avoiding excessive drinking
- avoiding taking opioid pain medications, such as morphine
- eating a healthy and balanced diet
A person should contact a doctor if they have any symptoms of low or high testosterone.
A doctor will discuss what else may be causing their symptoms and order appropriate tests.
If a person takes an at-home testosterone test, they should discuss their results with a doctor before making any decisions about their health.
The results of at-home tests should not replace care from a healthcare professional.
Below, we answer some of the frequently asked questions relating to home testosterone tests.
Can you check your testosterone levels at home?
Yes. A person can test their testosterone levels in the privacy of their own home using an at-home test kit. Some options include LetsGetChecked, EverlyWell, and myLABBox.
Are home testosterone tests accurate?
Although home tests may help indicate a person’s testosterone levels, they should contact a doctor to discuss and confirm their results.
How do testosterone test kits work?
After purchasing a test, a company will send a person a home testing kit with instructions on collecting a sample, which may involve providing saliva or blood.
Once individuals collect their sample, they can return it to the specified lab, which tests the sample for testosterone.
Results are typically available on the company’s website via a secure login page within a few days to weeks.
How do I know if my testosterone is low?
The symptoms of low testosterone may include:
- low libido
- fatigue
- reduced lean muscle mass
- irritability
- erectile dysfunction
- depression
A person should contact a doctor if they experience these symptoms.
How do you check your testosterone level with your fingers?
According to an older 2016 study, there is
However, this is not an accurate way of testing for testosterone levels. A person should speak with a doctor or order an at-home testosterone test to get reliable results.
Does masturbation decrease testosterone?
What is a normal testosterone level?
The typical testosterone levels in males 19 and older are
Medical professionals expect testosterone levels to decrease with age. However, these levels may fall below average, resulting in adverse symptoms.
A person can test their testosterone levels using an at-home test that they can purchase online. Many use a saliva sample, but some involve a blood or urine sample. Testing companies usually provide results within a few days or weeks.
If an individual’s results are higher or lower than average, it is best to discuss them with a medical professional before making changes to their health.