What is testosterone
Did you know that testosterone is a hormone found not only in men but also in women? True story, but men have much higher levels. The higher level of testosterone is normally something that attribute to the male physical traits like bigger muscle mass, thicker hair, facial hair and also more body hair (1), but in both men and women it will also give rise to a higher energy and libido.
Testosterone is the male sex hormone. It has a steroid structure and is built through a series of enzymatical reactions starting from the building block cholesterol. When you read about it some of the different structure stages are also commonly mentioned. Two of these are progesterone and dehydroepiandrosteron (DHEA). Further on, the testosterone in the body has different states. Either it is bound to albumin, the sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) or it is free. Since measuring just your testosterone level without taking these stages into account you will get a different value from what the free and actual working testosterone level is. To know these stages and terms will help you on the way on deciding to measure your testosterone level and interpreting your results. Our aim in this article is to widen your knowledge here.
Male testosterone production
The testosterone level in the body are in men up to 90% produced by the testicles while the rest comes from the adrenal glands on the side of the kidneys. In the adrenal glands is also where female testosterone is produced. For men, the release of testosterone from the testicles is controlled by a area in the brain with the hypothalamus. The hypothalamus responds to a lower testosterone level and other stimuli and a process to increase it is initiated.
The whole brain to testical testosterone production works via a feedback loop with several other hormones. The loop starts with that the hypothalamus produces one hormone called Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). This hormone tells another part of the brain called the pituitary gland to produce two other hormones. These are called Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing hormone (LH). Well released, FSH and LH travels down via the blood and instructs the Leydig cells in the testicles to start producing testosterone. When the testosterone is released from these cells into the blood it will then in turn reach the hypothalamus and signal that there is a high enough level now, and that GnRH should stop being produced (2). This way the testosterone is controlled in a feedback loop.
Knowing your testosterone level
Since testosterone control much of your mood and energy, it is crucial to know your level to avoid any adverse effects of low levels of this hormone (1).
Testosterone is also dubbed as the T level in your blood. If you wish to test it you can go to a laboratory and test yourself. A blood sample is taken, and you will receive answer on the next visit. However, an easier, faster and less costly but still as good ways to get your testosterone level is via home order health tests.
Is the T level important? Well, if you are concerned with your sexual performance, potency, strength, energy levels, muscle mass, and general health then you probably have searched the Internet and know the facts on this topic already.
If you don’t know we can telly that it is well established that higher testosterone levels make you stronger, more energetic, and increase reproductive and general health.
How common is testosterone variation within the male population
Firstly, what is the ideal testosterone level that you should be looking out for? Well, like any other health anthropometric measurement, it is represented in range of values as it differs depending on individual traits.
The range defined by Mayo Clinic is 250 to 1100 ng/dL of testosterone for adult males and only 8 to 60 ng/dL for adult females (3). The American Urology Association also state that low testosterone levels are below 300ng/dL for adult men (4).
Studies results show that 30% of men who are overweight have low T levels whereas, only a minimal 6.4% of men within the normal weight range have low T levels (4). In the case of diabetics, 24.5% of men with diabetes are diagnosed with low T levels.
What are the causes of low testosterone levels?
There is no one singular cause of low testosterone levels. However, hormone experts also known as endocrinologists suggest that after the age of 30, men will naturally see a progressive drop in their testosterone levels (4).
Other causes of low testosterone hormone levels are obesity or diabetes. Research has shown that being overweight will increase your risk of falling into the Low-T category (4).
The more unrecognised cause of low testosterone levels happens to be cholesterol-lowering medications. Neil Paulvin and Giovanni Corona, MD, PHD state that in their research a connection between cholesterol lowering therapy and low T levels is established (5).
Another interesting cause of low T levels are actually being in the comfort of a relationship. A study in 2003 from a journal Hormones and Behavior found that in the 122 men they interviewed, those in a committed relationship have T-levels of 21% lower on average compared to bachelors (5)!
“What will happen when I have low testosterone levels”
These are numbers that don’t really make much sense unless you can test it on your own. Thus, here are a few signs and symptoms that you can look out for if your T levels are taking a plunge (3):
- Decreased sex drive
- Feelings of lethargy
- Increased weight
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Depression
- Smaller and leaner body frame
- Brittle bones
- Lack of self-esteem
- Decreased body hair growth or lack of body hair
- Growth of breast tissue
- Erectile dysfunction
Picture of a male with low testosterone and another male with high testosterone, description and signs of low testosterones included. www.alyzme.com easy to use home health tests, test kits.
Data suggest that as much as 2,1% of overall male population has low T levels. This number does include all age groups but this number is dramatically higher in older population with as much as 80% of man older than 80 having low T levels (4). Do you have any one of these symptoms?
“What is the time period of a testosterone drop and increase”
The age where testosterone levels peak is during puberty whereas it will drop by 1% every year past 30 (4, 6).
The age where your testosterone levels would wane and probably see the symptoms too real too be true, is in the 30s to 40s range (4, 7). However, as mentioned above some people even younger; in the 20s do experience this as well.
This table by Mayo Clinic summarizes it well.
