Testosterone Blood Test | Testosterone Level Test

Testosterone Test

This blood test helps people of all sexes and their healthcare provider check total testosterone levels for potential abnormalities - including hypogonadism (ie, low testosterone) and hyperandrogenism (ie, high androgen levels, like testosterone). Testosterone levels may affect sex drive, fertility, energy, muscle mass, body fat distribution, and bone density. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Overnight fasting is required for this panel (10-12 hours without food). Because testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to have your sample collected early in the day.

Test type: In Person

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$69.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

Measures the level of testosterone in the blood.

Who

Must be 18+ years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit a Quest Diagnostics patient service center location.

About the Test

Testosterone is often referred to as “the male sex hormone”, but it is also produced in (and important for) females. In males, testosterone helps regulate sex drive and erectile function, muscle mass and strength, body fat distribution, bone density, and sperm production. In females, the role of testosterone is only partially understood, but it helps produce estrogen and may help regulate how eggs develop in the ovaries. Abnormal testosterone levels in both males and females may result in changes to your overall health and physical appearance.

Testosterone testing may provide insights to men experiencing symptoms of hypogonadism (ie, low testosterone) - which are associated with aging and medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Testing may provide insights to women experiencing symptoms of hyperandrogenism (ie, high androgen levels, like testosterone) – which are associated with medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

With Quest, you can buy a testosterone test online and get testing at a nearby location – no doctor’s visit required.

This test can be taken by people of all sexes and may be right for you if any of the following are true:

You are experiencing symptoms of testosterone imbalance (see Signs & Symptoms section below)
You are planning for a family and want help in evaluating hormones that can impact your fertility
You are a transgender male or female and want to evaluate your testosterone levels
You are monitoring your testosterone levels because you are on hormone therapy (ie, testosterone replacement therapy or androgen deprivation therapy)

Hormone imbalances can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on your symptoms and history. By getting tested and sharing your results, you and your healthcare provider can understand the cause of your symptoms and identify next steps based on your specific medical situation.

Testosterone is an androgen steroid hormone and the principal male sex hormone, but it is also produced in females. In men, testosterone plays a key role in development of the male reproductive system and promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and chest hair and upper body muscular build. It is primarily secreted from the testes. In women, testosterone is secreted in the ovaries and adrenal glands and helps create estrogen and may help regulate how eggs develop in the ovaries.

This test measures total testosterone, which represents all biological pools of testosterone, including the free forms, as well as those bound to proteins in the blood. This test will determine whether your total testosterone level is normal, high, or low.

A testosterone level that is lower or higher than normal can affect the body in many ways. In males, low testosterone levels are more common than high levels. Some males can have abnormal testosterone levels for years without knowing. In females, high testosterone levels are more common than low levels.

Symptoms of low testosterone in males can include:

Decrease in sex drive
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Decrease in muscle mass
Bone weakness
Breast tissue development
Hair loss
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty with memory and concentration
Decrease in testicle size
Decrease in semen production that can lead to fertility problems

Symptoms of high testosterone in males can include:

Elevated blood pressure
Heart or liver problems
Headaches
Aggressive behavior
Excessive body hair growth
Acne
Prostate enlargement
Decrease in sperm production
Insomnia

Symptoms of low testosterone in females are not well characterized. Symptoms of high testosterone in females can include:

Acne
Hair loss
Increased body or facial hair
Hypertension
Irregular or missing periods
Insulin resistance

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. This test requires specimen collection at a Quest Diagnostics location or through Quest Mobile™, a convenient option for in-home sample collection*. Collection not available in AK, AZ, or HI.

*Check your zip code here for service availability, not available in all locations.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

questhealth.com offers 100+ consumer-initiated Quest Diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test

No doctor visit is required for purchase.

Shop now

Register your test
& schedule an appointment

Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results

Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

As you age, your testosterone level gradually declines — typically about 1% a year after age 30 or 40. For older men, it's important to determine if a low testosterone level is due to normal aging or if it is due to a disease (hypogonadism).*

In women, testosterone is important for muscle health, bone density, energy, mood, fertility, and libido (sex drive). Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the menstrual cycle, but it remains important throughout life.

How to get your testosterone levels checked, including symptoms of hormonal imbalances, available test options, and how to interpret your results.

When it comes to men’s health, testosterone often gets all the attention. But it’s just one part of a larger, connected system. Overlooked, yet critical: estradiol, prolactin, SHBG, and albumin are also key players. Read the article to learn more.

Testosterone is often thought of as only a male sex hormone, but females have (and need) testosterone too, just in much smaller amounts. Read our article to learn more about essential hormones and how they affect women's menstrual cycles.

FAQs

What is hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism in males is a condition in which the body does not make enough testosterone. Symptoms in males can include:

Decrease in sex drive
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Decrease in muscle mass
Bone weakness
Breast tissue development
Hair loss
Difficulty with memory and concentration
Decrease in testicle size
Decrease in semen production causing fertility problems

Hypogonadism can occur if:

Your testes are not making enough testosterone
Your brain does not signal the testes to make enough testosterone
You are taking medication or are undergoing cancer treatment that changes the amount of testosterone that your body makes

What are symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels?

Abnormal testosterone levels can be caused by various factors, including age, lifestyle, and certain medical conditions.

Symptoms of low testosterone in males can include:

Decrease in sex drive
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Decrease in muscle mass
Bone weakness
Breast tissue development
Hair loss
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty with memory and concentration
Decrease in testicle size
Decrease in semen production that can lead to fertility problems

Symptoms of high testosterone in males can include:

Elevated blood pressure
Heart or liver problems
Headaches
Aggressive behavior
Excessive body hair growth
Acne
Prostate enlargement
Decrease in sperm production
Insomnia

Symptoms of low testosterone in females are not well characterized. Symptoms of high testosterone in females can include:

Acne
Hair loss
Increased body or facial hair
Hypertension
Irregular or missing periods
Insulin resistance

What is PCOS and can it be cured?

PCOS, or Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, is a common endocrine (hormone) disorder that affects about 8-13% of women of reproductive age. Common signs and symptoms include high testosterone and androgen excess (abnormal hair growth and acne), menstrual irregularity, and metabolic dysfunction (obesity, insulin resistance, etc.). It is one of the most common causes of female infertility. There are currently no exact causes or known cures for PCOS, but with the help of your healthcare provider, there are lifestyle changes and potential treatment options to help manage the condition.

Can lifestyle cause low testosterone?

Low testosterone levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, obesity, alcohol, smoking habits, and a sedentary lifestyle.

I am a trans male / trans female. Is this test right for me?

Yes, this test can be taken by anyone who would like to assess their hormone levels. Results should ultimately be discussed with your healthcare provider, especially if you are undergoing hormone therapy.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

^*Testosterone therapy: Potential benefits and risks as you age. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Testosterone Test