Testosterone Therapy: What Men Need to Know About Low T and TRT Treatment Los Angeles Times Testosterone tests: Accuracy, how to use, and our editor’s review You can guess all you want, but the only way to know if your testosterone levels are where they should be is to test them. Maybe you’re feeling sluggish, struggling to add muscle, or your sex drive isn’t what it used to be. Or maybe you just want a baseline, to have something to measure against if issues arise. Whatever your reason, testing gives you hard data—the first step in taking control of your health. Any unusual symptoms may warrant hormone testing, as certain medical conditions (diabetes, STDs, tumors, kidney issues, liver problems, etc.) may be the underlying causes of hormone imbalance. Typically, testosterone levels will fluctuate a little on an individual level. In some cases, high testosterone may indicate underlying health issues like adrenal gland disorders or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) in women. It is also worth noting that testosterone levels can differ between individuals, and what may be considered normal for one person may not be the same for another. Therefore, it is crucial to interpret the results in the context of each individual’s unique circumstances. One of the most common symptoms of low testosterone is a decrease in sexual desire or libido. With that, he and Houman suggest that guys of all ages strength train 3 to 5 days per week. Weight training, in particular, is beneficial for supporting healthy T levels, according to research. A small 2015 study of men in their 40s and 50s found that obese and overweight individuals experienced a boost in their T levels after increasing their physical activity. Depending on how low your testosterone is and the causes, doctors can also refer you for testosterone replacement therapy. In males, doctors may order a testosterone test if they suspect a person has low T levels. Some at-home-based labs have variable access to healthcare provider support for understanding the results. Low levels of testosterone in females may be a sign of menopause or problems with the ovaries’ pituitary or adrenal glands. The results page had a very simple graphic showing where my testosterone levels were on a scale of typical to atypical ranges. I could download a PDF pros cons of testosterone boosters my results, too, which makes it easy to share with doctors. A doctor may order different tests based on what they suspect the issue is. If convenience is a priority, at-home testosterone test kits are also available. The body closely regulates hormones, but levels can become unbalanced for numerous reasons. In some cases, your healthcare provider may ask you to fast for a few hours before the test. However, this requirement is uncommon and is usually specific to the doctor’s instructions based on your individual case. Without this test, it can be difficult to determine the cause of certain symptoms or to assess the effectiveness of treatment. On the other hand, if your testicles