Introduction
Testosterone is a crucial hormone for men, affecting energy, muscle mass, sex drive, mood, and overall quality of life. Low energy, decreased libido, and physical weakness can all be signs of low testosterone.
This guide covers everything you need to know about testosterone symptoms, testing methods, normal ranges, and what to do if your levels are low.
Key Highlights
- Testosterone tests diagnose hormonal problems
- Low testosterone can cause symptoms such as fatigue, reduced sex drive and muscle atrophy
- It’s important to test total and free testosterone levels
- Testosterone can be boosted by lifestyle changes
- The test is easy, cheap and accessible
What Is a Testosterone Test?
A testosterone test is a blood test used to measure the level of testosterone in your body. It helps diagnose hormonal imbalances, especially low testosterone (hypogonadism).
Main Types of Testosterone Tests
- Total Testosterone Test – Measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood (both bound and free)
- Free Testosterone Test – Measures the active testosterone available for use
Why You Should Test Your Testosterone Levels
Testing your testosterone levels can help identify hormonal imbalances that affect:
- Energy levels
- Muscle growth
- Sexual performance
- Mood and mental clarity
- Fertility
Early testing allows timely treatment and helps prevent long-term health complications.
When to Get Tested Your Testosterone Levels
You should consider testing if you experience:
- Low sex drive or erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue and low energy
- Loss of muscle mass
- Increased body fat
- Mood swings or depression
- Difficulty concentrating
These are common indicators of low testosterone levels.
Types of Testosterone Tests
Total Testosterone Test
Measures both bound and free testosterone levels in your blood.
Free Testosterone Test
Determines the amount of testosterone that is active and usable by the body.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) Test
Measures the amount of testosterone bound to proteins (inactive form).
Doctors may recommend a combination of these tests for accurate diagnosis.
Normal Testosterone Levels by Age
| Age Group | Normal Testosterone Level (ng/dL) |
|---|---|
| 18–25 | 600–900 |
| 26–35 | 500–800 |
| 36–45 | 400–700 |
| 46+ | 300–600 |
Overall, the normal range for adult men is typically 300–1000 ng/dl
Best Time to Test Testosterone
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day.
- Best time: Early morning (7 AM – 10 AM)
- Levels are highest during this time
- Evening tests may show lower readings
- For accurate results, always schedule your test in the morning.
How to Test Testosterone Levels (Step-by-Step)
- Consult a doctor (recommended)
- Book a blood test at a lab or clinic
- Take the test in the morning (7–10 AM)
- Avoid exercise and alcohol 24–48 hours before testing
- Get results within 24–48 hours
Home testing kits are available but may be less accurate than lab tests.
Test Your Testosterone Levels without Seeing a Doctor
1. Look At Your Ring Finger
No, this is not a joke! Longer ring fingers are in relation to higher testosterone levels and bigger penis length. Now, take a look at your fingers by straightening them out and closing the space between them making sure your palms are facing away from you. Focus on the difference in length between the index and ring finger. The longer your ringer finger is in relation to the index finger, the higher the testosterone.
2. Check Your Body Fat Percentage
Body fat contains aromatase, an enzyme that converts testosterone into estrogen. Having too much estrogen floating around in your body slows down the production of testosterone. This explains why men whose testosterone levels are decreasing start accumulating fat, especially in the abdominal area. A study whose findings in the Journal of Endocrinological Investigation found that higher testosterone is linked to lean body mass while increased fat mass is strongly related to lower testosterone in aging men.
An accurate way to test testosterone level and check it is to measure your body fat percentage. For this purpose, you can use a body fat calculator. In order to check the body fat percentage, it is necessary to enter info such as gender, weight in pounds, and circumference of the waist, wrist, hip, and forearm. Then, click calculate, and that is it.
3. Check The Smell Of Your Sweat
Your testosterone levels are in relation to a large majority of processes in the body, including sweat. Men with higher testosterone counts produce more apocrine sweat. This sweat is produced by apocrine glands that are concentrated in the underarm and genital regions. These glands remain inactive until they are stimulated by hormonal changes in puberty.
