Can You Test Your Testosterone Levels At Home?

When we hear the word testosterone, we immediately relate it to men. Well, it's true to some extent as testosterone is the predominant sex hormone present in males that influences several bodily functions in them, including growth, development, and reproduction. However, did you know even women produce a small amount of this hormone too? Let us know more about this hormone and how its levels affect the body.

Why is Testosterone Important?

In men, testosterone is responsible for several functions such as the development and growth of male reproductive organs, secondary sexual characteristics like facial and public hair, maintaining sex drive, and sperm production.

Though not the predominant hormone, women also produce testosterone in smaller quantities. Some functions of testosterone in women include:

• Contributes to bone health
• Helps in maintaining fertility
• Influences sexual drive
• Maintains vaginal health

Who should take the testosterone test?

Normal testosterone levels in men range between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL, while in women, it ranges between 15 and 70 ng/dL. Changes in testosterone levels occur naturally throughout a person's lifetime and tend to decrease with age. A decrease in testosterone levels in men normally occurs after the age of 30 years. A testosterone level test is recommended for people who show symptoms of abnormal levels of the hormone.

Men are advised to take a testosterone test if they show symptoms of low testosterone levels, including:

• Erectile dysfunction
• Low libido
• Enlarged breast
• Lack of facial and body hair
• Loss of muscle mass

Women are advised to take a testosterone test if they produce an excess of this hormone, which may manifest as:

• Acne
• Irregular or absent menstruation
• Male pattern of baldness or hair thinning
• Abnormal hair growth on the face

What are home testosterone kits?

Home testosterone kits use saliva, blood, or urine to test testosterone levels. After taking the sample, it needs to be sent to a certified laboratory for analysis.

While taking a blood sample, things that must be kept in mind include:

• The sample should be collected in the morning between 7 and 10 AM, as the testosterone levels are the highest at that point.
• Some medications and nutritional supplements can affect your testosterone levels, therefore, discontinue them after consulting your healthcare provider.

FAQs

1. What do the testosterone test results mean?

Low testosterone levels in men may indicate chronic kidney or liver disease, pituitary disorder, injury to testicles, or alcohol use. However, high levels may be indicative of testicular disease or adrenal gland disease. On the other hand, high testosterone levels in women may be due to polycystic ovary disease, or pituitary and adrenal gland diseases. A doctor must be consulted for an accurate diagnosis.

2. Does a testosterone test require a prescription?

Home kits for checking testosterone levels do not require a prescription. You can also book testosterone tests online from many reputed labs.

3. What is the testosterone test cost in India?

A testosterone test cost can be INR 350 and upwards, depending upon the parameters analysed by the test.

4. When should I ask the doctor about low testosterone levels?

Consult your doctor if you notice symptoms like low sex drive, difficulty achieving an erection, excessive hair loss, or weight loss, especially if you are under 40.

Home testosterone kits are not completely reliable as the results depend on how well you followed the home test kit instructions. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you opt for a laboratory testosterone test and seek a consultation with your doctor regarding the same.

Click To Book A Testosterone Test

If you are concerned about your testosterone levels or wish to monitor them, speak to our expert doctors.

Consult An Apollo Urologist

 

Medically reviewed by Dr Sonia Bhatt.