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Our pick for the best at-home testosterone test kit goes to LetsGetChecked. See how the others stack up according to usability and results.
- Best overall at-home testosterone test: LetsGetChecked At-Home Male Hormone Tests | Skip to review
- Best medical support testosterone test: Everlywell At Home Testosterone Test Kit | Skip to review
- Best for testing blood and saliva: myLab Box At-Home Testosterone Test Kit | Skip to review
Low testosterone levels can occur in people of any age. An underlying health problem like a pituitary gland disorder or an injury can reduce testosterone levels. Cancer treatments may also be a cause.
One way to check your testosterone levels is to take an at-home testosterone test. In this article, we go over our picks for some of the best at-home testosterone test kits. We also cover the symptoms and diagnosis of low testosterone.
| Test | Price* | Results | Sample type | Other callouts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LetsGetChecked | $89– $199 | 2–5 days, online | blood sample | nurses available 24/7 for questions |
| Everlywell | $69 | within days (no exact number given) | saliva sample | results reviewed by an independent board certified doctor in your state |
| myLAB Box | $79–$199 | within 5 days | blood and saliva samples | • FDA-registered tests • tests multiple hormones |
*Prices accurate as of March 2024
Testosterone is a sex hormone produced in the testicl*s and ovaries. 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.
Your body uses testosterone for many purposes, including:
- development and function of reproductive organs, including the penis, testicl*s, 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
Testosterone levels may also play a role in regulating your mood and supporting cognitive function, though research is still inconclusive on exactly how this works.
A decrease in testosterone levels is a normal 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. A blood or saliva test kit can check the amount of testosterone your body is making.
In males,
In females, the
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 struggling to access 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 won’t 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.
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According to
Low T levels may cause different symptoms depending on your age, your sex assigned at birth, and whether you’re undergoing hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of gender affirming care.
In people assigned male at birth
In males not intentionally modifying their hormone levels, symptoms of low testosterone levels (hypogonadism) may include:
- erectile dysfunction
- lowered sex drive
- low sem*n volume
- smaller testicl* 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
Consider talking with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have low or decreased testosterone.
Low T can be a normal part of aging, but drastic or rapid changes could indicate a health condition that may need treatment.
In people assigned female at birth
For females who aren’t intentionally modifying their hormone levels, research is limited to what low testosterone feels like. There’s also no set guideline for what constitutes low T in this population.
Some symptoms, which are largely attributed to low estrogen levels, may include:
- fatigue or sluggishness
- menstrual irregularities
- vagin*l dryness
- loss of bone density
- lowered sex drive
- trouble sleeping
- problems with fertility
- unintentional weight gain
- mood changes, including depression
Consider talking with a healthcare professional if you experience any of these symptoms and suspect that you may have low or decreased testosterone. Again, since the research is limited on low testosterone levels for females, the symptoms could vary from those listed above.
Menopause, pituitary or adrenal gland dysfunction, or problems with ovarian health could be causing your hormone levels to shift, and you may need to seek treatment or support managing symptoms.
At-home testosterone tests allow you to collect your own sample and ship it back to a lab for evaluation. These test kits require you to collect either saliva or blood. They come with everything you need to return your sample safely and securely.
Testosterone tests, in general, track the amount of free testosterone present in the sample provided. This can help give you a better overall idea of your testosterone levels.
Blood test kits come with a pinprick mechanism that can break the skin on your finger and allow a small amount of blood to flow.
The kit also comes with a collection vial, a biohazard/specimen bag, and a return envelope or a separate shipping label.
Collect the required amount of blood in the included vial, complete any required forms or sample labeling, and securely return your test. Make sure to read through the instructions and take any necessary precautions to ensure that you don’t accidentally damage or taint your blood sample. This could potentially skew your results.
Saliva tests are very similar to blood test kits in how you collect, label, and ship your sample. The advantage of a saliva test is that it doesn’t require a finger prick, which is good news for those who are uncomfortable with needles.
However, the effectiveness of testing saliva over blood is up for discussion. A
However, another 2014 study found that saliva tests were less accurate than blood samples because free testosterone could bind with saliva proteins and ultimately skew the results.
If you want to test your T levels, a saliva or blood test is generally a good option for you. But if you or your doctor need results that are as accurate as possible, a testosterone blood test may be your best bet.
Of course, there’s no substitute for getting tests done in person at a certified lab. This can help reduce the risk of any errors in the sample collection and evaluation process.
