Testosterone Test

Testosterone is often referred to as “the male sex hormone”, but it is also produced in (and important for) females. In males, testosterone helps regulate sex drive and erectile function, muscle mass and strength, body fat distribution, bone density, and sperm production. In females, the role of testosterone is only partially understood, but it helps produce estrogen and may help regulate how eggs develop in the ovaries. Abnormal testosterone levels in both males and females may result in changes to your overall health and physical appearance. 

Testosterone testing may provide insights to men experiencing symptoms of hypogonadism (ie, low testosterone) - which are associated with aging and medical conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Testing may provide insights to women experiencing symptoms of hyperandrogenism (ie, high androgen levels, like testosterone) – which are associated with medical conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).

With Get Tested, you can buy a testosterone test online and get testing at a nearby location – no doctor’s visit required.

Is this test right for me?

This test can be taken by people of all sexes and may be right for you if any of the following are true:

• You are experiencing symptoms of testosterone imbalance (see Signs & symptoms section below).
• You are planning for a family and want help in evaluating hormones that can impact your fertility.
• You are a transgender male or female and want to evaluate your testosterone levels
• You are monitoring your testosterone levels because you are on hormone therapy (ie, testosterone replacement therapy or androgen deprivation therapy).

Hormone imbalances can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on your symptoms and history. By getting tested and sharing your results, you and your healthcare provider can understand the cause of your symptoms and identify next steps based on your specific medical situation. 

What's tested

Testosterone is an androgen steroid hormone and the principal male sex hormone, but it is also produced in females. In men, testosterone plays a key role in development of the male reproductive system and promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and chest hair and upper body muscular build. It is primarily secreted from the testes. In women, testosterone is secreted in the ovaries and adrenal glands and helps create estrogen and may help regulate how eggs develop in the ovaries.

This test measures total testosterone, which represents all biological pools of testosterone, including the free forms, as well as those bound to proteins in the blood. This test will determine whether your total testosterone level is normal, high, or low.  

Signs & symptoms

A testosterone level that is lower or higher than normal can affect the body in many ways. In males, low testosterone levels are more common than high levels. Some males can have abnormal testosterone levels for years without knowing. In females, high testosterone levels are more common than low levels.

Symptoms of low testosterone can include: 

• Decrease in sex drive
• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Bone weakness
• Breast tissue development
• Hair loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty with memory and concentration
• Decrease in testicle size
• Decrease in semen production that can lead to fertility problems
  
  

Symptoms of high testosterone in males can include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Heart or liver problems
• Headaches
• Aggressive behavior
• Excessive body hair growth
• Acne
• Prostate enlargement
• Decrease in sperm production
• Insomnia

Symptoms of low testosterone in females are not well characterized. Symptoms of high testosterone in females can include:

• Acne
• Hair loss
• Increased body or facial hair
• Hypertension
• Irregular or missing periods
• Insulin resistance
  
  

Eligibility

You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on Get Tested.

Preparing for your sample collection

Morning sample collection is preferred. Fasting (not eating or drinking anything except water) for 8-12 hours is required.

After the test

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results.  However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

We offers 100+ consumer-initiated diagnostics lab tests to empower you to have more control over your health journey. Choose from a variety of test types that best suit your needs.

🏥In-person: 

1. Buy a lab test
No doctor visit is required for purchase.

2. Register your test
& schedule an appointment
Book a visit to one of 2000+ Get tested locations

3. Visit us for sample collection
Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

4. Get fast results
Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.

🏠In-home sample collection:

1. Buy a lab test + in-home sample collection

No doctor visit is required for purchase.  If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional R1,200 fee.

2. Register your test
& schedule an appointment
After you make a purchase, register your test and Get Tested will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

3. In-home sample collection

A Get Tested phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to us.

4. Get fast results
Access results online as soon as they’re available. You will be emailed when they are ready. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost. Treatment options may be available.