Testosterone Test Plus (Female)

About this test

Key Benefits

Gain crucial insights into your androgen levels and overall hormonal balance, specifically tailored for women.

• Comprehensive Androgen Profile: Measures Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, SHBG, and Free Androgen Index to provide a detailed picture of androgen activity.

• Identifies Potential Imbalances: Helps in understanding symptoms associated with high or low androgens, such as fatigue, altered libido, acne, or irregular cycles.

• Convenient At-Home Collection: Utilizes a simple dried blood spot (DBS) sample, allowing for discreet and easy collection from your home.

• Supports Informed Health Decisions: Provides actionable data to share with your healthcare provider for further discussion and personalized health management.

What This Test Measures

The Female Testosterone Test Plus analyzes key markers related to androgen levels in women:

• Total Testosterone (Female): The complete amount of testosterone in your blood, both bound and unbound.

• Free Testosterone (Female): The biologically active form of testosterone that is not bound to proteins and can directly affect cells and tissues.

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): A protein that binds to testosterone, making it inactive. SHBG levels influence the amount of free testosterone available.

• Free Androgen Index (FAI) (Female): A calculated value that provides an estimate of bioavailable testosterone, particularly useful for assessing androgen status in women.

How It Works

1. Order Your Test
   Purchase the GetTested Female Testosterone Test Plus online.

2. Collect Your Sample
   Follow the clear, step-by-step instructions to collect a dried blood spot sample from the comfort of your home using a simple finger prick.

3. Mail to Lab
   Send your collected sample to our CLIA-certified laboratory using the provided prepaid shipping label.

4. Receive Digital Results
   Access your detailed results securely online within 2–5 business days of the lab receiving your sample. Your report will include clear explanations of your levels.

Who Should Consider This Test

The Female Testosterone Test Plus is suitable for women who are experiencing symptoms potentially linked to androgen imbalances or who want a deeper understanding of their hormonal health.

• Women experiencing symptoms: Including low libido, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, mood swings, irregular menstrual cycles, hirsutism (excess hair growth), or acne.

• Individuals with suspected hormonal conditions: Such as Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or those in perimenopause.

• Health-conscious women: Seeking proactive insights into their hormonal well-being.

• Those desiring privacy and convenience: The at-home collection offers a discreet alternative to traditional lab visits.

Understanding Your Results

Your detailed digital report will present your levels for Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, SHBG, and FAI, alongside corresponding reference ranges for women.

We recommend sharing these results with your healthcare provider. They can interpret the findings in the context of your overall health history and symptoms, guiding you on any necessary next steps or treatment options. This test provides valuable data to facilitate informed discussions with your doctor.

The Importance of Androgen Balance in Women

While often associated with male health, androgens like testosterone play a vital role in women's well-being. Balanced androgen levels contribute to:

• Libido and Sexual Function: Healthy testosterone levels are crucial for sexual desire and arousal.

• Energy and Vitality: Appropriate androgen levels can positively impact energy metabolism and reduce fatigue.

• Mood Regulation: Testosterone influences neurotransmitter activity, affecting mood and cognitive function.

• Bone and Muscle Health: Androgens contribute to bone density and muscle mass maintenance.

• Overall Well-being: Maintaining hormonal equilibrium is fundamental for various physiological processes and overall quality of life.

Biomarkers included

• Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG): Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver that binds to sex hormones, primarily testosterone and estrogen, in the bloodstream. By binding these hormones, SHBG regulates their bioavailability, meaning only the 'free' or unbound hormones can interact with target cells and exert their biological effects. Therefore, SHBG levels are crucial for understanding the true hormon
• Testosterone Total: Testosterone Total (Female) measures the total amount of testosterone in a woman's blood, including both free and protein-bound forms. While often associated with males, testosterone is an important hormone in females, playing roles in bone health, libido, energy levels, and mood. Abnormal levels in women can indicate conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal tumors.
• Free Androgen Index (FAI): The Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a calculated value used to estimate the amount of biologically available (free) testosterone. It is typically derived from total testosterone and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), helping provide context for androgen activity beyond total testosterone alone. FAI is commonly used in the evaluation of androgen-related conditions, particularly in women (for example
• Testosterone Free: Free testosterone is the small percentage of testosterone in the blood that is not bound to proteins and is therefore biologically active in the body. For females, even small fluctuations in this hormone can significantly impact menstrual cycles, fertility, libido, and overall well-being. Measuring free testosterone helps assess androgen excess conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or a

How to prepare

For optimal accuracy, collect your sample in the morning (7:00 AM - 10:00 AM) after an overnight fast (8-12 hours of no food or sugary drinks). Water is permitted. Avoid biotin supplements for 24-72 hours prior to collection.

Frequently asked questions

What specifically does the GetTested Female Testosterone Test Plus measure?

The GetTested Female Testosterone Test Plus provides a comprehensive panel specifically designed for women, measuring Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG), and the Free Androgen Index (FAI). This detailed approach offers crucial insights into your hormonal health, moving beyond just total testosterone to understand the nuances of androgen activity and potential imbalances like those associated with PCOS or menopausal changes.

How does this at-home dried blood spot (DBS) test work, and what are the sample requirements?

Our Testosterone Test Plus utilizes an advanced at-home dried blood spot (DBS) collection method, offering convenience and privacy. After ordering, you'll receive a kit with clear instructions to collect a small blood sample from your fingertip. This method has been meticulously validated for accuracy, particularly for these specific female testosterone markers, ensuring reliable results comparable to traditional venipuncture for these analytes.

Who should consider taking the Female Testosterone Test Plus?

This test is ideal for women experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance such as low libido, persistent fatigue, unexplained weight changes, acne, hirsutism, or mood fluctuations. It's particularly relevant for those investigating potential conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) or understanding hormonal shifts during perimenopause and menopause. Understanding your Total T, Free T, SHBG, and FAI levels can provide clarity on underlying issues and guide actionable next steps.

How accurate and reliable are the results from a dried blood spot sample for female testosterone levels?

Our Testosterone Test Plus samples are processed in CLIA-certified laboratories, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability. While dried blood spot testing is highly validated for hormone analysis, we ensure precision for female testosterone markers. Its convenience does not compromise the validity, offering results that healthcare providers trust for diagnosing and managing conditions related to androgen levels.

What is the typical turnaround time for results, and how will I interpret them?

You can typically expect your comprehensive digital results within 2-5 business days from the lab's receipt of your sample. Your personalized report will clearly display your levels for Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, SHBG, and FAI, alongside optimal reference ranges specifically tailored for women. We provide actionable post-result guidance, explaining the interrelationship of these markers and suggesting specific questions to discuss with your healthcare provider for further consultation.

Are there any specific pre-test considerations for women, such as menstrual cycle timing or medication impacts?

Yes, for optimal accuracy, it's generally recommended that pre-menopausal women collect their sample during the follicular phase of their menstrual cycle (days 2-5). Additionally, certain medications, including hormonal birth control or hormone replacement therapy, can significantly impact testosterone and SHBG levels; it's crucial to consult your doctor about these before testing, as they may skew your results and their interpretation. This ensures the most indicative measurement of your baseline hormonal health.

Customer reviews

4.8/5 (4)

• 5/5 — This test was incredibly easy to do at home and the instructions were very clear. Got my results quickly.
• 4/5 — The kit arrived fast and was simple to use. The range of markers tested gave me a good understanding of my hormones.
• 5/5 — So much better than going to a lab! Very discreet and efficient.
• 5/5 — Exactly what I needed to track my hormone levels. The explanations of the results were straightforward.