Buying a test for someone else?
Learn how
UK's first direct-to-consumer blood testing service. 
We've delivered over 7.5 million test results. 
We've helped over 200,000 people take control of their health. Biomarker table
Hormones
Testosterone
Learn more
Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. For men, it helps to regulate sex drive and has a role in controlling bone mass, fat distribution, muscle mass, strength and the production of red blood cells and sperm. Testosterone is produced in the testicles of men and, in much smaller amounts, in the ovaries of women. Testosterone levels in men naturally decline after the age of 30, although lower than normal levels can occur at any age and can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, difficulty in gaining and maintaining muscle mass and lack of energy. Although women have much lower amounts of testosterone than men, it is important for much the same reasons, playing a role in libido, the distribution of muscle and fat and the formation of red blood cells. All laboratories will slightly differ in the reference ranges they apply because they are based on the population they are testing. The normal range is set so that 95% of men will fall into it. For greater consistency, we use the guidance from the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) which advises that low testosterone can be diagnosed when testosterone is consistently below the reference range, and that levels below 12 nmol/L could also be considered low, especially in men who also report symptoms of low testosterone or who have low levels of free testosterone.
Special instructions
How to prepare for your test
Prepare for your Testosterone Blood Test by following these instructions. Take your sample between 6am and 10am. Avoid taking a finger-prick sample from a finger used to apply hormone gels/pessaries/patches in the past 4 weeks. Use gloves to apply these. Do not take biotin supplements for two days before this test, discuss this with your doctor if it is prescribed.
Blood testing made easy
How it works
Your personalised, actionable health results are only a few clicks away. Order your test, take and post your sample, then view your results online with our doctors' comments.
Your results, simplified
Track, improve, and monitor your health over time
MyMedichecks is your personal online dashboard where you can view your results, access clear and simple explanations about individual health markers, monitor changes in your health, and securely store information about your medical history, lifestyle, and vital statistics.
FAQs
What can affect testosterone levels?
Stress levels, how much alcohol you drink, and the amount of exercise you do can all affect the amount of testosterone your body makes. Low testosterone levels can sometimes cause unwanted symptoms, such as low sex drive and low mood. Both men and women may experience a natural decrease in their testosterone levels with age.
What blood test measures testosterone?
Measuring your testosterone level is easy with our simple testosterone finger-prick blood test kit, which you can do at home or in a clinic. With our UK Testosterone Blood Test, you’ll get expert advice and follow-up on steps to take if your testosterone level is outside the normal range.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced by the testes in men. Women also produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, but usually in smaller quantities. Testosterone governs many essential body functions, such as sex drive (libido), energy levels, healthy bones, muscle mass, strength, and mood. It also controls sperm production, so changes in this hormone can affect fertility.
Can I use this test if I am taking testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?
The Testosterone Blood Test can be a valuable way to monitor your hormone levels whilst taking TRT. You may also be interested in our specially designed TRT Blood Test, which investigates other important bodily functions, such as your liver health.
If you take hormone gels or hormone pessaries, it is essential to wear gloves to apply them for at least four weeks before taking a finger-prick test. This is because testosterone can stay in your skin and affect the results of the blood test.
Does this test measure total testosterone or free testosterone?
Some testosterone in your blood is bound to proteins which makes it unavailable for your body’s cells. Some testosterone is unbound meaning that it is available for your body cells to use. Unbound testosterone is also known as free testosterone. This test measures the total testosterone level which is a single measure of both bound and unbound testosterone. Measuring your total testosterone level can give an indication of whether you have normal levels of testosterone in your body.
When is the best time to take the Testosterone Blood Test?
We recommend taking this test in the morning as this is when your testosterone levels are at their highest.
Can women take this test?
The Testosterone Blood Test is suitable for both men and women. Testosterone is an essential hormone for both men and women, but it is important that blood levels are within the normal range for you.
Women can experience low levels of testosterone in menopause which can lead to symptoms such as poor bone health, vaginal dryness, and reduced sex drive. On the other hand, women can experience high testosterone levels with health conditions such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS). Women may be interested to take the Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) Blood Test, which is specially designed to help women find out whether their hormone levels could be contributing to symptoms of PCOS.
Does this test measure high levels of testosterone?
Most testosterone tests set an upper detection limit of 52 nmol/L. If your result is higher than this, the lab will attempt a second measurement to get an actual reading, providing there is enough sample volume available. For this reason, we recommend taking a venous sample if you are expecting an abnormally high result (for example, if you take high doses of testosterone).
What causes low testosterone levels in men?
Men naturally experience a steady decline (less than 2% a year) in testosterone levels from around 30 years of age. This rarely causes a sudden drop in testosterone levels but may contribute to low levels in older age.
Other factors which can cause low testosterone are:
- Injury or damage to the testes
- High-stress levels
- An unhealthy BMI
- Steroid abuse
- Type 2 diabetes
- Cancer treatment
- Tumours (which affect areas responsible for hormone production, such as the pituitary gland in the brain)
- Lifestyle factors (such as smoking, drinking too much alcohol, and not exercising)
- Poor sleep quality
Do testosterone levels fluctuate?
Yes, it's normal for testosterone levels to change throughout the course of the day and even from week to week. Factors such as stress, exercise, and alcohol can affect your testosterone levels.
Therefore, if you're looking to find out your baseline levels of testosterone, we recommend taking the average of at least two morning measurements, ideally before 9 am, when levels are at their highest. If your results differ by more than 25%, you may need another test for confirmation.
If your results have dropped significantly, it's worth repeating the test. Some studies have shown that up to a 50% difference in testosterone levels may be due to normal variation.
Is there a male menopause?
Testosterone levels in men naturally decline with age. This age-related decline in testosterone is sometimes called male menopause, manopause, or andropause.
Unlike the decline in hormones in female menopause, this age-related fall in testosterone is usually very gradual, and most men do not experience symptoms. But for some, it can affect mood, motivation, and sex drive.
If you’re a man who’s experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, speak to your doctor — they may recommend testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Can I increase my testosterone levels naturally?
You can take steps to increase your testosterone levels naturally with some healthy diet and lifestyle changes including:
- Getting a good night’s sleep
- Eating a healthy, nutritious diet
- Taking regular exercise
- Losing weight if you’re overweight
- Limiting your alcohol intake
- Quitting smoking if you smoke
- Managing stress