Testosterone plays an important role in a man's physical and mental well-being. Different stages of life need various levels of testosterone, so the levels fluctuate all the time. However, when testosterone levels drop below normal, there are negative effects that come with it.
Considering the different roles of testosterone, a shift can cause a considerable change in their life, which is why it's important to keep an eye on its level. Testosterone decreases by 1% after reaching the age of 30; however, even young men can suffer from low levels. Testosterone at too high levels can also cause health issues.
If you do not have the chance to go to the doctor, you can easily check testosterone levels using an at-home testosterone test.
Our Picks of At-Home Testosterone Test Kits
There are commercial at-home test kits for testosterone. These tests either require your urine, saliva, or blood. Other instructions all depend on the test itself. All tests require your collections to be mailed to a qualified lab for testing.
After sending them, you can expect your results within some days or weeks.
Here's are the best test kits:
1. LetsGetChecked- Best overall
LetsGetChecked offers a testing kit that requires you to prick your finger to determine the level of testosterone in the blood. When you are done with collecting the sample, you must send it to the lab with the shipping provisions.
2. Verisana- Cost-effective
Verisana requires your saliva to test testosterone levels. When you send the sample to their lab, they will send you a thorough result report.
3. Everlywell- Best medical care
These at-home test kits use your saliva to determine whether you're producing enough testosterone for your age. After collecting your sample, you send it to their labs in the given shipping, and the results will be available online within days.
4. Cerascreen- Personalized advice
Cerascreen is a rapid and easy at-home testing method of checking testosterone. This test uses your saliva, so no pain is involved. You make an online profile with the company and fill out a form that helps with personalized advice with your result.
5. ZRT Labs- Comprehensive results
ZRT Labs has multiple at-home kits that you can choose from to test testosterone levels. You can use saliva, urine, or dried blood samples to test for different hormones, including cortisol, DHEA, and more.
What is The Accuracy and Reliability of Saliva Testing?
Most men opt for saliva testing as it's easier and less painful than drawing blood.
However, the testosterone present in saliva can be affected by their storage and how they are extracted, so it's a question of whether this technique is actually reliable. Experts have varying opinions, but a study showed that the method is reliable.
Testosterone tests only give a result of the levels at one moment in time. A single test cannot diagnose high or low T-levels or an underlying condition.
You shouldn't rely on home testing on its own. After getting your results, you should visit your doctor for confirmation and the necessary treatment, such as testosterone replacement therapy or oral contraceptives, depending on its levels.Related: Best testosterone boosters