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Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests
Updated on July 21, 2023
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Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests

Testosterone is one of the most important hormones in human health.

For men (people assigned male at birth), it helps with fertility and sexual performance and keeps their bones and muscles strong, just to name a few.

In women (people assigned female at birth), testosterone promotes bone growth, influences their behavior, and supports sexual health.

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Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests 7

Too much or too little testosterone in the body can negatively impact your well-being. It can cause a wide range of health issues, such as:

  • Reduced sex drive
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Fertility problems
  • Irritability
  • Depressive moods
  • Fatigue
  • Weight gain

If you want to check for testosterone imbalances that may be affecting your health, at-home kits offer a convenient and affordable way to test your levels.

An at-home testosterone test measures testosterone levels and determines if you have excessive or insufficient amounts in your body.

Meet the Expert

Dr. Harshi Dhingra has an M.D. in Pathology. She is a registered pathologist with over a decade of experience in diagnostic, clinical research, and teaching. 

She manages all aspects of pathology laboratory, including histopathology, cytology, hematology, and clinical pathology.

She is currently employed as faculty in a medical school and research center.

Why Trust Us

KnowYourDNA is committed to making healthcare more accessible to the public, which is why we feature testing kits that meet industry standards.

We only choose at-home testosterone tests with reliable testing methods and science-backed reports that provide valuable insights into your health.

Our in-house medical experts help ensure the accuracy of our information by reviewing them before publication.


Top 5 At-Home Testosterone Tests

Below is a comparison of the best at-home testosterone kits:

LetsGetChecked Testosterone TestLetsGetChecked Male Hormone AdvancedEverlywell Testosterone TestLetsGetChecked PCOS TestVerisana Testosterone Test
Cost$89$179$69$139$49.95
Who can take the testMenMenMenWomenMen and women
Samples collectedBloodBlood and urineBloodBlood and salivaSaliva
Total testosteroneYesYesYesYesNo
Free testosteroneNoNoNoNoYes
ResultsTwo to five daysTwo to five daysDays after getting your sampleTwo to five daysTwo to five days

LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test – Our Top Pick for Men

Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests 8

LetsGetChecked’s Testosterone Kit offers a simple way to assess a man’s general well-being and sexual health.

What it measures: Total testosterone levels

What it needs: Finger-prick blood sample

Results: Two to five days after receiving your sample

What We Like About It

  • The test is simple and includes easy-to-follow instructions
  • May help you determine if your symptoms are caused by a testosterone imbalance
  • A caring medical team may call you to explain your results and guide your next steps
  • Easy-to-interpret test results that you can print out and show to your doctor
  • It has a dedicated team of licensed nurses that you can reach out to if you need help

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Testing kits aren’t tracked when you order and may take a while to arrive
  • Mildly invasive sample collection method that requires blood samples
  • Some customers have reported difficulty in collecting enough blood
  • It may not be helpful for men whose health problems are not caused by a testosterone imbalance
  • Uses your personal information when storing and analyzing samples1

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LetsGetChecked Male Hormone Advanced – Men’s Upgrade Pick

Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests 9

LetsGetChecked’s Male Hormone Advanced identifies hormone imbalances that impact a man’s health.

What it measures: Estradiol, prolactin, testosterone, FAI, and SHBG

What it needs: Finger-prick and urine sample

Results: Two to five days after receiving your sample

What We Like About It

  • Gives men a comprehensive way to assess their hormone health at home
  • Extensively tests for hormones that may affect a man’s physical, mental, and sexual health
  • Many users feel confident about the privacy of their information and the accuracy of their results
  • Doctors can use your results to determine the next steps, such as if you need more tests

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Results may not be helpful for men whose health problems are not caused by a hormonal imbalance
  • It doesn’t test for other hormones that are important to male fertility, like FSH and LH2
  • Some users dislike the fact that it tests your total testosterone but not your free testosterone levels
  • It doesn’t provide health recommendations that will help correct your imbalances if you have any

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Everlywell Testosterone Test – Budget Pick for Men

Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests 10

The Everlywell Testosterone Kit gives men an affordable way to assess their well-being and reproductive health.

What it measures: Total testosterone levels

What it needs: Finger-prick blood sample

Results: Days after receiving your sample

What We Like About It

  • Allows men to test their testosterone levels from the privacy of their homes
  • It may help you find out if a testosterone imbalance is causing your health issues
  • Most men who have taken the test say it provides the same level of accuracy as a lab test
  • You can discuss your results with a doctor to find out if testosterone therapy is an option
  • Everlywell is HIPAA-compliant which helps keep your personal health information safe3,4

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Laboratories offer more comprehensive testosterone tests for a lower cost
  • Some customers complained of getting their results weeks later instead of a few days
  • Additional tests are needed for a more complete assessment of male fertility

LetsGetChecked PCOS Test – Our Top Pick for Women

Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests 9

The LetsGetChecked PCOS Kit tests for hormones that help women determine if they have polycystic ovarian syndrome.

