The testosterone test kit is a way you can accurately monitor your testosterone levels at home.

Testosterone is the main male sex hormone and can influence:

• energy levels
• muscle strength and mass
• sex drive and function

If your hormones become imbalanced or you have low testosterone levels, it can cause a variety of symptoms, including:

• fatigue
• reduced sex drive
• mood changes and depression
• loss of muscle mass

Women who are perimenopausal or postmenopausal might get tested if they are interested in starting testosterone treatment because they are experiencing symptoms such as:

• reduced sex drive
• lack of interest in sex
• orgasm difficulties

The test kit contains everything you need to collect a small blood sample at home and return it to the laboratory using the prepaid postage label.

The sample is taken from a small finger prick using the materials provided. The process is virtually painless and only takes a few minutes, plus there is no need for a face-to-face GP appointment.

How accurate is the testosterone test kit?

Some research shows some variability between different at-home testosterone kits. To ensure a high level of accuracy, our test kit has several advantages:

• it requires a blood sample rather than saliva
• the sample is analysed by a UK-based accredited laboratory
• we advise taking the test first thing in the morning for more accurate results

When to use the testosterone test kit

You should consider a testosterone test if you are experiencing any low testosterone (hypogonadism) symptoms, such as:

• mood swings
• irritability
• loss of muscle mass and a reduced ability to exercise
• low energy
• tiredness
• poor concentration or memory
• weight gain or body changes
• excessive sweating and night sweats
• needing to shave less often

The at home test kit requires you to provide a small sample of blood that you can collect using a finger prick device called a lancet.

Once collected, you’ll send your sample to our partner lab for analysis using the prepaid postage label.

Before collecting your sample:

It is recommended that you collect your sample first thing in the morning, as soon as you wake up and before breakfast. That’s because your body naturally produces more testosterone in the morning. So, collecting your sample at this time will provide the most accurate testosterone levels.

If you feel unwell when you plan to take your test, wait until you feel better to collect your sample as this may affect your results.

To collect your sample, you’ll need to:

• wash your hands with warm, soapy water, and dry them thoroughly
• choose a finger on your non-dominant hand (the one you don’t write with) to collect your sample from
• clean the fingertip with the enclosed swab
• twist and remove the purple stick from one of the lancets, place it in the middle of your fingertip
• press the purple button on the end of the lancet (the end furthest from your finger)
• a small drop of blood should appear (if it doesn’t you can give your finger a little squeeze)
• wipe the first drop of blood away with a clean tissue
• massage your fingertip to make a second drop of blood
• use your other hand to squeeze your fingertip and drop your blood into the collection tube
• repeat this until you have filled the tube to the upper line
• when you have collected your sample, use the plaster that was supplied in your kit to cover the small puncture mark on the end of your finger
• replace the lid on the collection tube and twist it several times to ensure it is fully closed
• write your details on the collection tube
• place the collection tube into the protective wallet
• put the protective wallet in the prepaid envelope
• post your sample and wait for your results

Each kit comes with 3 lancets, so if you have trouble getting a blood sample on your first try or you need more blood to fill the tube, you can use another lancet.

You should receive your results within 72 hours of the lab receiving your sample.

You will receive your results in your secure patient account. You will receive an email notifying you when your results are available to view. We will never email or text you your results directly.

Your results will be sent to your patient account along with advice from one of our doctors. The advice from your doctor will cover whether your testosterone levels are low, normal, or high.

Results will be different for men and women.

Testosterone levels in men

The reference ranges for our partner lab show the ‘normal’ range for total testosterone in men under 50 is between 7.6 and 31.4nmol/L:

• Less than 7.6nmol/L means low testosterone.
• Between 7.6 and 31.4nmol/L is considered normal.
• Over 31.4nmol/L is considered high.

If your testosterone levels are low it could be a sign of testosterone deficiency. You will be asked to retake a testosterone test after 4 weeks to find out if your levels are still low. If they are and you are experiencing low testosterone symptoms , your doctor may recommend further blood tests, and testosterone replacement therapy.

Testosterone levels in women

The normal testosterone range in women is 0 to 1.8 nmol/L. If your results show that your levels are not high and you are experiencing testosterone-related symptoms, you may be able to get testosterone therapy for women. if your doctor thinks it is safe and suitable for you.

For instance, testosterone therapy can help you if you have low-testosterone-associated peri/postmenopausal symptoms such as low libido. Taking a testosterone test can also be helpful if you have high testosterone associated polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) symptoms such as irregular periods.

All testosterone treatment in women is off-label.

If your body is not making enough testosterone, replacement therapy can help. Your doctor will advise if testosterone replacement therapy is safe and suitable for you. It is available in many forms, including:

• injections
• gels
• patches
• implants
• tablets

If you have already started testosterone replacement therapy and you are already being prescribed either of the following treatments, you can request them from Superdrug Online Doctor without the need for a face to face consultation:

• Testogel: A gel which is applied to your skin, usually your arms, shoulders, or stomach. It is available in 5g sachets which should be applied once daily. Testogel is available for men and women who have low testosterone symptoms.
• Tostran Gel 2%: Applied directly to the skin, Tostran Gel works by delivering testosterone through your skin to your bloodstream, helping you to reach and maintain normal levels. Most men start to see the benefits of using Tostran Gel within a few weeks.

Note: Superdrug Online Doctor cannot initiate testosterone treatment. You must already be prescribed treatment. If you would like to start testosterone replacement therapy, please speak to your GP.

What happens if low testosterone goes untreated?

If low testosterone is not treated it can increase your risk of developing other health conditions, including:

• heart disease
• osteoporosis
• liver issues
• sleep apnea
• fluid retention

Research has shown that low testosterone levels can contribute to higher mortality rates in older men. This is due to an increase in health conditions like cardiovascular diseases over time.

Low testosterone levels can also interfere with your quality of life, so it is important to get them checked. Low testosterone can affect your:

• mood
• weight
• sex life and relationships
• energy levels
• memory and concentration

What is a good testosterone level?

The normal range for total testosterone in men under 50 is typically between 8 and 31 nmol/L. For women, a healthy level is less than 1.8 nmol/L.

Can this test be used for fertility?

No, this testosterone test kit cannot be used for fertility in men or women. Testosterone levels are not a reliable indicator for fertility. At Superdrug Online Doctor we offer male fertility testing using the at-home sperm test kit. We also offer a range of fertility tests for women.

Can I get a testosterone test on the NHS?

Testosterone testing is available on the NHS but you will need to book an appointment with your GP to discuss your symptoms, health, and lifestyle to see if they could be related to low testosterone levels.

What are the signs of high testosterone?

High testosterone for hypogonadism can cause many symptoms in men and women.

In men, high testosterone levels are uncommon and most of the information available is from research based on anabolic steroid use. Anabolic steroids mimic the effects of testosterone. Some of the side effects include:

• infertility
• low sperm counts
• aggression
• erectile dysfunction
• hair loss
• acne
• breast development
• stomach pain

High testosterone levels in women are usually caused by an underlying health condition such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). The symptoms of high testosterone in women include:

• acne
• excess facial, chest, or back hair
• thin hair
• mood swings
• irregular or absent periods
• low sex drive
• increased muscle mass