If you decide to measure your testosterone levels with a home test, be prepared to take any necessary next steps. The laboratory results should come with an explanation of your measured testosterone level.
If your level is considered average but you still have symptoms that concern you, it’s a good idea to talk with a healthcare professional, like a doctor or endocrinologist.
If your results come back as lower than average, make an appointment to talk with a doctor before trying any home remedies. Over-the-counter testosterone supplements aren’t approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and could carry a risk of side effects, especially if you’re taking other medications.
Plus, at-home test kits aren’t likely as accurate as in-office lab tests. A doctor may want to double-check your levels before recommending any treatment.
Not to mention, low T can sometimes be a sign of a serious underlying medical condition. It’s important to work with a professional to rule out or treat any conditions.
It’s important to choose a home testosterone kit produced by a reputable brand that delivers results on a timeline that works for you.
You might also want to think about costs, collection methods, and whether the brand connects you with healthcare professionals to go over your results.
Some other qualities to look out for are:
- Results delivery time: Some at-home testosterone kits take longer to return your results than others. If you’re experiencing uncomfortable symptoms that could be associated with low T, you may want to spring for a kit that offers faster results.
- Collection methods: Testosterone levels can be tested by your saliva or your blood. While testosterone blood tests are considered more reliable, most people have an easier time collecting saliva samples. Be sure to think through which method you’d prefer.
- Access to support: Some companies connect you with in-house healthcare professionals, who can help you decipher your test results and talk over next steps if your levels are out of the normal range. Ask yourself how confident you are in your ability to understand your results and determine whether this kind of support is important to you.
- Affordability: The at-home testosterone kits on our list range from $49 to more than $200. Most insurance plans won’t cover these kits, so be sure to keep that in mind as you consider your budget.
- Brand integrity: When submitting your sample for analysis, you’re trusting the lab with potentially sensitive health information. It’s important to choose a brand that you feel will respect your privacy. It may be a good idea to read reviews from real consumers before selecting a testosterone kit.
A note about at-home tests
Whichever test you decide is best for you, talking with a doctor or specialist about your results will help you determine the next best steps. Some doctors may require a lab test to confirm results before moving forward.
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Research into at-home testosterone kits is lacking. It’s unclear how accurate they are compared with tests ordered by a doctor in a lab.
However, it’s safe to say that an in-office testosterone test will be less subject to human error. Doctors, especially endocrinologists, are trained in collecting and handling samples properly.
Plus, if you discuss the results of an at-home testosterone kit with a healthcare professional, chances are they’ll want to double-check your levels via a professional test anyway.
While at-home kits can provide a good baseline for starting a conversation with a professional, doctor-administered tests are likely more accurate.
You may need to check your testosterone levels if you’re experiencing any symptoms associated with low T, regardless of your age or sex.
Keeping an eye on your testosterone levels is also important for transgender men and transmasculine people who are using hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as part of gender affirming care.
Trans folks should check their levels every 3 months for the first year that they’re on HRT and every 6–12 months afterward.
Health insurance plans don’t generally cover at-home tests. Most insurers prefer that you undergo 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 reimbursem*nt.
Before you rely on the results of a testosterone home test kit, understand the accuracy of salivary versus blood testing.
Testing saliva is easier and less invasive than drawing blood. Still, testosterone in saliva samples can be affected by how they’re collected and stored, so researchers are interested in whether this method is reliable.
The results and expert opinions are mixed.
Some studies and reviews suggest that saliva testing is preferable because it’s less stressful for the patient. A 2014 study concludes that saliva is a reliable method to determine testosterone levels.
But there has not been enough analysis of commercial home testing kits. Whether they deliver accurate, reliable, and unvarying results has not been confirmed.
Many factors go into choosing an at-home test, such as:
- Would you rather avoid a finger prick?
- What is your budget?
- Are you on a time crunch?
You may also want to look at reviews to see whether other people have found that certain brands provide better accuracy than others.
Also, certain brands may not be able to deliver results to certain states, so make sure you live in a state where the results of at-home kits can be sent to you.
Testosterone levels must be checked more than once to gain a complete understanding of your levels, according to the Endocrine Society.
Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if your test results show low testosterone or if you’re experiencing symptoms of low T. They’ll probably want to check again using a more reliable method to be sure.
Having low testosterone levels may be a regular part of the aging process. But you may also have a condition that’s causing your levels to drop.
While at-home kits may provide some insight into your levels, the best solution is to work with a healthcare professional you trust to get an accurate diagnosis and learn about your treatment options.
