Testosterone Test: Free & SHBG, High vs Low vs. Normal Levels
Testosterone Test: Free & SHBG, High vs Low vs. Normal Levels
Bioavailable testosterone is a combination of free testosterone and testosterone that is weakly bound to other proteins. SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone and can affect its availability in the body. In conclusion, recognizing the signs and symptoms of low testosterone is essential in order to seek appropriate treatment. If you are experiencing a decrease in sexual desire, changes in mood and energy levels, physical changes, or other symptoms, it is important to speak with a healthcare provider for an evaluation. With proper diagnosis and treatment, the symptoms of low testosterone can often be effectively managed, improving overall well-being and quality of life.
Some at-home-based labs have variable access to healthcare provider support for understanding the results. Low levels of testosterone in females may be a sign of menopause or problems with the ovaries’ pituitary or adrenal glands. The results page had a very simple graphic showing where my testosterone levels were on a scale of typical to atypical ranges. I could download a PDF of my results, too, which makes it easy to share with doctors. A doctor may order different tests based on what type of magnesium is best for testosterone (orichmed.com) they suspect the issue is. If convenience is a priority, at-home testosterone test kits are also available.
The tubes are labeled with your identification and sent to the lab for testing. A venous blood draw testosterone test will be performed at a clinic or lab. Men should get a testosterone test if they’re experiencing symptoms of low testosterone. Albumin-bound testosterone, however, can easily detach for use when needed, making it bioavailable. You have to go somewhere for the test, but the results will be more accurate than a home urine or saliva test.
This test is commonly used to assess conditions that may have symptoms related to low testosterone levels. At-home test kits for checking your testosterone levels are available without a prescription. The kits provide everything you need to collect a blood or saliva (spit) sample to send to a lab for testing. If your healthcare provider suspects that your testosterone levels may be too high or too low, they might recommend a blood test to measure the hormone levels accurately. Frequent marijuana use and alcohol consumption aren’t doing your T levels any favors, according to Houman.
Typically, testosterone levels will fluctuate a little on an individual level. In some cases, high testosterone may indicate underlying health issues like adrenal gland disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. It is also worth noting that testosterone levels can differ between individuals, and what may be considered normal for one person may not be the same for another. Therefore, it is crucial to interpret the results in the context of each individual’s unique circumstances. One of the most common symptoms of low testosterone is a decrease in sexual desire or libido.
People can test their testosterone levels by getting a blood test at a doctor’s office or ordering an at-home test kit online. These kits may require saliva or blood samples, depending on the company a person orders from. Those with low T who have testosterone therapy may find improvement in their symptoms. Research from 2023 found that testosterone replacement therapy helped improve quality of life, mood, erectile dysfunction, and libido in men with low T.
You can guess all you want, but the only way to know if your testosterone levels are where they should be is to test them. Maybe you’re feeling sluggish, struggling to add muscle, or your sex drive isn’t what it used to be. Or maybe you just want a baseline, to have something to measure against if issues arise. Whatever your reason, testing gives you hard data—the first step in taking control of your health. Any unusual symptoms may warrant hormone testing, as certain medical conditions (diabetes, STDs, tumors, kidney issues, liver problems, etc.) may be the underlying causes of hormone imbalance.
„Finger-prick“ blood tests tend to be the most accurate, but saliva-based tests are painless and ideal for people who are squeamish about blood. Approaches for testosterone imbalances typically consist of making healthy lifestyle changes and/or considering testosterone replacement therapy. This therapy may involve the use of gels, injections, skin patches, oral testosterone, subdermal hormone pellets, buccal tablets, or testosterone nasal gels. Tumors, steroid use, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women, ovarian cancer, and adrenal or pituitary conditions may contribute to high testosterone levels. The reasons for testosterone tests include having symptoms of hormone imbalance or health concerns. These tests can also monitor the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT). A blood sample for a testosterone test should be taken in the morning between 7 and 10.
