What is a testosterone test kit?A testosterone test kit is a way of testing your testosterone levels without needing to visit a GP surgery. You take a pin-prick blood sample at home and then post it to a lab for testing. Show
The test kit comes with detailed instructions and Superdrug doctors are available to provide support and advice on your test and results. Back to top Who should think about getting tested?Why get tested?Men:
When should I get tested?Men:
You should get a testosterone test if you want to start testosterone treatment because you are experiencing symptoms like reduced sex drive, difficulty to orgasm, or lack of interest in sex. We can provide testosterone treatment to improve your sex drive if you:
Back to top What is a good testosterone level?Testosterone levels are affected by age and gender.
Back to top What can cause low testosterone levels?Men: Testosterone levels will normally peak in a man’s early 20s and gradually decrease over time. There are certain medical conditions and lifestyle choices which can contribute to lower levels of testosterone. These include:
Women: Testosterone levels naturally decline as you age, much like they do with men. But low testosterone levels can also be caused by:
Back to top How to order testosterone test kits in the UKIf you want to check your testosterone levels, you can order a testosterone test kit online, by following a few simple steps:
Back to top How to use the test kitA testosterone test kit will check the levels of the male hormone ‘testosterone’ in your blood. This means that you’ll need to take some of your blood using a finger prick device called a lancet. You’ll then need to send your sample to our partner lab for testing. You can take your sample easily at home in a few simple steps:
Don’t worry if you have trouble getting the blood sample on your first try, or if you need more blood to fill up the collection tube. In the box you’ll find three lancets, so you can try again with another finger. What is being tested?A testosterone blood test is used to measure the amount of total testosterone present in the blood. Our doctors will assess the results of your test and advise whether your levels are unusual or cause for concern. This test doesn’t check levels of free testosterone. Back to top How the results workYour results should be available in your account within 2 or 3 days of the lab receiving your sample. In your results, you’ll see the level of total testosterone found in your blood, along with advice from a Superdrug doctor on what to do next. Your results can be checked against the normal range of testosterone levels. For men: If you’re between 19 and 39 years old, your testosterone level should be over 12 nmol/L (nanomoles per litre). If your result is low or borderline, it is recommended you repeat the test after at least 4 weeks and see your GP for further tests to find out the cause of your borderline or low testosterone level. For women: Normal testosterone levels range between 0 - 1.8 nmol/L (nanomoles per litre). Back to top Will I be able to get treatment if I get tested?Men: If your levels of testosterone are too low (lower than 12nmol/L), a repeat test is recommended after 4 weeks. If the second test confirms that your testosterone levels are still low, you may need to be referred to a specialist by your GP to start treatment with testosterone replacement therapy. If you have seen a specialist and are already taking testosterone replacement therapy, and have been receiving treatment for a year, then you can place an order for a repeat prescription through our service. If a test shows that your testosterone levels are in the normal range for your age, testosterone replacement therapy isn’t recommended and you will need to look into other possible causes of your symptoms. Other possible causes of erectile dysfunction, low sex drive, fatigue, or weight gain can include mood disorders like anxiety and depression, or stress caused by a certain situation at home or work. In some cases your doctor may advise you to modify your lifestyle to improve your symptoms, including:
If you are already receiving testosterone treatment we can offer a convenient continuation service to order it online. If you haven’t been treated for low testosterone before, you’ll need to consult your GP first. Women: If your test shows you do not have high testosterone levels, you will be able to get testosterone therapy treatment regardless of whether it’s low or normal, provided your doctor thinks it’s right for you. Back to top Can this test be used for fertility?Men: No. Even though testosterone is linked to fertility, checking your testosterone levels is not a reliable way to test your fertility. A male fertility test usually includes checking other things related to the quality of your sperm like:
Sperm cells are responsible for fertilising an egg. If your sperm count drops in number, mobility, or they have the wrong shape, they’ll be less able to fertilise an egg. Male infertility can be related to a lot of different things and lifestyle changes can help improve many of them. If you think you could be infertile, you should talk to your GP. They will be able to arrange a semen analysis for you and tell you the best ways to improve your fertility. Women: No. While testosterone has been linked to fertility, it is not a reliable indicator of fertility. This testosterone test should not be used by women who are looking to check for PCOS or their fertility levels. Back to top To place an order, fill in a brief questionnaire. One of our doctors will review your order and prescribe a treatment if suitable. Existing patients should login first. Can you test your testosterone levels yourself?A person can test their testosterone levels using an at-home test that they can purchase online. Many use a saliva sample, but some involve a blood or urine sample. Testing companies usually provide results within a few days.
How do I know if my testosterone is low?What are the symptoms of low testosterone?. Reduced sex drive.. Erectile dysfunction.. Loss of armpit and pubic hair.. Shrinking testicles.. Hot flashes.. Low or zero sperm count (azoospermia), which causes male infertility.. Does masturbating reduce testosterone?The short answer to this question? No. Masturbation and ejaculation haven't been shown to have any long-term or negative effects on testosterone levels, also known as T levels.
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