By Mike Kocsis | 7 minutes read | Last updated: September 30, 2025 Categories: Testosterone
Medically Reviewed by Dr. George Touliatos
Testosterone blood tests are used to check testosterone levels in both men and women. Doctors usually request these tests when they suspect a hormonal abnormality.
This guide explains everything you need to know about testosterone tests, including their types, procedure, results and more.
What is a testosterone blood test?
A testosterone blood test measures the concentration of testosterone in your bloodstream.
Testosterone, often called the male sex hormone, is produced by the testes in men and ovaries in women when the brain sends them a signal in the form of hormones. From there, it is then released in the bloodstream, from where it travels to different body organs.
Testosterone exists in two forms in the blood:
- Bound testosterone: It is attached to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.
- Free testosterone: It is not attached to any serum protein.
Both total free and albumin-bound testosterone are collectively called bioavailable testosterone.
SHBG-bound testosterone is biologically inactive while bioavailable testosterone is active and readily available to tissues when needed.
Testosterone blood test names
The testosterone blood test is known by many different yet similar names. Some of these are:
- Testosterone levels test
- Serum testosterone test
- Total testosterone test
- Male hormone test
- At-home testosterone test
What are the types of testosterone blood tests?
The testosterone test is categorised into three types based on the type of testosterone being tested. These include:
- Total testosterone test: The total testosterone test measures the amount of free testosterone, bound testosterone and bioavailable testosterone. It is the most commonly done testosterone test.
- Bioavailable testosterone test: It checks concentrations of albumin-bound testosterone and free testosterone.
- Free testosterone test: As the name indicates, it measures unbound testosterone levels.
Why is a testosterone test done?
Testosterone tests are mainly done to find serum testosterone levels. Doctors do it for multiple reasons, such as:
- To identify the cause of abnormal testosterone levels.
- To find out the cause of delayed or early puberty.
- To analyse your hormone levels if you have a history of abnormal testosterone.
- Monitor your testosterone levels if you are having testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
- Check your testosterone levels if you are taking a medication that can impact testosterone production/concentration.
When should you consider a testosterone level test?
Men should consider a testosterone test if they are experiencing low testosterone symptoms and their doctor has recommended this test.
Here are the most common symptoms of low testosterone among men:
- Low sex drive and sexual function
- Erectile dysfunction
- Low sperm count
- Inability to get their partner pregnant
- Fatigue
- Anxiety and depression
- Increased body fat
- Loss of bone density
- Decrease in muscle mass
- Hair loss
- Anaemia
- Large breasts (gynecomastia)
- Trouble concentrating
Healthcare professionals often suggest a testosterone test to women suspected of high testosterone. Here are the common signs of high testosterone in women:
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Trouble getting pregnant
- Excessive facial hair growth
- Deepening of voice
- Reduction in breast size
- Baldness
- Acne
- Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
If you have these symptoms, you should contact a healthcare professional and discuss the problem to find its cause and the best possible solution.
How to prepare for a testosterone test?
Generally, there are no special guidelines people are asked to follow before a testosterone test. Your doctor may want to get your blood sample in the morning when testosterone levels are the highest.
Some doctors ask patients not to eat or drink anything (except water) for a few hours before the test as food can also fluctuate T levels. Confirm it with your provider and follow their instructions carefully.
If you’re having your practitioner perform the test, we’d recommend you wear a t-shirt with short sleeves as it will help the technician withdraw blood from your arm.
If you take certain medications that could affect your testosterone levels, you may have to stop taking them before the test to ensure you get accurate results. Examples of medications that can influence testosterone levels are:
- Anticonvulsants
- Steroids
- Barbiturates
- Opiates
Make sure you first confirm with your doctor before stopping any medication.
How is a testosterone levels test performed?
The testosterone levels test is performed like a normal blood test.
The technician will clean your skin with an antiseptic. They will tie an elastic band around your upper arm which makes blood vessels swell and blood withdrawal easier. They will then insert a needle into your vein and collect a blood sample in a test tube or syringe.
Once done, they will remove the needle and elastic band and place a cotton swab/bandage on the injection site.
How long do testosterone blood tests take?
The entire total testosterone blood test procedure is simple and can take up to 5 minutes max. And the turnaround time for the test result is generally 3 to 5 business days.
Confirm the time duration with your chosen laboratory to ensure you get results on time.
How to test testosterone levels at home?
Testosterone test kits are available online easily. These at-home test kits come with all the instructions and tools you need to draw a blood sample.
Follow the provided instructions carefully to collect, store and send the blood sample the right way. If you still need assistance, read our step-by-step at-home testosterone test guide here.
