Best Discount Options: Letsgetchecked
-
Must mail your sample the same day you collect it
-
Must fill sample in a blood collection tube
LetsGetChecked was founded in Dublin, Ireland, in 2014 and launched in the United States in 2017, with an office in New York.
The base price for the LetsGetChecked test is $69, but discounts are often available. For example, the company’s website listed a subscribe-and-save option that offers the kit at $48.30 if you sign up to receive one every three months for testing. It also accepts HSA and FSA payments.
The test requires a blood sample and provides results for total testosterone. The test kit comes with alcohol swabs, three lancets, a bandage for your finger, instructions, and a blood collection tube. This is different from most tests, which require you to press your blood onto a dry sample collection. As a result, you may need more blood and the collection process could be messier.
It asks that you dont collect or mail your sample Friday, Saturday, or Sunday. This means you must commit to and plan for the testing and mailing process, which may be difficult if you dont have a flexible schedule.
The website features a video on how to collect and package your sample for greatest accuracy. Once the sample arrives at its laboratory, you can expect results within two to five days. LetsGet Checked uses laboratories that are CLIA-approved or CAP-accredited. It also manufactures the testing kits at a medical device-accredited facility.
Connect With A Hormone Health Specialist Right From The Start
The complexity of hormone health demands the insight and coordination of an expert, someone trained to recognize and respond to your unique hormonal patterns. Rather than just ordering an at-home test for low T, engaging a practitioner who specializes in hormone health could help you achieve the best possible outcomes as quickly as possible. They can not only give you detailed information about how to test for low testosterone at home, they can provide truly comprehensive support.
When at-home testing is used in conjunction with telehealth consultations and convenient access to hormone replacement therapy, you can get the answers you need and try to start feeling better faster.
If troubling symptoms of hormone imbalance have you wondering how to test for low testosterone at home, BodyLogicMD can help. The practitioners in the BodyLogicMD network are experts in hormone health and are here to help you understand the challenges of your changing body. With telehealth, a BodyLogicMD-affiliated practitioner can assess your needs and can create a personalized BalancePro plan to help you achieve your health goals. Set up your telehealth consultation to connect with a hormone specialist in the comfort of your own home. Or, take the BodyLogicMD Hormone Balance Quiz to better understand how hormones may be affecting your everyday life.
Recommended Reading: Estradiol Patch Generic Price
How Does It Work In The Body
Once testosterone is release into the bloodstream, most of it is almost immediately rendered effectively useless.
It becomes bound to Sex Hormone Binding Globulin.
This is why testosterone tests done in labs test both total testosterone and free testosterone.
A good total testosterone level is great, but doesnt really do much unless there is a correspondingly high level of free testosterone as well. Free testosterone is what you really need to gain the benefits we rely on for virility and good health.
Read Also: Para Que Sirve Testosterone Booster
What Is Low Testosterone
Testosterone plays an important role in overall health, regardless of a persons sex. The hormone is sometimes prescribed off label to treat low sex drive in post-menopausal women and is a key part of gender-affirming care for transgender and nonbinary people. Advertising around the benefits of optimizing testosterone, however, typically targets those assigned the male sex at birth.
In males, testosterone is mainly produced in the testes, and regulated by the brains hypothalamus and pituitary gland. Men with blood tests consistently showing low testosterone levels, along with signs or symptoms such as a depressed mood, lack of energy, low bone density, erectile dysfunction or decreased sex drive meet the criteria for an endocrine condition called hypogonadism.
Different countries and professional organizations have slightly different cutoff points in diagnosing the condition, but generally a concentration below 250 or 300 nanograms per deciliter of blood is considered low, said Dr. Shalender Bhasin, an endocrinologist and professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School.
As testosterone declines, some men may experience a low libido, depressed mood or decreased energy even if their levels are not technically low, Dr. Anawalt said, adding that some doctors will not prescribe testosterone to these men, but others might.
What Happens During A Testosterone Levels Test
A blood sample for a testosterone test should be taken in the morning between 7 and 10. During these hours, your testosterone levels are typically the highest.
A health care professional will take a blood sample from a vein in your arm, using a small needle. After the needle is inserted, a small amount of blood will be collected into a test tube or vial. You may feel a little sting when the needle goes in or out. This usually takes less than five minutes.
Don’t Miss: How To Check Cortisol Levels At Home
What Are The Normal Testosterone Levels For Men And Women
The so-called normal testosterone levels for men and women changes as you age. Also, depending on age, weight, overall fitness and lifestyle, what is considered a normal testosterone level for one man, could be low for another. However that having all been said, the normal range of testosterone levels for adult men is from about 270 to 1070 nanograms per deciliter .
The normal range for women of age 19 and up, is from 8 to 60 ng/dL.
The following graphic illustrates the decline in testosterone levels in men as they age.
