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The best at-home testosterone tests include kits from LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, and myLAB Box. Read how tests compare on ease of use, affordability, and results, as well as an in-depth hands-on review of LetsGetChecked’s test.
- Best overall: LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test | Skip to review
- Best for a testing subscription: Everlywell Testosterone Test | Skip to review
- Best for FDA-registered and CDC-listed tests: myLAB Box Testosterone Test | Skip to review
- Best for monitoring health conditions: Labcorp OnDemand Total Testosterone Blood Test | Skip to review
A note about sex and gender
Sex and gender exist on spectrums. This article will use the terms “male,” “female,” or both to refer to sex assigned at birth. Click here to learn more.
Medical News Today has tested some of the testosterone test kits below. Reviewers may have received some products from the manufacturers for free, which does not influence their review. All opinions are the reviewers’ own.
The following table compares the at-home testosterone tests in this article.
| Collection method | Results time | Price | Insurance | Features | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGet Checked | finger prick | 2–5 days | $69 | FSA and HSA payments accepted | nurses available 24 hours a day |
| Everlywell | saliva | 2–5 days | $69 | FSA and HSA payments accepted | subscription available |
| myLAB Box | saliva | 2–5 days | $79 | FSA and HSA payments accepted | • FDA-registered tests • offers doctor consultations |
| Labcorp OnDemand | finger prick | 1 day | $69 | FSA and HSA payments accepted | • suitable for those less confident about providing samples • suitable for monitoring health conditions |
Medical News Today chooses at-home testosterone tests that meet the following criteria:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in
Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations. - Sample type: MNT will include tests requiring saliva samples, which may be better for people uncomfortable with blood samples.
- Test result speed: MNT chooses companies that promise fast results.
- Further support: MNT includes companies that can help interpret a person’s testosterone level result.
- Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets. While most at-home companies do not accept insurance, MNT includes ones that accept HSA/FSA payments.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that
A person should take a home testosterone test if they have symptoms of low testosterone.
In males, these may include:
- low sex drive
- erectile dysfunction
- loss of body hair
- a loss of lean muscle mass
- tiredness
- having a higher body mass index
- low mood and energy
- issues with memory and focus
However, these symptoms may not exclusively relate to low testosterone.
Alternatively, if a person believes they may be experiencing an excess of testosterone, with
Monitoring testosterone levels is important for transgender men and transmasculine people undergoing female-to-male testosterone therapy, which is also called T therapy. Current
If an individual has severe symptoms of high or low testosterone, they should not take an at-home test and instead contact a doctor for advice. People should not make health decisions according to the results of an at-home testosterone test without first discussing them with a doctor.
Testosterone levels will vary according to a person’s sex, age, and thyroid function. However, doctors typically state that males have a testosterone level starting around 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).
If an individual’s at-home test results are higher or lower than average, they should discuss them with a doctor, who may wish to conduct further tests and provide treatment if necessary. Insurance providers may cover treatment costs.
Those with low testosterone who undergo testosterone treatment may experience
The Urology Care Foundation states a person should always have a testosterone test before starting any treatment, as it may be unsafe.
A person should consider the following when choosing an at-home testosterone test:
- Price: Some testosterone tests can be expensive. A person should speak with a doctor to see if the test will be useful for them.
- Collection method: A person may also prefer a specific sample collection method. Some tests require a blood sample that typically involves a finger prick. Others may require a lab visit for a blood draw, and some may require a person to take a saliva sample.
- Scope of test: Tests will look for different things, and a person should check what a company tests for before purchasing to ensure they will get the information they need in their results.
- Company reputation: A person should buy tests from a reputable brand. This indicates the company uses reliable and regulated labs to produce accurate test results. A person can read independent reviews on the Better Business Bureau and Trustpilot sites to learn about customer experiences with their chosen brand.
- Support: Some brands offer support from medical professionals when a person receives their results. This could be helpful for people who would like to help understand or to interpret their results. If a person chooses a brand that does not offer follow-up support, they should speak with a doctor about their results before making any decisions about their health.
- Testing speed: A person should research how long a company may take to deliver results. Many companies offer results within 2–5 days. A person may also have to send their sample to the lab on certain days to avoid delays in the mail.
