6 Best At-Home Testosterone Test Kits; What You Need to Know About Them

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- Best overall at-home testosterone kit: LetsGetChecked
- Best medical support testosterone kit: Everlywell
- Best for testing blood and saliva: myLAB Box
- Most affordable at-home testosterone kit: Verisana
- Most comprehensive at-home test kit: Roman
- Most personalized results: Cerascreen
People of any age can have low testosterone levels. A pituitary gland disorder can reduce testosterone levels. Cancer treatments may be a cause.
One way to check your testosterone levels is to take an at-home testosterone test. In this article, we’ll go over our picks for some of the best at-home testosterone test kits. We’ll also cover the symptoms and diagnosis of low testosterone.
Testosterone is a sex hormone that is produced in the testicles and ovaries. testosterone production increases during puberty and then begins to decline in adulthood.
It’s often considered the “male” sex hormone, but people of all sexes and genders produce testosterone. People assigned male at birth (AMAB) produce more testosterone than people assigned female at birth (AFAB), though.
Your body uses testosterone for many purposes, including:
- The penis, testicles, and ovaries are reproductive organs.
- The voice deepens during puberty.
- The progression of balding later in life is related to the development of facial hair and body hair.
- The strength of bones is related to development.
- Body fat distribution and muscle mass.
- Sex drive.
- sperm production
- Red blood cells are produced.
Testosterone levels may also play a role in regulating your mood and supporting cognitive function, though research is still inconclusive on exactly how this works. A decrease in testosterone levels is a normal part of aging for people assigned male at birth, especially after age 30.
You may experience uncomfortable symptoms if your testosterone levels are too high or low. A saliva test can be used to check the amount of testosterone in your body.
In males, testosterone levels should generally fall between 300–1,000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL), or 10–35 nanomoles per liter (nmol/L).
The testosterone levels in the ovaries are low in females.
A note on gender
The language used to share data points is pretty boring, like male and female or men and women.
specificity is important when reporting on research participants and clinical findings.
Unfortunately, not all resources regarding sex hormones report data on, or include, participants who are transgender, nonbinary, gender nonconforming, genderqueer, or agender.
If you need help navigating the information in this article, we encourage you to talk with a healthcare professional.
Low testosterone may affect about
Depending on Your age., sex assigned at birth, and whether or not you are undergoing hormone replacement therapy, low T levels can cause different symptoms.
In adults assigned male at birth
If you’re AMAB and you aren’t intentionally modifying your hormone levels, symptoms of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) may include:
- It is possible to have an erection with the drug Erectile.
- Sex drive was lowered.
- The semen volume is low.
- The testicle size is smaller.
- Low blood counts can be anemia.
- The bone mass and muscle mass have been decreased.
- Body fat around the breasts increased.
- The body and facial hair have been decreased.
- fatigue
- There were hot flashes.
- Depression, trouble concentrating, or other cognitive changes are some of the problems.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to a healthcare professional about your testosterone levels. Low T can be a normal part of aging, but it can be a sign of a health condition that needs treatment.
In adults assigned female at birth
For AFAB adults who aren’t intentionally modifying their hormone levels, research is limited into what low testosterone feels like. There also isn’t a set guideline for what constitutes low T in this population.
Some symptoms, which are largely attributed to low estrogen levels, may include:
- fatigue or sluggishness
- There are menstrual issues.
- vaginal dryness
- The bone density has been lost.
- Sex drive was lowered.
- “It’s difficult to sleep.”
- Problems with fertility
- Weight gain unintentionally.
- Mood changes include depression.
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should talk to a healthcare professional about your testosterone levels. Since research is limited for low testosterone levels for AFAB adults, the symptoms could vary.
Problems with ovarian health, the start of menopause, and the malfunctioning of the pituitary or adrenal glands could be causing your hormones to shift, and you may need to seek treatment or support managing symptoms.
If you are experiencing any symptoms associated with low T, you may need to check your testosterone levels.
Keeping an eye on your testosterone levels is important for transgender men and transmasculine people using masculinizing HRT, also known as female-to-male testosterone therapy or simply T therapy.
Before you start T therapy, your healthcare provider will need to check your testosterone and estrogen levels to make sure you get the masculinization you want.
