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Read our in-depth guide to the best at-home testosterone tests to find out which one might be right for you.
Language matters
In this article, we use “male and female” to refer to someone’s sex as determined by their chromosomes, and “men and women” when referring to their gender (unless quoting from sources using nonspecific language).
Chromosomes determine sex, and gender is a social construct that can vary between time periods and cultures. Both of these aspects are acknowledged to exist on a spectrum both historically and by modern scientific consensus.
In males, testosterone is an important androgen, or male sex hormone, that affects sexual development, appearance, fertility, muscle mass, and libido. Low testosterone may be a sign of an underlying health issue in males and can even lead to sexual health issues like erectile dysfunction (ED).
An at-home testosterone test kit is a convenient way to check your testosterone levels and can be a helpful first step in deciding if you’d like to meet with a doctor to confirm the results and discuss the next steps.
Below, we review our picks for the best at-home testosterone tests and outline how to determine what your test results mean.
| Test | Price* | Results | Sample type | Other callouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked At-Home Male Hormone Tests | $89 to $199 | 2–5 days | saliva and blood | free shipping, accepts HSA/FSA, assistance with atypical results |
| Everlywell At Home Testosterone Test Kit | $69 | 5–7 days | blood | free shipping, accepts HSA/FSA |
| myLAB Box At-Home Testosterone Kit | $79 | 1–5 days | blood | free shipping over $150, accepts HSA/FSA |
*Prices accurate as of May 2024
Testosterone is a sex hormone that influences appearance and sexual development. It also plays a role in libido and sperm production. Production of testosterone ramps up during puberty and begins to gradually decline in adulthood.
It’s often considered the “male” sex hormone, but people of all sexes and genders produce testosterone. Males produce more testosterone than females, though.
A note on accessing gender affirming hormone replacement therapy
The best option is to work with a healthcare professional you trust, such as a primary care physician or endocrinologist experienced in trans health, or an LGBTQIA+ health clinic.
However, finding trans-informed healthcare professionals isn’t always realistic, especially as it’s increasingly difficult to access gender affirming healthcare — including T therapy — in many U.S. states.
If you’re having trouble accessing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) in your area, this map maintained by trans activist Erin Reed can help you find a clinic that operates on an informed consent basis. That means you will not need to provide a letter from a therapist or go through other gatekeeping measures to start HRT.
Alternately, trans-led telemedicine services like Plume and Folx Health can help provide you with the care you deserve.
And these resources could help you identify a healthcare professional who is an LGBTQIA+ ally.
Your body uses testosterone for many purposes, including:
- development and function of reproductive organs, including the penis, testicles, and ovaries
- voice deepening during puberty
- development of facial hair and body hair, as well as the progression of balding later in life
- development, growth, and strength of bones
- muscle mass and body fat distribution
- sex drive (libido)
- production of sperm
- production of red blood cells
A decrease in testosterone levels is a natural part of aging for males, especially after age 30. When your testosterone levels are too high (hypergonadism) or too low (hypogonadism), you may experience uncomfortable symptoms.
How do you know if your testosterone levels are out of balance? Low and high T can show up in many different ways.
In people assigned male at birth
Low levels of testosterone may cause:
- erectile dysfunction
- lowered sex drive
- low semen volume
- smaller testicle size
- anemia or low blood counts
- decreased muscle or bone mass
- increased body fat, especially around the breasts
- decreased body or facial hair
- fatigue
- hot flashes
- trouble concentrating, depression, or other mood or cognitive changes
In people assigned female at birth
High levels of testosterone may cause:
- fatigue or sluggishness
- menstrual irregularities
- vaginal dryness
- loss of bone density
- lowered sex drive
- trouble sleeping
- problems with fertility
- unintentional weight gain
- mood changes, including depression
Yes. At-home testosterone tests make it easy to collect blood or saliva samples at home and send them for lab testing. Each company on our list ships you everything you will need to collect and return your sample.
When testing at home, following instructions to a T (pun intended) is crucial to ensure your results are as accurate as possible. While reputable at-home test companies work with CLIA certified and CAP accredited labs to avoid inaccuracies, it’s essential to properly collect and package your sample before sending it off.
That includes following advice on whether to fast before collection or whether there’s a specific time of day you should take a blood or saliva sample.
It’s important to note that these tests should be seen as a first step toward better understanding your testosterone levels and confirming the results through an ordered in-person test with your doctor should be your next step, especially if your results fall outside the average.
For testing my testosterone levels, should I take a saliva test or a blood test?
Saliva samples are pain-free and very simple to collect, but there’s some mixed evidence when it comes to their accuracy. A saliva test will work fine if you want to check your testosterone levels to get a general picture of your health. But for folks who need a more accurate picture of their hormone health, a blood test is the way to go.
Most at-home test companies will provide a report to help you understand your results.
In males,
In females, the
Some test kit providers may contact you if you have an atypical result to provide guidance and advice on the next steps.
You should also consider sharing your results with your primary care professional. They will likely want to double-check your results before recommending treatment.
Going with a test kit from a reputable brand is key to ensuring your results are accurate and delivered in a timely manner.
Here are a few other things to consider:
- Time to receive results: Most at-home testing services deliver results in a few days, but some companies can report results faster than others. If you have an urgent concern, it may be more efficient to opt for in-person testing.
- Collection method: Labs can measure testosterone using your saliva or blood. Blood tests are more accurate, but saliva collection might be a better fit if you are uncomfortable drawing blood.
- Follow-up care: Not all test kit services offer follow-up care or guidance. If you want extra support regardless of your results, consider opting for a service that offers a complimentary telehealth consultation with the purchase of a test kit.
- Pricing: Test kit pricing varies considerably. Higher-priced options typically include tests for multiple health markers. Insurance doesn’t usually cover these kits, but some companies do accept HSA/FSA funds.
- Certified labs: When shopping for a test kit, look for companies that partner with CLIA certified and CAP accredited labs to ensure your samples are being handled by a reputable third party.
If your testosterone results are atypical, it’s a good idea to follow up with a healthcare professional in person to discuss your health and potentially get additional testing.
If your results show typical testosterone levels but you’re still feeling off, consider booking an in-person medical appointment to discuss how you are feeling.
While at-home kits can provide a good baseline for starting a conversation with a professional, in-person tests are likely more accurate.
At-home test kits can only tell you if your testosterone levels are high or low. They cannot confirm the diagnosis of an underlying health condition.
Health insurance plans don’t generally cover at-home tests. Most insurers prefer that you receive laboratory testing in a doctor’s office if you have symptoms of low T.
However, you may be able to pay using a flexible spending account (FSA) or health savings account (HSA). You can also check with your insurance provider to see whether you’re eligible for reimbursement.
Your hormones play a major role in how you feel. And while testosterone levels will dip as you age, an imbalance can signal an underlying health issue.
An at-home testosterone test kit is a good starting point for figuring out if your symptoms are the result of a hormone imbalance.
But the best solution is working with a healthcare professional you trust to receive accurate diagnosis and advice on available treatment options.
