Symptoms of low testosterone may include low sex drive, tiredness, irritability, erectile dysfunction, and depression. An at-home test may indicate when to contact a doctor.
Testosterone is a male sex hormone that regulatesTrusted Source male sex characteristics, fertility, and sperm production. It also influences male hair patterns, voice deepening, and growth. Testosterone levels typically decline as a person ages, but some people may have low testosterone due to certain health conditions.
People may take a testosterone test if they experience high or low testosterone symptoms.
This article looks at some home testosterone kits and who might need one. It also gives a list of tests, advice on taking them, and approximate costs. Finally, it answers some common questions about home testosterone kits.
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these services.
All quotes are provided by a Medical News Today Editor, Lois Zoppi, who received a free testosterone test from LetsGetChecked to review.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
A quick look at the best at-home testosterone tests
- Best for affordability: Everlywell Testosterone Test
- Best for customer support: LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test
- Best for color-coded results: Verisana Testosterone Saliva Test
- Best for personalized results: CeraScreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit
- Best for fast results: MyLAB Box Testosterone Test
- Best for monitoring health conditions: Labcorp OnDemand Total Testosterone Blood Test
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.
What are home testosterone test kits?
A home testosterone test is a kit allowing a person to test their testosterone levels. This can help indicate if an individual has high or low testosterone. The kits are available to purchase online from a range of retailers.
An older review from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)Trusted Source states that there are links between testosterone levels and certain diseases and conditions. These include:
- diabetes
- metabolic syndrome
- cardiovascular disease
- fractures
- neurodegenerative disease
- high mortality in males with low testosterone
How we chose
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
- Laboratories: Where possible, MNT will choose companies that process test samples in CLIA-certifiedTrusted Source labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
- Budget: MNT chooses at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
- Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
- Test result speed: MNT selects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
- Further support: MNT will indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
The best home testosterone tests
Please note that the writer of this article has not tried these products. All information presented is purely research-based and correct at the time of publication.
Medical News Today follows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Below are some home testosterone tests to consider.
Best for affordability: Everlywell Testosterone Test
- Price: $49
- Sample collection method: saliva
- Sends results in: 5–7 days
This Everlywell Testosterone Test requires a saliva sample. A person must register their kit when it arrives and provide a saliva sample within 30 minutes of waking up.
Users should then return it to one of Everlywell’s CLIA-certified labs using the pre-paid shipping label. This certification requires that labs meet high federal and state standards.
This test measures free testosterone. Everlywell writes this is because a person can sometimes have a healthy total testosterone level in their blood but abnormal free levels in their saliva. Doctors may then look at a person’s symptoms to determine whether their total or free testosterone levels are causing them.
Individuals will receive their personalized results online within a few days after an in-state physician reviews them.
The company does not currently accept insurance but takes FSA and HSA payments.
A person can consider the following pros and cons:
Pros
- affordable
- subscription option available
- accepts FSA and HSA payments
Cons
- can take a week to send back the results
- does not accept insurance
Everlywell’s testosterone tests are available to purchase online for $49. Individuals may also opt for a membership if they require regular testing. This costs around $25 per month.
Learn more about Everlywell here.
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
Best for customer support: LetsGetChecked Testosterone Test
- Price: $89
- Sample collection method: finger prick
- Sends results in: 2–5 days
This company provides a variety of home tests, including testosterone tests. The pack includes a lancet to collect a sample so a person can perform a finger prick test at home.
The company reports that its labs have CLIA certification.
When LetsGetChecked receives a person’s test, an individual should follow the instructions to activate the test on the company’s website and take their sample in the morning.
They can then return the sample the same day. An instructional video on collecting the sample is available on the LetsGetChecked website.
Results will appear on a person’s online account within 2–5 days. Additionally, the company claims that nurses are available 24 hours a day to explain results and next steps in case of positive or indicative results.
LetsGetChecked does not accept private health insurance, but it takes many FSA and HSA payments.
“I would recommend this testosterone test to MNT readers. It’s an easily-accessible way to access tests that allow you to gain insight into your health. The ordering and testing process is very easy and relatively pain-free, and results come quickly.” — Lois Zoppi, MNT Editor
The pros and cons of the LetsGetChecked test may include:
Pros
- can send results within 2 days
- nurses are available 24 hours a day
- accepts FSA and HSA payments
Cons
- does not accept insurance
The LetsGetChecked home testosterone test costs $89.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked here.
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
Best for color-coded results: Verisana Testosterone Saliva Test
- Price: $49.95
- Sample collection method: saliva
- Sends results in: 3 weeks
Verisana offers many home testing options, including its Testosterone Saliva Test, which adults can use to check their testosterone levels.