Will I Be Able To Get Treatment If I Get Tested
If your levels of testosterone are too low , a repeat test is recommended after 4 weeks. If the second test confirms that your testosterone levels are still low, you may need to be referred to a specialist by your GP to start treatment with testosterone replacement therapy. If you have seen a specialist and are already taking testosterone replacement therapy, and have been receiving treatment for a year, then you can place an order for a repeat prescription through our service.
If a test shows that your testosterone levels are in the normal range for your age, testosterone replacement therapy isnt recommended and you will need to look into other possible causes of your symptoms.
Other possible causes of erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, fatigue, or weight gain can include mood disorders like anxiety and depression, or stress caused by a certain situation at home or work. In some cases your doctor may advise you to modify your lifestyle to improve your symptoms, including:
- drinking less alcohol
Read Also: Will Taking Estrogen Reduce Belly Fat
Everly Well Testosterone Test
Another homes testosterone test kit is the Everly Well Testosterone Test available through the official Everly Well website.The big draw for this product, of course, is the convenience of checking your testosterone levels without ever having to visit a lab.
Everly Well actually provides a number of at home tests for thyroid hormone levels, metabolism, food allergies, STDs, and many others.
Heres how they lay out the simplicity of the process:
It measures free testosterone as opposed to total, which again, is the number you want, the one that gives you the most useful information.
Also provided are detailed instructions and results you can use to interpret how your testosterone profile may or may not be contributing to your symptoms.
Everly Well is a new company, founded in 2015 by Julia Cheek, and currently headquartered in Austin, TX.As a new company, its been tough to find feedback on their testing products, so well have to wait a while before that starts trickling in.
If you look hard enough, you can find some user feedback for their Food Sensitivity Test , but nothing regarding the Testosterone Test.
You can pick it up through their official website for $69.
Best For Affordability: Everlywell Testosterone Test
This Everlywell Testosterone Test requires a saliva sample. A person must register their kit when it arrives, take their sample, and return it to one of Everlywells CLIA-certified labs. The certification requires that labs meet high federal and state standards.
Pros and cons
Individuals will receive their personalized results online within a few days after an in-state physician reviews them.
The company does not currently accept insurance, but it takes FSA and HSA payments.
Price: Everlywells testosterone tests are available to purchase online for around $50, but individuals may also opt for a membership if they require regular testing. This costs around $25 per month.
Recommended Reading: How To Increase Irisin Hormone Naturally
Testosterone Implants Or Pellets
Testosterone pellets are small plastic pellets that doctors implant under the skin. The implant goes into a persons upper hip or buttock. The pellets dissolve slowly and can deliver TRT for 36 months . The dosage varies between individuals and a person should discuss this with their doctor prior to the first implantation.
Inserting implants is a minor inpatient surgical procedure. A doctor makes a small incision in the fatty tissue below the skin to insert the pellets. They perform the procedure under local anesthesia.
Learn more about testosterone pellets here.
Fast Easy Affordable At
Having difficulty conceiving can lead a couple to investigate all the possible causes of infertility. Couples may need to undergo many tests to uncover the cause of infertility and this may lead to seeking out a testosterone level test.
Low testosterone, or Low T, has many symptoms, including . And if there is little interest, trying to get into the mood to conceive a baby could be difficult. Finding out that levels are normal also could put a mans mind at ease.
Some men may already know they are at risk for low testosterone. Certain medical conditions may have put them at risk for a lower testosterone level. This could be another reason to do a test.
If you want to check testosterone levels, what are the options? You could head to your health care providers office and request a test. If youre due for a physical, this could just be added on to other lab tests. There could be insurance issues, though, related to costs. This is something you would have to investigate.
Another option is to take a testosterone level test at home. How do you take an at-home testosterone level test?
Read Also: Is Melatonin Safe For 2 Year Olds
How Do You Check Your Testosterone Level With Your Fingers
There is some evidence that the difference in length between the ring finger and index finger may indicate the level of testosterone in the body. If the ring finger is longer than the index finger, some believe, this indicates lower testosterone.
However, this method is no substitute for medical testing. Anyone who suspects that they have low testosterone should contact a doctor.
Symptoms Of Low Testosterone
Testosterone levels decrease with age, meaning that older men tend to have lower levels. However, men of any age may experience a condition called Testosterone Deficiency Syndrome or Low Testosterone . These disorders occur when the body does not naturally make enough testosterone. Some common health problems include:
- erectile dysfunction
- trouble concentrating
While there are at least four biomarkers for determining testosterone level, most home test kits only measure one to give results. The four popular markers include:
Total testosterone levels: This marker directly measures the testosterone in your blood and is the most popular home kit measurement.
Free testosterone: This is another major marker and can be used to determine the amount of testosterone bioactive and ready for the body to use. In women with polycystic ovary syndrome , the levels of free testosterone will be elevated.
