Testosterone is commonly thought of as a "male hormone" or a “male sex hormone," and certain traditionally masculine characteristics are the result of testosterone production in the body. However, people of all sexes produce testosterone and need healthy levels of it to keep their bodies functioning normally. In those assigned male at birth, this sex hormone is vital for everything from libido to facial hair to muscle mass to voice depth to energy levels and more, both during puberty and throughout adulthood. Low levels of testosterone or “low T,” may cause a variety of health challenges.

You can check testosterone levels with an at-home test or at a clinic. The Everlywell test uses a small, finger prick blood sample that you collect at home. You then mail the sample to a lab and get your results online. Testosterone testing at a clinic usually involves a venipuncture blood test in which blood is drawn from a vein in your arm (known as a serum testosterone test).

This testosterone test is a first step in understanding why you may be experiencing symptoms of high or low testosterone. If your testosterone hormone levels are too high or too low, you may experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms that feel disruptive to your daily life, such as decreased libido, increased body fat, or fatigue. Both younger and older people assigned male at birth can check total testosterone levels with this at-home test (you must be male and age 18 or above to take this test).

Your results will provide detailed information on whether your testosterone level is normal, low, or high compared to reference ranges in your age group. If you’re experiencing signs and symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels, sharing your test results with your health care provider can help them recommend possible next steps to take.

Your results from this testosterone level test will include evidence-based guidance about lifestyle changes you can make that can positively impact your testosterone and—more importantly—your health. It's always a great idea to share your results with your healthcare provider, and this testosterone test gives you a head start.

There are several common signs of low testosterone, which may be especially prominent in those assigned male at birth

• Feelings of depression

• Lowered self-confidence

• Poor concentration

• Bad sleep

• Lowered energy levels

• Body fat increase and muscle mass decrease

• Low sex drive

• Osteoporosis/brittle bones/bone breaks

Common signs of high testosterone levels:

• Body fat decrease and muscle mass increase

• Increased energy levels

• High sex drive

• Changes in mood that can include aggression

• Increases in body hair 

• Baldness or thinning of head hair

The cost of a testosterone test depends on a number of factors—like whether you’re getting tested at a clinic or at home.

If you get a lab test at a clinic, prices can range from about $80 to several hundred dollars.

The Everlywell at-home lab Testosterone Test is $69—including shipping. There are no hidden fees: we’re committed to transparent pricing for all tests we offer. Plus, we can provide itemized receipts for the test you order—which you can submit to your HSA/FSA benefits coordinator for reimbursement.

Wondering how to test for low and high testosterone levels from the convenience of home? The Everlywell at-home testosterone level test is an easy, convenient way to check in on your total T levels. The test uses a small sample of your blood to determine your body’s level of total testosterone.

Here’s how to check testosterone levels with the Everlywell Testosterone Test:

• Once your sample collection kit arrives, you’ll need to read the instructions to prepare for collecting your blood sample. This is because it’s much easier to collect the proper amount of blood when your hands are nice and warm (and clean!), and your blood is flowing.

• To collect your sample, you’ll simply read through the sample collection instructions or watch the instructive video linked in the kit before pricking your finger. Then you’ll use a prepaid shipping label – also included with the kit – to send the sample to a lab for analysis.

• Once the lab has analyzed your sample, you can view your test results on our secure, online portal.

Some of the testosterone in the body circulates freely, but much of it is bound to other proteins in the bloodstream like sex hormone-binding globulin (or SHBG). Testosterone that circulates freely (unbound) is known as free testosterone. (In general, higher SHBG levels correspond to lower levels of free testosterone.)

Total testosterone, on the other hand, represents the total amount of testosterone in the blood – both free and bound. So your total testosterone levels should be higher than your free testosterone levels.

While a free testosterone panel measures your unbound testosterone level, the Everlywell Testosterone Test - Male measures your total testosterone level, which includes all forms of testosterone in the body.

Learn more: Testing Your Testosterone Levels? Know The Difference Between Free T And Total T

Testosterone is widely regarded as a “male sex hormone.” This is because testosterone drives the development of many sexual characteristics in people assigned male at birth, such as testes and sperm – as well as secondary characteristics like male hair patterns on the body.

However, testosterone is also a very important hormone for those assigned female at birth. For example, testosterone production contributes to the maintenance and growth of bones, increases in muscle mass, decreases in body fat, and more.

Learn more about testosterone levels in men: Low Testosterone Levels in Men: Causes and Symptoms

Learn more about testosterone levels in women: Unhealthy Testosterone Levels In Women: Causes and Symptoms

Screening for low testosterone (or “low T”) can be done with the Everlywell at-home test. This low testosterone test measures total testosterone—instead of free testosterone—and only requires a simple finger prick blood collection (the test can also detect high levels of testosterone). After collecting your sample, you send it to a lab for analysis. You’ll get your secure, online test result just a few days later.

• Low Testosterone Symptoms in Men