The company’s terms of service note that its labs do not have CLIA certification, as they are nonclinical and do not perform clinical testing. However, the company writes in its test descriptions state that it sends its tests to CLIA-certified labs.
The company requests a person collect their saliva sample between waking up and 10:59 a.m. on a Monday. Once they take their sample, they should store it in the refrigerator until they post it to the lab.
If an individual takes their saliva sample on any day other than a Monday, they should store it in their home freezer and advise the lab of this with their return documentation.
This test requires a saliva sample, which may be more comfortable for some people than a finger-prick test.
Additionally, the company states it will email a person their results on a color-coded graph and encourage them to discuss the findings with a doctor.
However, the company asks individuals to avoid specific foods and drinks for 12 hours before taking the sample. These include:
Verisana also advises that it does not work with insurance companies. As such, test expenses may be ineligible for claims. However, a person should contact their insurer to confirm this. There is no advice on the website relating to FSA or HSA payments.
A person can consider the following pros and cons:
Pros
- samples can be frozen if a person cannot mail them immediately
Cons
- does not accept insurance
- requires a person to avoid certain food and drink before testing
- unclear on whether the company uses CLIA-certified labs
- slow turnaround for results
Verisana’s Testosterone Saliva Test is available to purchase online for $49.95.
Best for personalized results: Cerascreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit
- Price: $59
- Sample collection method: saliva
- Sends results in: 3–4 days
The Cerascreen At-Home Testosterone Test Kit requires a person to take a saliva swab in the morning and complete an online questionnaire. The company claims this will ensure individuals receive personalized results, recommendations, and tips.
Cerascreen advises that CLIA-certified partner labs carry out the required testing. Individuals should receive their results via email within 3–4 working days.
Cerascreen writes that a doctor will review their results, and a person can get a free healthcare appointment to discuss them.
Currently, Cerascreen advises this test is not available for those in the following states:
- Maryland
- New Jersey
- New York
- Rhode Island
Additionally, this screening may not suit those with infections, pregnant or nursing people, or anyone under 18.
Cerascreen also advises that it does not currently accept insurance payments. However, a person may consider contacting their insurer to confirm if they can pay and claim. There is no advice on whether it accepts FSA or HSA payments.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros
- sends results quickly
- includes free health consultation
- a doctor reviews the results
Cons
- does not ship to all U.S. states
- does not accept insurance
Cerascreen’s At-home Testosterone Test Kit is available online for $59.
Best for fast results: MyLAB Box Testosterone Test
- Price: $79
- Sample collection method: saliva
- Sends results in: 2–5 days
MyLAB Box provides testosterone screening for adults. The test requires them to collect a saliva sample and return it to one of its CLIA-certified laboratories.
Once an individual’s results are available, the company will send a secure link to the customer within 2–5 days.
The company writes that a person will also have a free health consultation with a myLAB Box doctor to discuss their results.
Additionally, myLAB Box claims that its tests are FDA-registered and CDC-listed.
The company accepts FSA and HSA payments; a person could also claim back expenses from their insurance provider. However, this is not guaranteed, so individuals should contact their insurer to confirm their plan benefits.
A person may wish to consider the following pros and cons:
Pros
- accepts FSA and HSA payments
- can send results within 2 days
- FDA-registered tests
- offers doctor consultations
Cons
- more expensive than other brands
- not available in New York state
The MyLAB Box Testosterone Test is available online for $79.
Learn more about myLAB Box here.
Best for monitoring health conditions: Labcorp OnDemand Total Testosterone Blood Test
- Price: $69
- Sample collection method: finger prick
- Sends results in: 2 weeks
Labcorp is one of the largest medical lab providers in the U.S. Testosterone tests from this company are best for those who need to monitor an ongoing health condition with testing. As Labcorp serves many hospitals and healthcare systems, a person can compare test results over a long period to manage health conditions.
A person must order this test online and wait for a doctor to approve it before they can provide a sample. Once a doctor has approved the order, a person can go to a Labcorp testing location and provide their sample.
This test may suit people who are not confident in collecting samples themselves.
Labcorp writes that it will provide a person’s results online.
The pros and cons a person can consider include:
Pros
- suitable for people who do not feel comfortable collecting their sample
- suitable for people who need to monitor a medical condition
- accepts FSA and HSA payments
Cons
- unsuitable for people who cannot travel to a lab
- slow to provide results
A person can order the Labcorp Total Testosterone Blood Test online for $69.