Sex-hormone binding globulin : a protein that binds to, transports, and inhibits the function of testosterone.
Albumin: the most abundant protein in your blood, albumin binds to and transports hormones, including testosterone. When bound to albumin, testosterone is not as available for the body to use as when it is free thus, albumin inhibits the function of testosterone.
Don’t Miss: Recommended Dose Of Melatonin For Adults To Sleep
The Bottom Line Get Affordable & Convenient Testosterone Testing
All of the providers on this list offer affordable and reliable testosterone testing that can give you an idea if youre levels are in the normal range.
Our top pick is the testosterone test from LetsGetChecked testing is discreet, results are fast, and a free consultation is included in the price. Plus, you can save by subscribing to regular testing. Everlywell is also a good choice for monitoring your testosterone levels over time, thanks to a money-saving membership program.
For same-day testing, with fast testosterone results, choose a lab-based testing provider like Health Testing Centersor LabWork365.
When Should I Get A Testosterone Test
The National Institutes of Health recommends a testosterone test for anyone with symptoms of low or high testosterone. Women are more likely to notice symptoms of high testosterone, while men are more likely to experience symptoms of low testosterone.
imawareâs Testosterone Monitoring Test is calibrated for men or for people who were assigned male at birth.
Symptoms of low testosterone in men include low sex drive, depression, irritability, breast tissue growth, muscle loss and erectile dysfunction.
You May Like: Does United Healthcare Cover Hormone Replacement Therapy
Who Needs Their Testosterone Levels Checked
You may need to check your testosterone levels if youre experiencing any symptoms associated with low T, regardless of your age or sex.
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 base levels of the sex hormones testosterone and estrogen so you can take an appropriate dose of T to achieve the level of masculinization you want.
getting your levels checked every 3 months for the first year that youre on HRT and every 612 months afterward.
Monitoring your testosterone levels is important because taking too much testosterone can have adverse effects like metabolic problems, while doses that are too low may induce a hypogonadism-like state and could cause significant losses in bone density.
Not to mention, if your testosterone levels arent high enough, you may not experience the masculinization you desire or you may notice changes happening very slowly.
Remember, though, that it can take several years for the maximum effects of T therapy to develop. Plus, not everyone taking T will experience the same effects everybody is different!
What If My Testosterone Is Low
If your test results show your testosterone levels are clinically deficientmeaning well below normal levelsyour Hone physician will review the results with you, tell you what the levels mean, discuss how youre feeling and recommend treatment.
The doctor may suggest changing up your diet, getting more exercise and sleep, or takingsupplements.
But if your numbers are too low, the doctor is likely to recommend hormone replacement therapy .
If the doctor recommends HRT, theyll want to confirm your T levels with a second at-home test kit, or you can go to Quest if you prefer.
If the secondary results confirm the original diagnosis and recommended treatment, the doctor will document and issue a valid, current, electronic prescription for treatment
Recommended Reading: Melatonin Or Benadryl For Sleep
At Home Testosterone Test Results
The testosterone test results are pretty basic to understand, and the result will largely depend on the type of testosterone measured. The results platform will normally compare your levels to those of a reference range and classify your results as low, normal, or high. As with any health test, you should consult with a health care professional for interpretation or confirmation of your results. They may recommend courses of treatment that include testosterone replacement therapy. You can read more about testosterone therapy options on our blog!
For EverlyWell, the marker measured is the free testosterone. The ideal range is between 49 to 185 mg/dl. Values lower than this indicate that testosterone production is insufficient, while a higher number implies abnormally high testosterone level.
On the other hand, Imaware measures the biomarker total testosterone, which is considered adequate at levels 400mg/dl or higher.
Its important to remember that other lifestyle factors may affect your results, such as body fat and alcohol consumption.
How To Test Testosterone Levels At Home
We have good news. Testing your testosterone levels at home is more straightforward than you might think. All thats required is a quick finger prick or spit test and access to a mailbox and the internet.
Home testosterone testing kits measure the amount of testosterone in your saliva or blood. When you receive a testosterone test kit, it will include instructions and equipment to collect your saliva or blood sample. For the testosterone blood test, youll prick your finger and drop blood into a provided receptacle. For the saliva test, youll spit in the included test tube or perform a swab. After collecting your blood or saliva sample, youll place it in a prepaid mailing package and send it to the lab. Within a few business days, youll be able to review your results online.
Thats the general gist of how testosterone testing at home works. The specifics and collection method will vary from brand to brand. Always read the instructions and follow them to a T . Some test providers might offer access to on-call healthcare professionals if you have any questions, while others may have video instructions you can follow to avoid any mishaps with your sample collection.
Read Also: Hormone Treatment For Breast Cancer