At-home testosterone tests can help people monitor their testosterone levels if they experience symptoms of high or low testosterone. Individuals can use their test results to seek advice and treatment from a doctor.
Key takeaways
Testosterone is a hormone that
Typical testosterone ranges for males are between
Symptoms of low testosterone in males include hair loss, erectile dysfunction, and a low sex drive. Symptoms of high testosterone in females
Taking an at-home testosterone test can be convenient and help people start conversations with a healthcare professional about their health relating to testosterone.
This article examines the best at-home testosterone tests and discusses who should use testosterone tests, how to choose the best one, and more.
- Best for FDA-registered and CDC-listed tests: myLab Box At-Home Testosterone Test Kit | Skip to review
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. Learn more.
The following table compares the at-home testosterone tests in this article.
| Collection method | Results time | Price | Insurance | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everlywell | finger prick | 2 to 5 days | $69 | flexible spending account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA) payments accepted |
| LetsGet Checked | finger prick | 2 to 5 days | $89 | FSA and HSA payments accepted |
| myLAB Box | finger prick | 2 to 5 days | $79 | FSA and HSA payments accepted |
| Labcorp | blood | 1 day | $69 | FSA and HSA payments accepted |
| Quest | blood | 3 to 5 days | $69 | FSA and HSA payments accepted |
Medical News Today chooses at-home testosterone tests that meet the following criteria:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT chooses companies that process test samples in
CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Test result speed: MNT selects 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, we include ones that accept HSA/FSA payments.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
A person may 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 check whether 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 or may require a lab visit for a blood draw. 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 site 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 to 5 days. A person may also have to send their sample to the lab on certain days to avoid delays in the mail.
Is a blood or saliva sample better for testosterone tests?
Saliva samples are pain-free and easy to collect. However, there is mixed evidence regarding their effectiveness. An older, smaller study from 2014 suggests that while saliva samples could provide some basic information about testosterone levels, more thorough testing may be suitable.
In this case, blood samples might provide a more accurate and detailed look into a person’s health. At the time of publication, no at-home testosterone test using saliva samples passed our strict product selection and vetting process.
A person could take a home testosterone test if they have symptoms of low testosterone.
In males, these 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.
A person could also take the test if they believe they are experiencing an excess of testosterone, with
Monitoring testosterone levels is important for transgender men and transmasculine people undergoing female-to-male testosterone therapy, which is also called T therapy.
Current
If an individual has severe symptoms of high or low testosterone, they should not take an at-home test and instead contact a doctor for advice. People should not make health decisions according to the results of an at-home testosterone test without first discussing them with a doctor.
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 to 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 condition, such as:
- aging
- obesity
- using medication, such as antidepressants and narcotic pain medication
A person needs to 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 need to discuss their results with a doctor before making any decisions about their health.
However, the results of at-home tests should not replace care from a healthcare professional.
Yes, a person can test their testosterone levels in the privacy of their own home using an at-home test kit. Brands to consider include Everlywell, LetsGetChecked, myLAB Box, and Labcorp. People should always discuss their at-home test results with a doctor before making any health decisions.
Although home tests may help indicate a person’s testosterone levels, they may not be as accurate as in-person tests from a doctor’s office. Plus, they will only indicate whether a person’s levels are high or low and are unlikely to indicate the cause. People should contact a doctor to discuss and confirm their at-home test results.
We have chosen the Everlywell Testosterone Test as the best option for people wanting to test their testosterone levels at home. We rate it highly because of its easy-to-use kit and affordability with the option for a subscription.
A person will not need a prescription to acquire a home testosterone test. People can purchase these tests using any of the services listed in this article.
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 affecting their health.