What it measures: Cortisol, testosterone, AMH, FAI, FSH, LH, and SHBG

What it needs: Finger-prick and saliva sample

Results: Two to five days after receiving your sample

What We Like About It

  • Offers women a convenient way to test for PCOS-related hormone imbalances
  • Test results may help doctors assess if a woman’s health issues are caused by PCOS
  • Your report can guide healthcare professionals in choosing the best course of action

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • Some users complain about the amount of blood needed for the analysis
  • Doctors may require more tests before they can properly diagnose your condition

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Verisana Testosterone Kit – Best for Pain-Free Testing

Everything You Need to Know About at-Home Testosterone Tests 12

Verisana’s Testosterone Kit detects testosterone imbalances that may explain symptoms in men and women.

What it measures: Free testosterone levels

What it needs: Saliva sample

Results: Two to five days after receiving your sample

What We Like About It

  • It’s designed to measure the testosterone of men and women
  • Affordable and non-invasive way to measure testosterone levels
  • Compares your results to people within the same age group
  • Your report includes an explanation of any related symptoms you may be experiencing

Why You Should Consider Alternatives

  • The kit isn’t sold in some states, including Maryland, New Jersey, New York, and Rhode Island
  • It requires you to take three saliva samples at different times of the day

Who Should Take A Testosterone Test?

If you think you have high or low testosterone, or if you’re taking medications that can affect your hormone levels, you may want to take this test.

Below are some signs that you should consider it:

People With Low Testosterone Levels

Men and women who have signs of testosterone deficiency or had low T-levels in the past should take a testosterone test. Here’s what you can look out for:

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Men

  • Loss of pubic hair
  • Increased body fat
  • Decreased muscle mass
  • Enlarged breasts (gynecomastia)
  • Shrinking testicles (testicular atrophy)
  • Loss of bone and muscle strength
  • Reduced physical endurance
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Poor memory
  • Hot flashes
  • Depression
  • Erectile dysfunction
  • Infertility

Symptoms of Low Testosterone in Women

  • Dry skin
  • Thinning hair
  • Vaginal dryness
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Lack of energy or motivation
  • Loss of strength
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Depression or anxiety
  • Difficulty conceiving
  • Reduced sex drive

“Teenagers with symptoms of delayed puberty should also be tested for low testosterone levels,” says Dr. Dhingra.

Its signs include the lack of secondary sexual characteristics such as breast growth, descended testes, pubic hair, and facial hair.

People With High Testosterone Levels

Men and women with excessive testosterone level symptoms or a history of high T-levels may also want to take the test. Below are signs to watch out for:

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Men

  • Acne
  • Excess body hair
  • Headaches
  • Swollen hands and feet
  • Enlarged prostate
  • Weight gain
  • Headaches
  • High blood pressure
  • Increased appetite
  • Difficulty urinating
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Impulsivity
  • Aggressive behavior
  • Higher sex drive

Symptoms of High Testosterone in Women

  • Excessive body hair
  • Thinning hair
  • Having more acne
  • Developing a deeper voice
  • Increased muscle mass
  • Decreased breast size
  • Weight gain or obesity
  • Enlarged clitoris
  • Changes in mood
  • Lower sex drive
  • Irregular menstruation
  • Infertility

Dr. Dhingra says children with early signs of puberty also need to take a testosterone test to check for elevated T-levels.

Children who develop secondary sexual characteristics like facial hair and breasts before 8 to 9 years may have high testosterone levels.

People Taking Certain Medications

Transgender men and transgender women receiving hormone replacement therapy (HRT) may also take testosterone levels.

If you’re transitioning from male to female (MTF) or female to male (FTM), it helps ensure that your T-levels are within the ideal range.

Testosterone testing is also advised for people taking testosterone replacement therapy, anabolic steroids, and other medications that may affect your T-levels.

It can help make sure you maintain healthy testosterone levels throughout your treatment.

Are At-Home Testosterone Tests Accurate?

The accuracy of at-home testosterone testing isn’t known. However, many people who have taken one say it has the same accuracy as a laboratory test.

Below are some tips to ensure the accuracy of these tests:

  • Take tests from companies with accredited laboratories
  • When collecting samples, follow the instructions in your kit
  • Make sure that you collect enough samples for testing

The testosterone tests on our list come from trusted companies. 

LetsGetChecked, Everlywell, and Verisana all use laboratories accredited by the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA).

Verisana is the only company missing accreditation from the College of American Pathologists (CAP).