Comparison
The following table compares the at-home testosterone tests in this article.
| Collection method | Results time | Price | Pros | Cons | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Everlywell | saliva sample | 5–7 days | $49 | • affordable • subscription available • accepts FSA and HSA payments | • it can take a week to receive results • does not accept insurance |
| LetsGetChecked | finger-prick test | 2–5 days | $69 | • can send results in 2 days • nurses available 24 hours a day • accepts FSA and HSA payments | does not accept insurance |
| Verisana | saliva sample | 3 weeks | $49.95 | samples can be frozen | • users must avoid certain food and drink before testing • unclear if company uses CLIA-certified labs • slow turnaround for results |
| Cerascreen | saliva swab | 3–4 days | $59 | • sends results quickly • includes free health consultation • a doctor reviews the results | • does not ship to all U.S. states • does not accept insurance |
| MyLAB Box | saliva | 2–5 days | $79 | • can send results within 2 days • FDA-registered tests • offers doctor consultations | • more expensive than other brands • not available in New York state |
| Labcorp OnDemand | finger-prick test | 2 weeks | $69 | • suitable for those less confident about providing samples • suitable for monitoring health conditions • accepts FSA and HSA payments | slow to provide results |
Alternatives
If someone does not want to take a home testosterone test, they can consider going to a doctor’s office. This may be more expensive, but a person will not have to take the sample themselves or send it back to a lab.
They can also discuss their results with their usual doctor rather than speak with a doctor from a testing company that will not be as familiar with their medical history.
Who should take a home testosterone test?
A person should take a home testosterone test if they think they may have low testosterone. Alternatively, if a person believes they may be experiencing an excess of testosterone, with symptomsTrusted Source such as excessive hair growth or voice deepening, they could also take the test.
However, if someone is worried about their symptoms, they should speak to their doctor.
How to choose a home testosterone test
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 or urine 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 help understanding or interpreting 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.
How to take a home testosterone test
The process of taking a home testosterone test varies, and a person should always read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Some services also have sample collection instruction videos on their websites.
Most tests require a saliva sample, but others may require a blood sample via a finger prick.
Usually, individuals send their results to the specified lab on the day of sample collection. Results are then typically available within a few days.
How much do home testosterone tests cost?
Each company prices its testosterone tests differently. While some require one-time payments, others offer subscription services.
The home testosterone tests in this article range from around $50–80.
Medical insurers do not typically cover home tests. However, a person should check with their provider or benefits team to see if they are eligible for reimbursement.
Some home testing companies may accept Flexible Spending Account (FSA) or Health Savings Account (HSA) payments.
Understanding test results
Testosterone levels will vary according to a person’s sex, age, and thyroid function. However, doctors typically state that males typically 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 carry out further tests and provide treatment if necessary. Insurance providers may cover treatment costs.
Those with low testosterone who undergo testosterone treatment may experience many benefitsTrusted Source, including improved memory and reduced depressive symptoms. However, research is still limited.
The Urology Care Foundation states a person should always have a testosterone test before starting any treatment, as it may be unsafe.
Symptoms of low testosterone
Symptoms of low testosterone in males 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.
If an individual has severe symptoms, they should not take an at-home test and instead contact a doctor for advice.
When to contact a doctor
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.
Frequently asked questions about at-home testosterone tests
Below, we answer some of the frequently asked questions relating to home testosterone tests.
Are home testosterone tests accurate?
Although home tests may help indicate a person’s testosterone levels, they should contact a doctor to discuss and confirm their results.
How do testosterone test kits work?
After purchasing a test, a company will send a person a home testing kit with instructions on collecting a sample, which may involve providing saliva or blood.
Once individuals collect their sample, they can return it to the specified lab, which tests the sample for testosterone.
Results are typically available on the company’s website via a secure login page within a few days to weeks.
What symptoms indicate testosterone levels are low?
The 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.
How do you check your testosterone level with your fingers?
According to an older 2016 study, there is some evidenceTrusted Source that the difference in length between the ring finger and index finger may indicate the level of testosterone in the body. Some believe that if the ring finger is longer than the index finger, this indicates lower testosterone.
However, this is not an accurate way of testing for testosterone levels. A person should speak with a doctor or order an at-home testosterone test to get reliable results.
Does masturbation decrease testosterone?
Research from 2021Trusted Source suggests that masturbation increases free testosterone levels in young men without health conditions. This is the type of testosterone that the body can most easily use.
What is a normal testosterone level?
The typical testosterone levels in males 19 years of age and older is 265–923 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dl)Trusted Source. Females typically have testosterone levels of 15–70 ng/dl.
Summary
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.
If an individual’s results are higher or lower than average, they may consider discussing them with their doctor.