Monitoring your testosterone levels is important because taking too much testosterone can have
If your testosterone levels are not high enough, you may not experience masculinization you desire or you may notice changes happening slowly.
It can take several years for the maximum effects of T therapy to develop. Everyone is different and not everyone taking T will experience the same effects.
A note on accessing gender-affirming hormone replacement therapy
If you want to work with a healthcare professional that is experienced in trans health or an LGBTQIA+ health clinic, you should work with a primary care physician or endocrinologist.
However, finding trans-informed medical providers isn’t always realistic, especially as it’s increasingly difficult to access gender-affirming healthcare — including T therapy — in many states.
If you’re struggling to access HRT in your area, this map maintained by trans activist Erin Reed can help you find a clinic that operates on an informed consent basis. That means you won’t need to provide a letter from a therapist or go through other gatekeeping measures to start HRT.
Alternately, trans-led telemedicine services like Plume and Folx Health may be able to provide you with the care you deserve.
And these resources could help you identify a healthcare professional who is an LGBTQIA+ ally.
The type of collection method used to test testosterone levels may vary. Blood, urine, or saliva samples are some of the types of collection methods.
Testosterone levels vary throughout the day and are highest in the morning. For this reason, your test instructions may say that you should collect samples between 7:00 and 10:00 a.m.
A blood test for testosterone can tell a healthcare professional how much testosterone is in your body. It can show the amount of the hormones in your body.
One study from 2016 indicates that measuring free testosterone is a better way to diagnose hypogonadism accurately.
High or low testosterone levels are not necessarily indicative of a clinical problem.
Some factors that could lead to decreases in T levels
- Your age.
- Your weight.
- disorders of the testicles, pituitary gland, or brain
- Anticonvulsants are used in the use of medications.
- Tobacco, alcohol, or caffeine can be used.
- The disease of the bile duct.
- hyperthyroidism is a condition.
- type 2 diabetes
- sleep disorder
- chronic
narcotic use , like heroin or methadone
You may be tempted to use one of the home testosterone testing products that are advertised. Make sure you understand before you try a test kit.
- How it works.
- How reliable is it?
- What information will it give you?
- What should you do with your results?
“We reviewed each of the brands’ medical and business practices.”
- The Better Business Bureau gives ratings, reviews, and accreditations to businesses.
- The health claims they make.
- The accuracy of results and assistance after results are delivered.
Many products are available for testing your hormones at home. All of these look at your saliva, urine, or blood. Depending on the product, how you collect your sample and how many you take may be different.
All home test kits require you to mail your collections to a lab. You can get the results within a few days or weeks.
Best overall at-home testosterone kit: LetsGetChecked***
Price: $69-$179
Testosterone testing kits use a finger to measure testosterone levels in the blood. You can collect your sample using pre-paid shipping supplies, but you have to send it to the lab.
You will be able to access your results online within 2 to 5 days. There is a team of nurses available to help answer questions.
Four at- home tests include testosterone testing.
- Testosterone Test ($69): Only testosterone testing
- Male Hormone Test ($139): Testosterone testing, sex hormone binding globulin, and free androgen index
- Male Hormone Plus ($159): Contains all from Male Hormone Test kit, plus Prolactin and Estradiol results
- Male Hormone Advanced ($179): Contains all from Male Hormone Plus kit, plus Cortisol results
Pros
- CAP accredited and CLIA approved testing labs are available.
- Digital test results arrive quickly.
- The company has a team of nurses that can help explain your results.
Cons
- A finger test is required.
- Samplings should not be collected or mailed Friday through Sunday.
- Results are not what you would expect.
Use code HEALTHLINE25 for 25% off.
Best medical support testosterone kit: Everlywell
Price: $49
Everlywell’s at-home testosterone kit tests your saliva to see if you’re producing the average amount of testosterone for Your age.. After you collect your saliva sample, you mail it off to the Everlywell labs in prepaid shipping, and within days you’ll receive online results that indicate whether your testosterone levels are normal, low, or high.
“Everlywell has a more extensive Men’s Health kit at a higher price point.”
Pros
- Results are easy to read.
- The samples are pain-free.
Cons
- “It doesn’t give a specific time frame for results.”
