About Testosterone

Testosterone is a sex hormone that’s crucial to male development. It is primarily produced by the male testes and, to a lesser degree, by the female ovaries and adrenal glands.

During foetal development, testosterone is responsible for the growth of the male sexual organs, which then become the cornerstone of puberty and sperm production later in life.

Testosterone fulfils many functions, such as keeping up the libido (sex drive), maintaining high levels of energy, and giving men their strength and physical features. Because men have a much larger amount of testosterone in their bodies than women, it is easier for men to build muscle than it is for women. 

Aside from these bodily functions, testosterone is also part of several metabolic pathways that lead to red blood cell (RBC) production, bone metabolism, and liver function. 

The Connection Between Testosterone and DHEA

DHEA, a precursor to testosterone, influences its levels and impacts overall hormonal health. Testing both hormones together offers a clearer view of their interaction and potential imbalances, crucial for diagnosing issues like fatigue, decreased libido, and changes in body composition. Understanding both DHEA and testosterone levels provides insights into the body’s hormone production and metabolism, helping to identify and manage hormone-related conditions effectively.

The causes of low testosterone levels

Testosterone has an important role in the body and affects many areas. It affects the brain, the bones, muscles, mass, and the heart, as well as sexual function. 

However, the level of testosterone decreases naturally with age. Men in their 70s have about 40% less testosterone than men in their 20s. This natural decline is also referred to as ‘male menopause’. It is normal for the level of testosterone to fall by about 1% after the age of 30. 

However, stress and an unhealthy lifestyle can negatively impact testosterone levels. That is why it is recommended to eat healthy, do plenty of exercise, and limit your alcohol consumption. Read more about boosting your testosterone levels.

The effects of low testosterone levels

Low testosterone levels can have unwanted effects.

Below we have listed some symptoms men may experience if they have a testosterone deficiency:

• Decreased lean muscle mass
• Loss of hair in some areas of the body (e.g. facial hair)
• Atrophy of the sex organs (e.g. penis, testes)
• Decreased libido
• Reduced sperm count, and eventually infertility
• Gynecomastia (male boobs)
• Hot flashes
• Mood swings, irritation, and decreased concentration
• A decline in mental clarity and performance
• Increased risk of fractures due to low bone mineral density

In women, the symptoms of low testosterone can be subtle and generally include:

• Decreased sex drive
• Decreased sexual satisfaction 
• Vaginal dryness
• Fatigue
• Low energy
• Unhealthy bones

About Testosterone and DHEA

Testosterone is formed from DHEA and the levels of DHEA can thus directly affect the levels of testosterone. It can therefore be wise to measure both hormones. If you are looking for a more comprehensive hormone panel for men, we recommend the Men’s Hormone Test.

About the testosterone test kit

A testosterone test kit can measure your levels of testosterone for you and can clarify for you whether your levels are normal or whether you may be in need of further treatment. If the results suggest you have a testosterone deficiency, your doctor may prescribe testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or you may be referred to an endocrinologist, a specialist in hormone problems.

As for women, if your levels turn out to be low, you could be able to get testosterone therapy treatment regardless of whether it’s low or normal, after consulting with your doctor about what is the right step for you.

Measuring your testosterone levels

You can measure your own testosterone levels easily at home with our testosterone test kit UK. For this test, you will collect samples of saliva, which you then need to send to our partner lab, where it is analysed at an ISO 13485-certified lab.

This test measures free testosterone in saliva, i.e. the active hormones that reach the receptors in the body. Free testosterone is also known as unbound testosterone, which means that it is available for your body cells to use. 

While a large amount of testosterone tests measure total testosterone, most testosterone in the blood is not actually available for use by the body. 

What is the difference between free and total testosterone?

Total testosterone measures all testosterone in the blood, including both the testosterone bound to proteins and the free, unbound form. Free testosterone, however, refers only to the small, unbound portion that is biologically active and available for the body to use. While total testosterone gives a general overview, free testosterone is crucial for understanding the hormone’s actual availability for physiological processes.

At what time do I take a testosterone test?

It is recommended to take the testosterone test in the morning. Testosterone levels fluctuate in a daily cycle and have a tendency to be higher in the morning (the peak of the male hormone cycle).

Does this test indicate fertility?

No, your levels of testosterone do not give any indication of your fertility. Fertility is tested by researching the quality of sperm for men. We offer a Sperm test for men and 

Will I be able to get treatment after the test?

You may want to consult your doctor, who may prescribe you testosterone therapy treatment. 

What can I do to naturally increase my testosterone levels?

To boost your testosterone levels, a healthy lifestyle is recommended. You could consider switching to a healthy diet, drinking less alcohol, exercising more frequently, or quitting smoking.