Table. Testosterone hormone levels throughout the years in male and female (8).
| Male | Female | ||
|---|---|---|---|
| Age | T Level (ng/dL): | Age | T Level (ng/dL): |
| 0-5 mo. | 75-400 | 0-5 mo. | 20-80 |
| 6 mos.-9 yrs. | <7-20 | 6 mos.-9 yrs. | <7-20 |
| 10-11 yrs. | <7-130 | 10-11 yrs. | <7-44 |
| 12-13 yrs. | <7-800 | 12-16 yrs. | <7-75 |
| 14 yrs. | <7<1,200 | ||
| 15-16 yrs. | 100-1,200 | ||
| 17-18 yrs. | 300-1,200 | 17-18 yrs. | 20-75 |
| 19+ yrs. | 240-950 | 19+ yrs. | 20-75 |
| Avg. adult male | 270-1,070 | Avg. adult female | 15-70 |
| 30+ yrs. | -1% per year | ||
“Why it is good to regular keep track of and increase my testosterone levels”
From the above data, the age that you should start taking note and keeping track of your T levels should be around in the late 20s even before the benchmark 30 years old. You never know whether you would require early interventions.
However, the cost and trouble of going to the doctor’s or a laboratory, getting an appointment, making the appointment itself and not to mention the awkwardness faced when seeing medical expert in this area deters many from getting checked.
This has caused many to be unaware of their T levels and live in discomfort for many years with potential stigma.
What are the ways and methods to test my testosterone levels
So, what are the options you can use to test your testosterone level. Here are basically the two options you have:
- Expensive and a long-waiting doctor’s appointment
- Easy and less costly order home testosterone test kit
If you were to head to the doctor’s this is what they probably wold do: Ask you a few questions to determine the symptoms you are experiencing and run a blood test. A week later or so the will be ready, and you can visit the doctor for a review of the test data. You will be told your testosterone level and pay a deliciously high bill.
If that sounds very much like a quick Google search on what are the symptoms of low T levels, then ask yourself whether you should do a faster and less costly testosterone home test instead? If you order a home testosterone test kit, test yourself and then send a pre-paid letter back you will receive an as clear but fully private results back home in your mail. If you want to follow your T level changes you can also repeat and take the home test many times before you reach the same high cost as with testing yourself at the doctor’s.
How to home test my or someone’s testosterone level from home
When doing a testosterone level test it is strongly recommended to do the testing in the early morning hours between 7-10 am. At this time your testosterone level is at its peak and this leaves less chance for misinterpretation of results. As the day comes to an end your body produces less testosterone and blood levels are therefore lower with a minimum at around 7 pm. The cycle then repeats itself as testosterone rises from that point (10). It is considered that these values can range greatly between individuals and their biorhythm so multiple testing during day to establish a baseline is sometimes advised. The component that you are measuring is called “free testosterone levels”, same as a doctor’s appointment (9).
Some test kits allows for saliva as the substance to be tested instead of blood which, is less invasive and so there are polarised opinions of it being as accurate as a blood alternative (9).
Different types of home testosterone level measurements
There are very simple testosterone home tests that will give you your testosterone level as one total level. This will be a good indicator and many times enough. However, since testosterone can be found in a free and a bounded form (to albumin or SHBG), where it is only the free version that is interesting, a more extensive home test could be a better option. To better understand the testosterone dilemma is that it works like this: The bound testosterone can move around via the blood in the body – since it is water (blood) soluble. However, since testosterone then is bound to these two proteins (less to albumin and more to SHBG) it is not free to be be used. Only the free testosterone is of actual use (anabolic, or other benefits) to you. A general level of total testosterone with both free and bound testosterone can be useful information since the level is quantitative – more total testosterone in general means more free usable testosterone. However, since the SHBG level can vary too, it can be good to know the both your free and bound testosterone level.
How males can keep a higher testosterone level
Normally it is said that circa 0.5 to 4 % of your testosterone is free. The higher your total level of testosterone the more will also be free then. As a male, you can do many things such as static and heavy lift training, keep your testicles cool and not warmer than 34°C (93°F), have long and regular sleep, reduce blue light in the evenings and do things that boost your self-confidence – doing and finishing hard dedicated work, making you strive upwards, keep your head high and shoulders back, and socialise more. However, to do these things will not be enough. There are also things you need to avoid and keep out of your body. Such things are the female sex hormones-like substances found in many foods. Research has shown that the higher levels of estrogen like substances get via food the higher your SHBG level will get. That means that less testosterone is free and bioavailable and thereby less energy and vigour to you. There are many sources these estrogen hormone like substances. Eg. soybeans and the other foods plus plastic food jar linings, containing bisphenol A (BPA), made out of plastic have them. So, to keep your food clean and unprocessed as a male is another key to a higher testosterone level.
“Where can I buy testosterone home tests”
There are today many home test kits that can measure your testosterone level. Beneath are the better ones listed. Have a looks and see if any of them are interesting to you.
Order test, have it delivered to your doorstep. Complete simple saliva sample collection. Mail back to our certified lab (pre-paid shipping label included). Receive your results on our secure platform within just days.