- “Some states don’t have tests.”
Best for testing blood and saliva: myLAB Box***
Price: $259
myLAB Box offers an at-home men’s health test that measures testosterone levels, as well as cortisol, estradiol, and DHEA. Like other tests in this list, you collect your samples — both saliva and a finger prick — and send them off to their labs. The company claims the finger prick is 100 percent pain-free, and results should arrive online within 5 days of sending results to the lab.
Pros
- There is a sample collection that is pain-free.
- FDA registered tests are the ones that are used.
- hormones are tested
Cons
- There are no tests available outside of the United States.
- The tests are more expensive than other brands.
Most affordable at-home testosterone kit: Verisana***
Price: $49.95-$219.95
“If you are experiencing symptoms of depression, potency issues, weight gain, increased body fat, or fatigue, Verisana’s testosterone testing kit might be for you. Verisana uses saliva to test testosterone levels. Verisana will send you a report with your results after you collect your sample and mail it to the lab.”
Verisana offers a few tests that measure testosterone.
- Testosterone Saliva Check ($49.95)
- Male Hormone Health Check ($149.95)
- Weight Hormone Check ($149.95)
- Comprehensive Hormone Check ($219.95)
Pros
- The tests are delivered immediately after you order them.
- The company gives results based on age.
- The company offers multiple tests that measure testosterone.
Cons
- There are no medical professionals who can answer questions about results.
- Some tests are not available.
Most comprehensive at-home test: Roman
Price: $69
Ro provides the Roman testosterone testing kit. It may be a good choice for someone who is not familiar with taking their own blood samples.
If you need assistance with the sample collection process, you can connect with live agents. You will receive an email report when your results have been analyzed.
Pros
- The test results arrive in four days.
- The comprehensive test kit includes step-by-step video instructions, access to live support, and a cell phone stand so you can watch hands-free.
Cons
- A finger test is required.
- Not available in Hawaii, Maryland, or Alaska.
- There are no medical professionals who can answer questions about results.
Most personalized results: Cerascreen
Price: $59
Cerascreen offers saliva testing to measure testosterone levels. You can set up an online account with Cerascreen and answer a questionnaire to get personalized recommendations with your saliva sample results. You can get results via an online portal.
Pros
- Results are given with medical advice.
- saliva is painless
- If you order by 2pm, the tests will be shipped the same day.
Cons
- There are few reviews of testosterone tests.
- “In all states, tests aren’t available.”
If you decide to measure your testosterone levels with a home kit, you should be prepared to take any necessary next steps. The laboratory results should give you an explanation of your testosterone level.
If your level is considered normal but you still have symptoms, it is a good idea to talk with a doctor or endocrinologist.
If your results come back as lower than average, make an appointment to see a doctor before trying any home remedies. Over-the-counter testosterone supplements aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and could carry a risk of side effects, especially if you’re taking other medications.
In-office lab tests are likely to be as accurate as at- home test kits. A doctor may want to double-check your levels.
Low T can be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. It is important to work with a professional to rule out any conditions.
It is important to choose a home testosterone kit that will work for you and that is produced by a brand that has a good reputation. You might want to think about costs, collection methods, and whether the brand connects you with medical professionals to go over your results. Some other qualities to look out for.
- Results delivery time. Some at-home testosterone kits take longer to return your results than others. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that could be associated with low T, you may want to spring for a kit that offers faster results.
- Collection methods. Testosterone levels can be tested in your saliva or your blood. While blood tests are considered more reliable, most people have an easier time collecting saliva samples. Be sure to think through which method you’d prefer.
- Access to support. Some companies connect you with in-house medical professionals, who can help you decipher your test results and talk over next steps if your levels are out of the normal range. Ask yourself how confident you are in your ability to understand your results and determine whether this kind of support is important to you.
- Affordability. The at-home testosterone kits on our list range from $49 to more than $200. Most insurance plans won’t cover these kits, so be sure to keep that in mind as you consider your budget.
- Brand integrity. When submitting your sample for analysis, you’re trusting the lab with potentially sensitive health information. It’s important to choose a brand that you feel will respect your privacy. It may be a good idea to read reviews from real consumers before selecting a testosterone kit.