Evidence shows that high levels of 5alpha-reductase in apocrine sweat glands are in relation to higher testosterone and play a central role in the anabolic activity of androgens. Sweat from these glands stinks. Basically, if your sweat has an unpleasant odor, then your testosterone levels are okay. On the other hand, if the sweat is odorless, the levels of this hormone have decreased.
4. Check The Size Of Your Testicles
Testosterone levels have a major impact on the size and shape of your testicles. That happens because this much-needed hormone is produced in your testicles, meaning you should pay more attention to their size.
Generally, if your testicles are smaller and atrophied, you are highly likely to have lower testosterone. On the other hand, if your testicles are big and full, the levels of this hormone are high.
So, stand in front of a mirror and focus on the size of the testicles in order to easily determine whether testosterone production decreased or not. It’s easy, but at the same time, an accurate method.
5. Check The Quality And Frequency Of Your Erections
Your erections are driven by testosterone, which is why impaired production of this hormone affects erectile function at the same time. Studies show that androgens play a vital role in erectile function because the period when the prevalence of erectile dysfunction increases strongly correlates with a decrease in testosterone levels. Lower levels of this hormone reduce the frequency, amplitude, and rigidity of your erections.
Basically, the higher the testosterone levels, the easier it for you is to achieve and maintain erections. A good way to test testosterone levels is to monitor your erections and keep track of their frequency and quality. Do you achieve them regularly? Can you maintain your erections or do you ejaculate too quickly? Did the frequency of your erections decrease? Don’t shy away from keeping track of the erections in a notebook or phone notes.
6. Check Your Breast Size
When testosterone production decreases, the levels of estrogen go higher explaining the onset of problems such as loss of muscle mass, increased body fat, and women-like characteristics such as larger breasts.
Man boobs, or moobs for short, are a common side effect of low testosterone and a great indicator that you should work to restore hormonal balance. According to a study published in the Indian Journal of Endocrinology and Metabolism about 30% of men will experience gynecomastia, man boobs, at some point in their life.
Again, stand in front of a mirror, take off your shirt and focus on the chest area. Do you have toned pecks or have the size and shape of the breast area started to change? Answer this question honestly, test your testosterone level, and you’ll have more insight into it. Don’t let this problem affect your self-esteem. Remember, with regular exercise you can tone your body, including the chest area, and enhance testosterone production.
7. Check The Semen Volume
Testosterone doesn’t only play a role in your erections, but the quality and amount of semen volume. You will be surprised to know that only a low amount of sperm is produced in your testicles. A great portion of sperm-containing fluid released through the ejaculatory duct comes from seminal vesicles, two glands located near the prostate, and the prostate gland itself.
When testosterone levels are sufficient, these three parts work together to produce the semen you ejaculate. Any interruption to this process, including low testosterone, affects the amount of semen that comes out during ejaculation. When having sex or masturbating, feel free to check and keep track of semen volume.
Cost of Testosterone Test
- Typical cost: $50 – $200
- Comprehensive hormone panels may cost more
How to Interpret Testosterone Test Results
- 300–1000 ng/dL – Normal range
- Below 300 ng/dL – Low testosterone
- Above 1000 ng/dL – High testosterone (rare)
Always consult a healthcare professional for proper interpretation.
Low Testosterone Treatment Options
Natural Ways to Increase Testosterone
Regular exercise (especially strength training)
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep
- Eat a balanced diet rich in zinc and vitamin D
- Reduce stress levels
Medical Treatments
- Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
- Hormonal medications
- Treatment of underlying health conditions
- Lifestyle changes should always be the first step before medical treatment.
Final Thoughts
Testing your testosterone levels is essential for maintaining optimal health, energy, and performance. Whether you have symptoms or not, early testing helps you stay proactive and in control of your hormonal health.
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