How At-Home Testosterone Testing Works

The process is slightly different for every test. But it usually involves these steps:

  1. Order your testosterone test. You can order the at-home test kits we mentioned in this article online. They should arrive within a week.
  2. Collect your sample. Carefully follow the instructions on your test kit. Most kits will ask you to submit blood and saliva samples, which you must take at certain times of the day or month.
  3. Submit your sample. Place the required sample inside the shipping box and return it for testing. It can take days before your sample is analyzed.
  4. Wait for your results. Usually, it takes a week for your report to arrive.
  5. Get your test results. You can view your report on the company's website or download a dedicated app.

Choosing the Best At-Home Testosterone Test Kit

You can ask your doctor which testosterone test kit you should take. Here are some tips for choosing the best one for your needs:

Should I Take A Free Testosterone or Total Testosterone Test?

Kits that measure your total testosterone are usually enough for home testing because they can detect elevated or low T-levels.

Total testosterone includes both your unbound (free) and bound testosterone that is attached to albumin or sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Free testosterone tests can be used as alternatives to total testosterone tests, or they can be taken together for more comprehensive test results.

Doctors often use them to identify more specific causes behind a person’s abnormal testosterone levels, which isn’t necessary if you’re testing at home.

Free testosterone, also known as unbound testosterone or free T-levels, refers to the amount of testosterone in your body that isn’t bound to proteins.

Should I Take A Blood or Saliva Testosterone Test?

Saliva tests are better options if you need to closely monitor your testosterone levels throughout the day or if you’re using transdermal testosterone patches.

It’s because you can take these tests more frequently and they can accurately measure your free testosterone.

Saliva testing is also ideal if you prefer a non-invasive way to check your testosterone levels since they only require saliva samples.

But if you need to watch your total testosterone and have no problem with a slightly invasive testing method, you can opt for blood test kits.

How We Picked The Best Testosterone Tests

We explored testosterone testing kits that are currently available on the market. We then compared these tests based on the following criteria:

  • Brand reputation
  • Test results
  • Actionable steps
  • Testing process
  • Value for money

It's up to you to determine which one is the best fit.

1. Brand reputation

Testosterone testing companies should be transparent about the products they offer. They must provide reliable services, delivery times, and customer support.

We also looked at hundreds of online reviews to see what others say about the tests. Doing this helped us check for consistency and if people trusted them.

2. Test results:

The results of your at-home testosterone test must be easy to understand. They should provide practical information, such as:

  • If you have an excess or deficiency of testosterone
  • What your testosterone imbalances mean about your health

Testosterone kits may help you understand why you’re experiencing symptoms.

You should be able to print your test results and take them to a healthcare professional who can give you sound medical advice.

3. Actionable steps

The best testosterone tests provide actionable steps to reduce your symptoms and correct your imbalance. Depending on their recommendations, you can:

  • Increase your chances of having a baby
  • Boost your sexual performance
  • Improve your mood and mental health
  • Regain your strength and energy
  • Sleep and feel better overall

Testosterone testing companies often recommend dietary and lifestyle changes to help balance your hormones.

Some go the extra mile and will provide medical support who can explain your test results and guide your next steps.

4. Testing process

We picked testosterone tests with a convenient and private testing process. Sample collection should be simple and include clear instructions.

The testing kits and return boxes should come in unidentifiable packaging. These measures help protect your privacy throughout the process.

The methods they use to analyze samples must also be reliable. Ideally, they should be partnered with accredited laboratories to ensure the accuracy of your test results.

5. Value for Money

The cost of a testing kit doesn’t always reflect what you pay for.

Some kits can provide useful reports for a lower cost. But there are also higher-priced tests that don’t have much to offer.

When you think about the cost, you have to factor in your budget and what the test offers for its price. We selected tests that give you valuable results, so you get the most bang for your buck.

What To Do With Your Test Results

At-home testosterone kits should only be used to determine testosterone levels. Your report will indicate if you have normal, insufficient, or excess amounts.

Once you get your test results, it’s best that you take them to a doctor who can interpret and evaluate them along with your symptoms.

This will help your doctor decide which tests you need to take so they can properly diagnose your condition and provide appropriate treatments.

Updated on July 21, 2023
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4 sources cited
Updated on July 21, 2023
  1. LetsGetChecked Privacy Policy.” LetsGetChecked. 

  2. Endocrinology of male infertility.” British Medical Bulletin, PubMed.

  3. Is Everlywell HIPAA compliant?” Everlywell Support. 

  4. Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).” Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Dr. Dhingra
Dr. Harshi Dhingra
Medical Reviewer
Dr Harshi Dhingra is a licensed medical doctor with a specialization in Pathology. Dr. Dhingra has of over a decade in diagnostic, clinical, research and teaching work, including managing all sections of Pathology laboratory including histopathology, cytology, hematology and clinical Pathology.
Cristine Santander
Cristine Santander
Content Contributor
Cristine Santander is a content writer for KnowYourDNA. She has a B.S. in Psychology and enjoys writing about health and wellness.
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