Testosterone Testing for Men: What You Need to Know

Testosterone plays a crucial role in men’s health, affecting muscle mass, libido, energy levels, mood, and overall well-being. If you’re experiencing symptoms of low or high testosterone, testing your levels can help identify hormonal imbalances and guide the right treatment.

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ Why testosterone testing is important
✅ Who should get tested
✅ Types of testosterone tests and their accuracy
✅ How to interpret your results

Why Should Men Get Their Testosterone Levels Tested?

Testosterone naturally declines with age, dropping by about 1% per year after age 30 [¹]. Some men develop clinically low testosterone (hypogonadism), leading to:

🚨 Low energy & chronic fatigue
🚨 Loss of muscle mass & increased body fat
🚨 Low sex drive & erectile dysfunction
🚨 Depression, irritability & brain fog

Conversely, high testosterone (often due to steroid use or medical conditions) can lead to:

🚨 Acne & oily skin
🚨 Mood swings & aggression ("roid rage")
🚨 Excessive muscle growth & fluid retention
🚨 Testicular shrinkage & infertility

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, a testosterone blood test can help determine if hormone levels are too low or too high.

Who Should Get a Testosterone Test?

📌 You should consider testing if you have:
✔ Persistent low libido or erectile dysfunction
✔ Unexplained fatigue or weakness
✔ Difficulty gaining muscle & increased body fat
✔ Mood changes, depression, or brain fog
✔ Sleep disturbances or poor recovery from workouts

📌 Routine testing is recommended for:
✔ Men over 40 to monitor age-related testosterone decline
✔ Athletes & bodybuilders using supplements or anabolic steroids
✔ Men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)

Types of Testosterone Tests

There are different ways to measure testosterone levels, but not all tests are equally reliable.

🔹 1. Total Testosterone Test (Most Common)

✅ Measures all testosterone in the bloodstream (both bound & free).
✅ The standard test for diagnosing low testosterone.
✅ Normal range: 300-1,000 ng/dL (nanograms per deciliter) [²].

⚠️ Issue: Total testosterone includes inactive, bound testosterone, which may not reflect symptoms.

🔹 2. Free Testosterone Test (More Accurate for Symptoms)

✅ Measures only the active, unbound testosterone that your body can use.
✅ Useful for men with normal total testosterone but symptoms of Low T.
✅ Normal range: 5-25 pg/mL (picograms per milliliter).

💡 Best for: Men with symptoms but normal total testosterone levels.

🔹 3. Bioavailable Testosterone Test (Most Comprehensive)

✅ Measures free testosterone + testosterone loosely bound to albumin.
✅ More accurate than total testosterone for diagnosing hormonal imbalances.

💡 Best for: Men on TRT or those needing a deeper hormonal assessment.

🔹 4. SHBG (Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin) Test

✅ SHBG binds to testosterone, making it unavailable for use.
✅ High SHBG can cause low free testosterone, even if total T is normal.

💡 Best for: Men with unexplained symptoms of low testosterone but normal total testosterone levels.

🔹 5. DHEA & LH Tests (Checking for Underlying Causes)

• DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone): Precursor to testosterone, produced by adrenal glands.
• LH (Luteinizing Hormone): Signals the testes to produce testosterone.
• Low LH suggests a problem with the pituitary gland, not the testes.

💡 Best for: Diagnosing whether Low T is due to testicular failure or pituitary dysfunction.

Best Time to Test for Testosterone

📌 Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day, so timing matters:

✔ Best time to test: Morning (7-10 AM) when levels are highest.
✔ For older men (50+): Afternoon testing is acceptable due to less daily fluctuation.
✔ For consistent monitoring: Always test at the same time of day.

💡 If your results are borderline, repeat the test at least twice to confirm accuracy.

Interpreting Your Testosterone Test Results

🔹 What Is a Normal Testosterone Level?

💡 Even if total testosterone is “normal,” low free testosterone can still cause symptoms.

What to Do If Your Testosterone Is Low?

If your test shows low testosterone, options include:

✅ 1. Natural Ways to Boost Testosterone

• Strength training (heavy weightlifting & HIIT workouts).
• Diet rich in healthy fats, protein, and zinc.
• Optimize sleep (7-9 hours per night).
• Reduce stress & cortisol levels.

📌 Read: How Diet and Exercise Impact Testosterone

✅ 2. Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

• Injections (most effective & affordable).
• Gels or patches (easier but less reliable absorption).
• Pellets (implanted under the skin, long-lasting).

📌 Read: Low Testosterone Treatment Options: From Lifestyle Changes to TRT

⚠ TRT requires lifelong commitment & monitoring for side effects.

What to Do If Your Testosterone Is High?

If your testosterone is too high, potential causes include:

🚨 Excessive use of TRT or steroids
🚨 Testicular tumors or adrenal gland issues
🚨 Anabolic steroid abuse in athletes

📌 Treatment Options:
✔ Lowering testosterone naturally through diet & lifestyle changes.
✔ Adjusting TRT dosage if levels are too high.
✔ Investigating underlying medical conditions with a doctor.

Final Thoughts: Should You Get Tested?

✔ Testosterone testing is crucial for men with low energy, muscle loss, or libido issues.
✔ Total testosterone isn’t enough—free testosterone & SHBG give a clearer picture.
✔ Morning blood tests are the most accurate.
✔ If levels are low, explore lifestyle changes or medical options like TRT.

If you have symptoms of hormone imbalance, a testosterone test can provide answers.

📌 Read Next: Free vs. Total Testosterone: Which One Matters More?

Footnotes & Citations

1. The Endocrine Society. “Testosterone Decline with Aging.” Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2020. Available here
2. American Urological Association. “Guidelines for Testosterone Therapy.” AUA Guidelines, 2018. Available here
3. Mayo Clinic. “Understanding Low Testosterone and Its Effects.” Mayo Clinic, 2022. Available here