The testosterone test is a simple test ordered by your physician to measure the level of testosterone in the blood or saliva. Testosterone is the main sex hormone in men, though it is produced in both men and women. It plays a major role in puberty and fertility. High and low testosterone levels can lead to serious health complications if left untreated. So, we highly recommend everyone to get tested for testosterone levels if you experience any unusual symptoms that are caused by high or low testosterone levels.
The article below covers all the significant topics that are relevant to the testosterone test like, testosterone test cost, normal testosterone levels, symptoms of high testosterone levels, test procedure, testosterone saliva home test kit, preparation, and risks.
- Testosterone test cost.
- Cost of testosterone saliva home-test kit.
- What is testosterone?
- Why is a testosterone test done?
- Normal levels of testosterone
- How is the testosterone test done?
- Is there any preparation required before the test?
- Are there any risks in the test?
- What does the test result mean?
- How to treat high and low testosterone levels?
- Provider Locations.
For our readers, who are very much interested in knowing the testosterone test cost beforehand, we would like to begin with that section.
How much does a testosterone test cost?
Testosterone test cost ranges between $49 and $115 in different labs and facilities across the U.S. The cost of testosterone test also depends on the type of testosterone test i.e. testosterone total test or testosterone free test or testosterone total and free test or testosterone saliva home-test kit
No prior appointment is required. Compare the price, order your test online and visit the nearest lab during lab business hours. Complete the procedure and get the results in your email in 2 to 3 business days.
Testosterone total test cost
This test measures the testosterone that is attached to the proteins and the free testosterone (unattached and freely circulating). The total testosterone test cost ranges between $49 and $60 in different labs and facilities across the U.S.
The following table shows the total testosterone test cost at 2 of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) network located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Offer Price$49 |
Personal Testing Lab
| Offer Price$60 |
Testosterone free test cost
This test measures only free testosterone levels in your body. Testosterone free test costs $59 in the U.S.
The following table shows the testosterone free test cost at one of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) network located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Offer Price$59 |
Testosterone total and free test cost
This blood test measures both the free and bound levels of testosterone. Testosterone free and total test cost ranges between $99 and $115 in different labs and facilities across the U.S.
The following table shows the total and free testosterone test cost at 2 of our partner laboratories (CLIA – Certified) network located across the U.S.
Name of our Partner Labs | Book Online |
HealthLabs
| Offer Price$99 |
Personal Testing Lab
| Offer Price$115 |
Testosterone test cost with insurance
Most of the health insurance policies in the U.S. cover the cost of the testosterone test. However, the coverage offered by private health insurance companies and national health insurance programs like Medicare and Medicaid varies widely. So we recommend you to check the coverage of your health insurance plan with the insurance company before getting tested for testosterone levels.
Our testosterone testing providers do not accept any kind of health insurance plan. But, on request, they can provide you with an itemized receipt containing all the details like the name and code of the test, and CPT code which is necessary for insurance reimbursement purposes.
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a hormone produced by the testicles in men and the ovaries in women (in much smaller amounts). It is also produced by the adrenal glands in both men and women. This hormone is the main sex hormone in men and plays a vital role in puberty and fertility.
During a boy’s puberty, this hormone causes the growth of body hair, enlargement of the penis, development of muscle strength, and deepening of the voice. In adults, it is mostly associated with sex drive, sperm production, and maintaining muscle mass. The testosterone production will be higher during puberty and drops after a certain age.
In addition to the above, testosterone also helps in the production of red blood cells.
Why is a testosterone test done?
The testosterone test is done to measure the levels of the testosterone hormone. In males, it helps to diagnose the causes of erectile dysfunction and infertility. In women, it helps to diagnose the causes for PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome) and masculine physical features.
Also, your physician will order a testosterone test if you experience the following symptoms that are caused by high and low testosterone levels.
Symptoms of low testosterone levels
The symptoms showing low testosterone hormone levels in men and women are given below. Generally, women have low testosterone levels as they produce high estrogen hormone which is vital for their feminity and female reproductive hormones.
Symptoms of low testosterone levels in men:
- Fatigue
- Depression
- Poor concentration
- Low sex drive
- Low sperm count
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased body hair
- Low muscle mass
- Osteoporosis (weakened bones)
- Swollen breasts
- Early or delayed puberty (in boys)
Symptoms of low testosterone levels in women:
- Fertility problems
- Irregular menstrual periods
- Amenorrhea (absent menstrual periods)
- Vaginal dryness
- Decreases sex drive
- Osteoporosis
Symptoms of high testosterone levels
The symptoms of elevated testosterone hormone levels in men and women are given below. Generally, men have a high testosterone level compared to women as testosterone home plays a vital role in masculinity and male reproductive hormones.
Symptoms of high testosterone levels in men:
- Early puberty (in boys)
- Acne
- Excess body hair
- High blood pressure
- Increased risk-taking behaviors
- Aggression
- High libido (increased sex drive)
Symptoms of elevated testosterone levels in women:
- Acne
- Oily skin
- Deep voice
- Excess hair on the face or body
- Darkened areas of skin
- Hair loss (Baldness)
- Irregular periods
Normal levels of testosterone
Generally, the testosterone levels are at a peak in the early morning and low in the evening. Normal testosterone levels vary depending on age and gender. The standard levels of testosterone total are given below.