A note about at-home tests
“If you decide to take a test, you should talk to a doctor or specialist to see if it’s the best option for you. A lab test may be required by some doctors.”
Name | Price | Results | Sample type | Other callouts |
---|---|---|---|---|
LetsGetChecked | $69- $179 |
2 to 5 days; online | blood sample | nurses available 24/7 for questions |
Everlywell | $49 | within days (no exact number given) | saliva sample | results reviewed by independent board-certified physician in your state |
myLabBox | $259 | within 5 days | blood and saliva samples | FDA registered tests; test multiple hormones |
Verisana | $49.95- $219.95 | N/A | saliva sample | immediate delivery of test |
Roman | $69 | 4 days | blood sample | step-by-step video guidance of instructions |
Cerascreen | $59 | 3 to 5 days | saliva sample | personalized recommendations based on questionnaire and your results |
Research suggests that only
There are several treatment options for low T if you are diagnosed by a medical professional.
Depending on the cause(s) of your low T, your doctor may recommend lifestyle changes as a front-line treatment. These could include influencing Your weight., switching medications, and cutting back on alcohol or tobacco.
“testosterone replacement therapy is a medical intervention through which you supplement your body’s natural T levels by taking synthetic testosterone.”
Some popular types of therapy.
- There is a skin patch.
- There are gels.
- There are injections.
- The oral medications are not in pill form.
Some methods might not be available in certain areas. Talk to a medical professional like a physician or endocrinologist to find out what type of treatment is right for you.
Most people with low T begin to experience symptom relief within four to six weeks of starting T therapy, though some changes like muscle mass development can take a little longer.
If you use HRT as part of your transition, your healthcare team can adjust your dose if your levels are too low or high. If you are concerned about your dose, talk to your provider.
Are at-home testosterone tests accurate?
You should be aware of the accuracy of salivary testing versus blood testing before you use a testosterone home test kit.
saliva testing is less intrusive than blood testing. Researchers are interested in whether this method is reliable because testosterone can be affected by how they are collected and stored.
The results and expert opinions are not always in agreement.
Some studies and reviews suggest that saliva testing is preferable because it’s less stressful for the patient. A
There is not enough analysis of commercial home testing kits. It is not certain whether they deliver accurate, reliable, and unvarying results.
Are at-home testosterone kits as accurate as doctor-administered testosterone tests?
There is no research into at- home testosterone kits. It is not clear how accurate the tests are compared with the tests ordered by the doctor.
It is safe to say that an in-office testosterone test will be less likely to be error prone. Doctors are trained to collect and handle samples.
If you discuss the results of an at- home testosterone kit with a medical professional, they will want to double-check your levels via a professional test anyway.
While at-home kits can provide a good baseline for starting a conversation with a provider, doctor-administered tests are likely
When should I see my doctor about low testosterone?
Testosterone levels must be checked more than once to gain a complete understanding of your levels, according to the Endocrine Society.
If you have low testosterone or low T, you should make an appointment with a healthcare professional.
Who should do testosterone testing?
You may need to check your testosterone levels if you’re experiencing any symptoms associated with low T, regardless of Your age. or sex assigned at birth.
Keeping an eye on your testosterone levels is also important for transgender men and transmasculine people who are using hormone replacement therapy as part of their transition.
Trans people should check their levels every 3 months for the first year on HRT.
How do I choose the right home testosterone test for me?
There are many different factors that go into choosing an at- home test.
- Would you rather have a finger poked?
- Do you have a budget?
- Are you running out of time?
If other people have found that certain brands provide better accuracy than others, you should look at reviews.
If you live in a state where the results of at- home kits can be sent to you, you can be sure that certain brands will not be able to deliver results to certain states.
Does insurance cover at-home testosterone tests?
“Health insurance plans don’t usually cover at- home tests. If you have symptoms of low T, most insurers prefer you to have a laboratory test done.”
You can pay using a Flexible Spending Account or Health Savings Account. You can check with your insurance provider to see if you are eligible for reimbursement.
It is possible that low testosterone levels are a part of your aging process. You might have a condition that is causing your levels to go down.
While at- home kits may give you some idea of your levels, the best solution is to work with a healthcare professional that you trust to get an accurate diagnosis and learn about your treatment options.