Testosterone tests are a way for healthcare professionals to diagnose low testosterone levels.
Testosterone levels are
There is also evidence that testosterone levels change seasonally, with people having the highest levels of this hormone in August–October and becoming lowest in March. While more research is necessary to investigate the link between season and testosterone levels, results may be more accurate if a person tests during late summer and early fall.
Several causes of low testosterone are not symptoms of a clinical condition, such as:
- aging
- obesity
- using medication such as antidepressants and narcotic pain medication
There are different treatment options for persons with low testosterone:
Testosterone replacement therapy
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is a medical intervention healthcare professionals may recommend to increase testosterone levels. There are
- Oral medication: Healthcare professionals generally do not use oral medication to treat low testosterone due to a higher risk of side effects and lower effectiveness.
- Gels: Nasal and transdermal gels are usually the first treatments doctors recommend as people tend to prefer them, they have a lower cost, and insurance is more likely to cover the medication.
- Injections: Doctors inject testosterone into the body every two weeks. Healthcare professionals generally recommend injections only if people cannot access other treatment methods.
TRT is not suitable for some people, including those with:
- a history of breast cancer
- prostate cancer
- uncontrolled heart failure
- heart attack within the past six months
- cerebrovascular accident within the past six months
- untreated obstructive sleep apnea
TRT is also unsuitable for people who are fertility planning.
Doctors will monitor testosterone levels 1 month after starting treatment, then 3–6 months after starting treatment, and then once every year.
Gender affirming TRT
People may use testosterone to affirm their gender or as part of a transitioning process.
TRT can help people develop more traditionally masculine features,
A
Learn more about transitioning using testosterone.
Lifestyle changes
Several lifestyle changes may help naturally increase testosterone levels. People may make these changes alongside taking any medication.
These changes include:
- maintaining an ideal body weight
- exercising regularly
- getting good quality sleep
- avoiding tobacco products
- avoiding excessive drinking
- avoiding taking opioid pain medications, such as morphine
- eating a healthy and balanced diet
A person should contact a doctor if they have any symptoms of low or high testosterone.
A doctor will discuss what else may be causing their symptoms and order appropriate tests.
If a person takes an at-home testosterone test, they should discuss their results with a doctor before making any decisions about their health.
The results of at-home tests should not replace care from a healthcare professional.
Yes. A person can test their testosterone levels in the privacy of their own home using an at-home test kit. Some brands to consider include LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, and myLAB Box.
People should always discuss their at-home test results with a doctor before making any health decisions.
Although home tests may help indicate a person’s testosterone levels, they should contact a doctor to discuss and confirm their results.
Symptoms of low testosterone may include:
- low libido
- fatigue
- reduced lean muscle mass
- irritability
- erectile dysfunction
- depression
A person should contact a doctor if they experience these symptoms.
One 2022 study states that adult males can have testosterone levels between 350–575 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). Adult females may have testosterone levels around 15–46 ng/dL.
Yes, people can purchase at-home testosterone kits online without having to consult a doctor or obtain a prescription. These kits give people everything they need to collect a blood or saliva sample for analysis at a company’s lab.
However, people should not make health decisions according to their at-home test results without speaking with a doctor first.
Yes, Everlywell is a legitimate company selling effective testosterone tests. It uses Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) certified labs, meaning that the laboratories have certification by the Department of Health and Human Services Secretary.
Everlywell has an A+ rating on the Better Business Bureau (BBB). However, it does not have accreditation from the BBB.
Scientific research debates the effectiveness of saliva testosterone kits. Research from 2013 states these tests can be accurate, but later research from 2020 concludes saliva tests may not be appropriate for looking into changes in testosterone levels.
The only way to check testosterone levels is with a test from a doctor or a telehealth service.
Blood tests are the most accurate way of testing a person’s testosterone levels.
Medical professionals expect testosterone levels to decrease with age. However, these levels may fall below average, resulting in adverse symptoms.
A person can test their testosterone levels using an at-home test that they can purchase online. Many use a saliva sample, but some involve a blood or urine sample. Testing companies usually provide results within a few days or weeks.
If an individual’s results are higher or lower than average, it is best to discuss them with a medical professional before making changes to their health.