Normal Testosterone Levels and Symptoms of an Imbalance

Testosterone Tests: How It’s Done, Levels, and Results

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.

Hone-affiliated medical practices are independently owned and operated by licensed physicians who provide services using the Hone telehealth platform. For more information about the relationship between Hone and the medical practices, click here. Dr. James R. Staheli is the Medical Director for Broad Health, Hone Health’s affiliated medical practice and a family medicine doctor in Atlanta, Georgia. We source research from peer-reviewed medical journals, top government agencies, leading academic institutions, and respected advocacy groups. We also go beyond the research, interviewing top experts in their fields to bring you the most informed insights. Every article is rigorously reviewed by medical experts to ensure accuracy.

Normal testosterone levels support sexual development, libido, healthy muscles and bones, and mood. Guidelines vary, as do factors like age or medication use, but a normal level for an adult male typically ranges between 450 and 600 nanograms (ng) per deciliter (dL). Levels at 300 ng/dL or less are considered low and above 1,000 ng/dL is high.

If you are experiencing any symptoms as described above, you should definitely get your hormone levels checked. Most men focus on total testosterone levels when they’re trying to figure out if they have low T, but free testosterone levels matter, too. “Many studies [that look at testosterone levels] take an amount of people across these ages and test them for their T levels,” says McDevitt. The researchers don’t factor in pre-existing conditions or peoples’ lifestyles, which can skew the results, she notes.

Potential long-term effects of unmanaged low testosterone include lower bone density, reduced muscle mass and strength, depression, and poor ability to focus. A serum testosterone level measures the amount of testosterone circulating in your bloodstream. Testosterone, which is primarily produced in the testes and, to a lesser extent, in the adrenal glands, is classified as an androgen, or male sex hormone.

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 testosterone 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.

Once dismissed as a rare condition affecting older men, low T (testosterone deficiency) is now understood as a far more widespread issue. Thanks to a mix of modern stress, environmental exposures, and plain old aging, more men are hitting their 40s and 50s feeling like shadows of themselves — and many don’t even know why. One is the Women’s Hormone Test, for women and people AFAB, which evaluates 10 of the key female reproductive hormones, such as progesterone, estrogen, and cortisol among others.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle can also support optimal testosterone levels. Remember, collaboration with a healthcare professional is essential in developing an appropriate monitoring schedule and treatment plan. If an individual what is halotestin experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, it is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional who specializes in hormone therapy or endocrinology.

The most common method is a blood test, where a sample of your blood is taken and analyzed for testosterone levels. Another option is a saliva test, where a sample of your saliva is collected and analyzed for testosterone levels. Lastly, there are also urine tests available that can measure testosterone levels.