Once order is complete, package will be shipped out of fulfilment warehouse within 2 business days and will receive order within 3-5 business days. Once sample reaches the lab, results will be available online within 5 business days.
46 U.S. states. Currently do not offer tests to residents of the following states: New York, New Jersey, Maryland and Rhode Island.
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
Upon awakening, open the kit and retrieve the saliva collection tube. Unscrew the cap on the collection tube. Give yourself some time to salivate (thinking of your favourite food always helps!). Tilt your head forward and with your tongue, push the saliva down into the collection tube. Continue until the tube is filled at least three quarters of the way with saliva (not including bubbles). After providing your sample, replace the cap on the collection tube (make sure it’s tight). Mark your name, the sample collection date and time in the space provided on the sample collection tube. Place the saliva sample inside the provided zip-lock bag. Immediately after collecting your sample, fill in the information on the requisition form. Be sure to write the exact time and date of collection. Send back your kit in the prepaid mailer. Your results will be available online within 3-5 business days after the lab receives your kit.
Once your testing kit has shipped, it will arrive within 1-3 shipping days. Kits usually take 1 to 3 shipping days to reach the lab once you mail your samples. Results are typically available 5 business days or less, after they have been received by our CLIA-certified lab partner.
Not stated; free shipping.
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
Fasting is not required for this test. Take all medications as prescribed. If you are supplementing with any hormones, we suggest taking them approximately 2 hours prior to having your blood drawn to see peak levels. Hormones are best drawn between 8-10 AM.
Not stated
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
This blood sample should be taken on an empty stomach before 10 o’clock in the morning. Lower levels of testosterone can be seen up to 3 hours after meal. You order your analysis and pay at checkout. To make an order, you must have a personal email address and mobile number. When you order a test, an electronic referral will be created so that all you need to take is sampling.
Not stated
Not stated
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
How the technology works: After ordering the test kit, collect your saliva sample in the privacy of your home and send directly to our affiliated medical laboratory.
After assessing your sample at the lab, your results will be mailed and/or emailed to you along with the personal recommendations of nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS for improving your testosterone balance. You can expect to receive results 2 to 3 weeks after the lab receives your sample.
Results can be shared with your health care practitioner. Follow-up testing is suggested within 3 to 4 months.
Not stated
Not stated; free shipping, US based; Idaho.
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
How the technology works: After ordering the test kit, collect your saliva sample in the privacy of your home and send directly to our affiliated medical laboratory.
After assessing your sample at the lab, your results will be mailed and/or emailed to you along with the personal recommendations of nutritionist Ann Louise Gittleman, PhD, CNS for improving your testosterone balance. You can expect to receive results 2 to 3 weeks after the lab receives your sample.
Results can be shared with your health care practitioner. Follow-up testing is suggested within 3 to 4 months.
Not stated
Not stated; free shipping, US based; Idaho.
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
Collect sample by pricking finger at home à post sample through a pre-paid envelope à get results online on personal health dashboard
Not stated
Not stated, UK based.
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
The results of the test will be sent to the “Test Results” area of your Pharmacy2U Online Doctor account. You will be notified by email when the results are there, and the doctor will also be notified of the results.
7 to 10 days
- Price
- 1 test per kit
- 80 % Accuracy
- Send away or home results
- Sample type
- Analyse time
- Sex male, female, unisex
- Doctor consulting
- US
“Conclusion about testosterone levels and testing”
In a nutshell, testosterone, the hormone that helps keep your muscles firm, feeling energized, increase overall health status and your sexual life is crucially important to track and take care of just like any other part of your body. If you have feel that you have the symptoms of low levels, there is still much hope. There are many things you can do to rise them in natural ways: static heavy training, better sleep and food plus much more. To know and see that your levels increase can be beneficial here. A home testosterone test kit is a simple, anonymous and convenient way to monitor this. The testosterone home tests we have listed here will help you a long way here.
For a man the benefits of knowing and thus having high testosterone levels will increase the likelihood of higher life quality and moreover energy.
- James Roland – 2016 – What is testosterone? – www.healthline.com
- Ann Pietrangelo – 2014 – www.healthline.com
- Matt McMillen – 2016 – Low testosterone: How do you know when levels are too low? – www.webmd.com
- Urology Care Foundation – n.d. – What is low testosterone? – www.urologyhealth.org
- R.J. Wilson – n.d. – 7 Commonly overlooked causes of low testosterone – www.fashionbeans.com
- Alexia Severson – 2015 – Testosterone levels by age – www.healthline.com
- Jeff Csatari – 2014 – The high price of low testosterone – www.menshealth.com
- Mayo Clinic – n.d. – Test ID: TTFB – www.mayomedicallaboratories.com
- Mary Ellen Ellis – 2017 – DIY? Testosterone test kits explained – www.healthline.com
- Gall H, Glowania HJ, Fischer M., 1979, Circadian rhythm of testosterone level in plasma. I. Physiologic 24-hour oscillations of the testosterone level in plasma, Andrologia. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/496034
