Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw
- Fasting: Not required (unless concurrent metabolic testing)
- Turn-around: 1–2 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Confidential hormone assessment without lengthy physician consultations or insurance delays
- Advanced LC-MS/MS technology provides superior accuracy in lower concentration ranges
- Early detection of hormonal imbalances affecting reproductive and metabolic health
- Comprehensive results include physician review and medical interpretation
- Cost-effective screening for conditions like PCOS and hypogonadism
- Morning collection optimization ensures most accurate testosterone measurements
Who Is This Test For?
- Men with hypogonadism symptoms - decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, muscle loss
- Women with PCOS concerns - irregular periods, excess hair growth, fertility issues
- Individuals monitoring testosterone therapy effectiveness and potential adverse effects
- Health-conscious consumers seeking preventive hormone screening without referral requirements
- People with metabolic concerns - early detection of hormone-related cardiovascular risks
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Schedule your test - Best collected between 7-10 a.m. when testosterone peaks naturally
- Quick blood draw - Simple venipuncture requiring only 200 µL of serum sample
- Get results with physician review - Comprehensive interpretation within 24-48 hours
FAQ
What does this test measure? Total testosterone levels including both free testosterone and protein-bound testosterone in your blood.
How accurate is this test? LC-MS/MS technology achieves less than 10% variation with reliable results from 2-1200 ng/dL range.
Do I need to fast before this test? Fasting is not required unless you're getting concurrent metabolic testing done simultaneously.
When should I take this test? Schedule between 7-10 a.m. when testosterone levels are naturally highest for optimal accuracy.
How often should I retest? Abnormal results require confirmation with repeat testing; monitoring during therapy occurs every 3-6 months.
What if my results are borderline? Free testosterone testing may be recommended for clarification when total testosterone results are unclear.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This test measures total testosterone levels to diagnose hypogonadism in males (testosterone <300 ng/dL confirmed on two separate occasions) and evaluate elevated androgens in women with suspected PCOS (American Urological Association 2018). The advanced LC-MS/MS methodology provides enhanced accuracy particularly in lower concentration ranges typically seen in women and hypogonadal males, addressing significant gaps where traditional immunoassays lack precision below 100 ng/dL.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of testosterone deficiency including decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, or loss of muscle mass should consider this test. Women with irregular menstrual periods, excess hair growth, fertility challenges, or other PCOS symptoms benefit from testosterone assessment, as up to 70% of women with PCOS remain undiagnosed worldwide (WHO 2025). Individuals monitoring testosterone therapy effectiveness and those seeking preventive health insights for metabolic dysfunction also benefit from this comprehensive hormone evaluation.
When should I order this test?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, fatigue, depression, or irregular periods in women. The test proves particularly valuable for men aged 35-44 years who show the highest incidence of hypogonadism at 21.5 cases per 100,000 person-years (Nature 2021). Women with suspected PCOS affecting 5.2% of reproductive-age women should consider testing alongside clinical symptom evaluation.
How do I interpret the results?
Men 19-49 years:
- Normal Range: 249-836 ng/dL
- Clinical Significance: Below 300 may indicate hypogonadism
Men 50+ years:
- Normal Range: 193-740 ng/dL
- Clinical Significance: Age-related decline expected
Women 19-49 years:
- Normal Range: 8-48 ng/dL
- Clinical Significance: Elevated levels may suggest PCOS
Women 50+ years:
- Normal Range: 2-41 ng/dL
- Clinical Significance: Post-menopausal reference range
Results below 300 ng/dL in symptomatic men require confirmation with repeat testing before diagnosing hypogonadism.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Schedule blood collection between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. when testosterone levels naturally peak. Avoid vigorous exercise 24 hours before testing as physical stress can temporarily alter hormone levels. Discontinue testosterone therapy or other hormone medications as directed by healthcare providers, typically requiring 2-4 weeks washout period. Fasting for 8-12 hours may be recommended if concurrent metabolic testing is planned alongside testosterone assessment.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial abnormal results: Repeat within 2-4 weeks for confirmation
- Testosterone therapy monitoring: Every 3-6 months during treatment
- PCOS management: Every 6-12 months with clinical assessment
- Preventive screening: Annually for high-risk individuals
Why early detection matters
Hypogonadism affects 3.1% of adult men with significant impacts on quality of life, bone health, and cardiovascular risk factors. PCOS prevalence reaches 5.2% among reproductive-age women, representing the most common hormonal disorder with long-term consequences including diabetes and heart disease (American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology 2023). Early detection enables timely intervention, prevents complications, and improves treatment outcomes through appropriate hormone management strategies.
Related tests you may consider
Free Testosterone Test provides additional diagnostic value when total testosterone results are borderline or when conditions affecting sex hormone-binding globulin are suspected.
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) help distinguish between primary testicular and secondary pituitary-hypothalamic causes of hypogonadism, guiding appropriate treatment strategies.
Cardio IQ® Insulin Resistance Panel with Score Blood Test Evaluates insulin resistance by analyzing fasting insulin, glucose, and lipid markers, and provides a calculated score to help assess risk for metabolic syndrome and type 2 diabetes.
