Home Testosterone Test Kit

The home testosterone test contains everything you need to collect a small blood sample.

The test kit contains:

• 3 lancets (finger prick device)
• a swab
• a collection tube, which you then send to a lab to be tested

The results of the test can help you and/or your doctor monitor your testosterone levels if you are experiencing testosterone-related symptoms.

Does this test measure total testosterone or free testosterone?

The at-home testosterone test measures total testosterone only.

A total testosterone test is the most common, and is typically recommended as a first step to measuring testosterone levels.

Your doctor might recommend a free testosterone test after collecting a total testosterone test result to diagnose particular medical conditions like (but not limited to):

• HIV/AIDS
• polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• erectile dysfunction

The difference between total testosterone and free testosterone tests:

Total testosterone measures the total amount of testosterone in your bloodstream, including testosterone that is attached to proteins and testosterone that is not (free testosterone).

Free testosterone measures active forms of testosterone that are not attached to proteins.

Does this test measure high levels of testosterone?

Yes, the at-home testosterone test measures the total level of testosterone, so it can help detect if your testosterone levels are high or low.

You should consider getting your testosterone levels checked if you are a man or a woman, and have been experiencing testosterone-related symptoms.

What are signs of low testosterone levels?

Low testosterone-related symptoms in men include:

• erectile dysfunction
• low sex drive
• fatigue
• reduced muscle mass
• infertility
• generally unwell
• depression
• reduced beard growth
• muscle and joint aches
• excessive night sweats/hot flushes
• difficulty sleeping

Low testosterone-related symptoms in women include:

• low sex drive
• irregular periods
• low energy
• difficulty sleeping
• tiredness
• low muscle strength
• weight gain
• hot sweats
• brain fog or memory loss
• thinning hair

What are signs of high testosterone levels?

High testosterone-related symptoms in men include:

• excessive body hair
• increased muscle mass
• acne
• mood swings, like aggression and irritability
• weight gain
• lack of sleep
• weight gain
• thinning hair or balding
• trouble breathing when sleeping

High testosterone-related symptoms in women include:

• excess body hair (on face, body, and back)
• oily skin or acne
• absent periods
• deepening voice
• balding
• weight gain
• infertility
• depression
• increased muscle mass
• decreased breast size
• enlarged clitoris
• hyperthyroidism

What causes testosterone changes?

Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in men. Irregularities in its production can often be caused by:

• aging (known as the ‘male menopause’)
• hyperthyroidism
• AIDS
• testicle injuries
• type 2 diabetes
• cancer treatment

Testosterone-related symptoms in women can commonly occur, if you:

• have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)
• are going through the menopause
• are perimenopausal
• have congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
• have tumors in your ovaries
• have Cushing’s syndrome

Why should I get tested for testosterone?

If ignored, high or low testosterone levels can lead to long-term complications.

In men, overexposure (high levels) of testosterone can increase the risk of prostate cancer and cardiovascular events (e.g., chest pain, heart attacks) caused by high blood pressure.

In women, low testosterone in the long term can impact cognitive function and clinical studies have found this to contribute to the risk of Alzheimer’s Disease.

Therefore, it is important to monitor your testosterone levels by taking a test. This way you can get treated, or at least you and your doctor can be aware of the source of your symptoms before they escalate to long-term health complications.

Can women take this test?

Yes. Both women and men can take the testosterone test.

The at-home testosterone test kit is simple and easy to use from the comfort of your home.

How do I prepare for a testosterone test?

You can prepare for your testosterone test by:

• avoiding certain medications – if you are currently taking steroids or hormone medications, your doctor may advise that you wait before taking your test.
• washing your hands in warm water – this can help the blood flow, making it easier to collect your sample

If you have any specific questions about which medications to avoid to ensure you have the most accurate test, you should speak with your doctor.

When is the best time to take the Testosterone Blood Test?

To get the most accurate results you should take your test first thing in the morning, as this is when the body produces the most testosterone.

To collect your sample:

1. Wash your hands with warm soapy water and then dry them thoroughly.
2. Choose a finger from the hand you do not write with (non-dominant hand).
3. Clean the fingertip with the swab.
4. Twist, then remove the purple button on the end of the lancet.
5. Place the lancet in the middle of your fingertip.
6. Press the purple button on the end of the lancet down (the end furthest from your fingertip you are taking a sample from).
7. A small drop of blood should appear (if this does not appear, squeeze your finger slightly).
8. Wipe the first drop with a clean tissue.
9. Massage your fingertip to make a second drop of blood.
10. Use your other hand to squeeze your fingertip.
11. Drop the blood from your fingertip into the collection tube – repeat this process until you have filled the tube to the upper line.
12. Once your sample has been collected, you can use a plaster to cover the small puncture mark on the end of your finger.
13. Replace the lid on the collection tube and twist it several times to ensure it is secure.
14. Write your details on the collection tube as instructed by your doctor.
15. Place the collection tube into the protective wallet.
16. Put the protective wallet in the provided prepaid envelope.
17. Post your sample on the same day.

If you have any trouble the first time around collecting blood, your test kit should supply you with 3 lancets. If you have any concerns about collecting your sample, you should get in touch with your doctor via your patient account.

You should post your sample on the same day it was taken. Check collection times at your local Royal Mail postal service.

Can I use this test if I am taking testosterone replacement therapy?

Yes, you can take the home testosterone test if you are undergoing testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). The testosterone test can help you monitor your testosterone levels during your treatment.

Our test kits are regulated by the care quality commission and are UKCA-marked certified for use and are just as effective as a test you would take in a sexual health clinic. Their testing centres participate in national external quality assessment schemes also subscribed to by the NHS and private laboratories.

We guarantee accurate and fast test results if you have followed the instructions and postal guidance provided.

You can expect results within 2 to 3 working days after it reaches our partner laboratory. This is how long it takes for them to process your sample.

You should post your sample on the same day it was taken.

You should check collection times at your local Royal Mail postal service.

We value your privacy

We will never send your results via text or email. Once your results are ready, one of our doctors will send them to you on your patient account.

Your results will be sent to you via your patient account, along with advice from one of our doctors.

Testosterone levels are different for men and women – here is a guide:

Men

If you have low testosterone levels and you are a man, you will be asked to retake your testosterone test after 3 to 4 weeks for further assessment. If they are low and you are still experiencing low testosterone symptoms, your doctor will likely recommend blood tests and testosterone replacement therapy.

Women

If your results show low testosterone levels and you are a woman, you may be able to get testosterone therapy for women. Your doctor may recommend this if you are experiencing persistent and testosterone related symptoms that are impacting your day-to-day life.

For example, you may have low-testosterone associated peri-postmenopausal symptoms such as low sex drive, decreased muscle mass and brain fog. Your doctor may recommend testosterone therapy if you have tried Hormonal Replacement Therapy (HRT) and it is not effective.

What happens if I have high testosterone levels?

Men

If you have high testosterone levels and you are a man, your doctor should be able to help outline a treatment plan.

For example, you might be undergoing testosterone replacement therapy and your testosterone levels have become unregulated. It might be the case that your doctor recommends a free testosterone test or further blood tests to check any underlying conditions causing the increase in testosterone levels. Alternatively, you may be recommended certain lifestyle changes so that your levels can adjust in time.

Women

If your results show high testosterone levels and you are a woman, your doctor may recommend further blood tests. An example of what high testosterone levels in women can look like is irregular periods and low mood, associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Other conditions which can cause high testosterone levels in women include:

• cushing’s syndrome
• ovary disorders
• congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAT)

All testosterone treatment in women is off-label.