Testosterone blood test results explained
Results of testosterone blood tests depend on different elements, including your age, gender and health condition.
Abnormal testosterone test results may point to the following issues:
In men:
- Low testosterone may mean – you have a genetic illness, your testes are not working normally (called primary hypogonadism) or your pituitary gland or hypothalamus is not operating well (secondary hypogonadism).
- High testosterone levels may indicate – tumour growth near your testes and adrenal gland (which is located above each kidney and regulates blood pressure, immune system, and many other essential tasks).
In women:
- Low testosterone is normal in women and does not cause serious consequences. Too low testosterone may indicate certain medical conditions like a pituitary gland disorder, ovarian insufficiency, adrenal insufficiency or menopause.
- High testosterone levels in women may mean you have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), ovarian cancer, adrenal tumors, or congenital adrenal hyperplasia.
Having high or low testosterone does not always mean you have serious health issues. It could be due to poor lifestyle choices, bad eating habits, excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse and stress, as well.
Speak with your doctor to better understand your test results and find a suitable solution if needed.
What is the testosterone test price in the UK?
The cost of a testosterone blood test depends on different elements such as your location, chosen lab, and test type. The estimated cost of the test can vary from £120 to £170.
You can contact the nearest lab in your area to get a better idea about test costs. Equally, you can order one of our discrete blood tests that you can take in the comfort of your own home!
FAQs about testosterone blood test UK
How to test testosterone levels?
Get a testosterone blood test done via the NHS or a private laboratory to check your testosterone levels.
When is the best time to test for hormone imbalance?
For testosterone imbalance, it is best to give your blood sample early in the morning (between 7 am to 10 am) as T levels are the highest during this time.
What is the abbreviation for testosterone on a blood test?
Different labs across the world use different abbreviations. Here are the common abbreviations for testosterone you may find on a test:
- T/TES/TEST: Testosterone
- TT: Total testosterone
- FT: Free testosterone
- BioT/BATS: Bioavailable testosterone
How to check testosterone level at home without test?
The only way to check testosterone levels is through a blood or saliva test. If you don’t want to visit a lab for the test, you can order an at-home finger-prick testosterone kit to collect your blood sample comfortably at home and send it to a chosen lab.
How do I know if I have low testosterone?
Men with low T experience certain symptoms, such as low energy levels, reduced libido, loss of muscle mass and bone density. However, these side effects can be for many other reasons. Get a testosterone test to confirm whether low T is the culprit behind these unpleasant effects.
Where to get a testosterone test kit?
Many TRT clinics offer at-home testosterone level kits, including us! If you don’t have time to get an appointment for a test or go to a lab, you can purchase our at-home testosterone blood test kit online within a few minutes here.
Will I have follow-up tests?
If your first testosterone blood test shows an abnormality in your testosterone levels, your healthcare provider may ask you to take another test to confirm the results of the first test.
If you choose a reputable TRT clinic like Balance My Hormones, you will have regular blood tests throughout your testosterone treatment to ensure consistent testosterone levels.
Takeaway
Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout a person’s life. But when levels exceed their maximum or minimum limits, they can negatively impact your mental and physical health.
Low T affects millions of men every year. Some experience it due to their old age, while others may have it due to an illness. No matter the reason, always get in contact with a specialised doctor who can help diagnose it via a testosterone test and treat your symptoms effectively.
TRT is a proven hormone therapy that has helped countless men restore their normal testosterone levels. If you also have testosterone deficiency, reach out to a qualified physician today to learn how TRT can improve your hormonal health.
References
Ferrucci, L., Maggio, M., Bandinelli, S., Basaria, S., Lauretani, F., Ble, A., Valenti, G., Ershler, W.B., Guralnik, J.M. and Longo, D.L., 2006. Low testosterone levels and the risk of anemia in older men and women. Archives of internal medicine, 166(13), pp.1380-1388.
Erenpreiss, J., Fodina, V., Pozarska, R., Zubkova, K., Dudorova, A. and Pozarskis, A., 2019. Prevalence of testosterone deficiency among aging men with and without morbidities. The Aging Male.
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About the Author: Mike Kocsis
Mike Kocsis has an MBA with a focus on healthcare administration and is an entrepreneur and medical case manager for Balance My Hormones which offers medical services in the UK and Europe. Mike has over 20 years of experience in the healthcare sector, much of that working with people who have hormone imbalances. Mike has appeared on podcasts and radio and is an expert speaker on the subject of hormone imbalance. He specialises in Testosterone Replacement Therapy and Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) and has helped thousands of people suffering from hormone imbalances recover and regain control of their lives. You can follow him on LinkedIn and on the Balance My Hormones YouTube Channel.
Last update: September 30th, 2025