Normal testosterone levels in men:
- Age 19 to 49 – 249 to 836 ng/dl (nanograms per deciliter)
- Age 50 and older – 193 to 740 ng/dl
Normal testosterone levels in women:
- Age 19 to 49 – 8 to 48 ng/dl
- Age 50 and older – 2 to 41 ng/dl
The normal levels of free testosterone are 0.1 to 0.3 percent of your total testosterone levels.
How is the testosterone test done?
The testosterone test can be done using the blood sample or the sample of saliva.
1. Testosterone blood test
During this test, a lab technician or a phlebotomist will cleanse the area to be injected with an antiseptic and wrap an elastic band around the upper arm to make the vein visible and pool with blood. He/she then injects a needle to draw a sample of blood and collects the sample in a test tube. After the blood is drawn, he/she will ask you to apply pressure on the insertion site with a band-aid or a cotton ball to stop bleeding. The collected blood sample is then sent to the lab for further testing.
It takes less than 5 to 10 minutes to perform this test.
2. Testosterone saliva home test kit
Saliva test kits are mostly preferred by the people who do not have time to visit the lab or not convenient in taking the test at a commonplace. One of our testosterone testing providers offers the testosterone saliva at home test kit. You can order the test kit online and take the sample of your saliva by carefully reading the instructions mentioned in the kit. Then post the saliva sample back to the given address. The results will be confidentially emailed to you within 2 weeks depending upon the receipt of the sample by the lab.
Is there any preparation required before the test?
There is no special preparation required for the testosterone blood test or saliva test. There is no constraint on the diet. But, your physician may ask you to stop certain medications that include androgen therapy, steroids, anticonvulsants, barbiturates, clomiphene, and estrogen therapy. Because these medications can affect testosterone levels and result in an inaccurate diagnosis.
As the hormone levels keep changing throughout the day, your physician may ask you to repeat the test to track the hormone changes.
Are there any risks in the test?
There are no possible risks or complications in taking the testosterone saliva test. But after the blood sample is drawn, you might feel dizziness, slight pain, bruise, or redness in the injected area for a very little period. If there is any abnormal bleeding in the injected area, inform your physician immediately.
What does the test result mean?
The high and low testosterone levels indicate different medical conditions in men, women, and children.
Elevated testosterone levels in men
In men, high testosterone levels may indicate the possibility of a tumor in the testicles or adrenal glands.
Low testosterone levels in male
The low testosterone levels in men may indicate the possibility of genetic diseases such as Klinefelter, Kallman, and Prader-Willi syndromes, a problem in the pituitary gland or testicular failure.
Elevated testosterone levels in women
High testosterone levels in women may indicate the possibility of a tumor in the ovaries or adrenal glands or a common hormone disorder, PCOS (poly-cystic ovarian syndrome).
Low testosterone levels in female
If the levels of testosterone are lower than normal, it might indicate the possibility of Addison disease (an adrenal gland disorder that doesn’t produce sufficient cortisol hormone) or a problem in the pituitary gland.
In boys
If the testosterone levels are higher than normal, it indicates the possibility of cancer in the testicles or adrenal glands. Low levels of testosterone indicate that there is some problem in the testicles.
How to treat high and low testosterone levels?
Including testosterone rich-foods in your diet like spinach, egg, beef, tuna & oysters will help in boosting the testosterone levels. Also, testosterone supplements will be prescribed by your physician to increase testosterone levels
If appropriate and necessary, your physician might order a luteinizing hormone (LH) test as this hormone stimulates and controls testosterone production.
Provider Locations
The testosterone test can be done in any of the following locations across the U.S. either by visiting the nearest lab or getting tested at home using the saliva test kit. To know the cost of the testosterone test, refer to the first section of the article.
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Hawaii
- Georgia
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Puerto Rico
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
Frequently Asked Questions
Will insurance cover my testing cost?
No, insurance will not be covered in the billing. However, they will provide you a receipt for insurance reimbursement purposes.
How should I book my appointment?
You can choose the most suitable provider from above and make an appointment by following the instructions mentioned by them.
Can I cancel my lab test order?
Yes, you can cancel your lab test order anytime before your testing. A refund will be initiated after deducting the cancellation fee. However, cancellation is at the discretion of the provider.
Do the providers offer result interpretations?
Yes, a few providers may provide doctor consultation who will take you through the results and provide clarification if needed.
How do I receive my report?
To ensure your privacy, the test report will be mailed to you by the provider.
Other topics you may be interested in:-
- At-home HIV Testing – Affordable HIV Testing Providers in the U.S.
- How much does the STD Home Testing Kit Cost in the U.S?
- Gonorrhea Symptoms in Men
- Fitness Testing Cost in the U.S.
- Eye Chlamydia Symptoms
- Sickle Cell Test Cost in the U.S
- Cost of Estrogen Test in the U.S.
- At-Home Chlamydia Testing Cost in the U.S.
- Renal Panel (Kidney Function Panel) Test Cost in the U.S.
- How much does the CEA Testing Cost in the U.S?
- Stool Culture Test Cost in the U.S
- Cost of IGF-1 Test Cost in the U.S
- STD Testing Cost in the US
- What STDs cause Sore Throat?
- What Types of STDs cause Dry Skin?
- How much does the C-Peptide Testing Cost in the U.S?
- Causes of Penile Rashes and Other STD Symptoms in Men
- HPV in Women: Symptoms, Genital Warts, Treatment and More
- What is D-Dimer Test? Know more on Normal Levels, Diagnosis & Treatment