Testosterone Test Plus (Male)

About this test

Key Benefits

Gain a comprehensive understanding of your male hormonal health with the GetTested Testosterone Test Plus (Male). This test provides insights into various aspects of testosterone function and related hormones.

• Comprehensive Hormone Profile: Evaluate Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, LH, SHBG, and the Free Androgen Index for a detailed hormonal assessment.

• Convenient At-Home Collection: Easily collect your sample in the privacy of your home using a simple dried blood spot (DBS) method.

• Actionable Insights: Understand how specific hormone levels relate to overall well-being, energy, and vitality.

• CLIA-Certified Lab Analysis: Samples are processed in accredited laboratories, ensuring reliable and accurate results.

What This Test Measures

This test analyzes five crucial markers to provide a complete picture of male hormonal balance:

• Testosterone Total (Male): Measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood, including both bound and unbound forms.

• Testosterone Free (Male): Quantifies the biologically active form of testosterone that is not bound to proteins and can directly influence tissues.

• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): An important pituitary hormone that stimulates testosterone production in the testes.

• 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): A calculated value that provides an estimate of the amount of biologically active testosterone. It is derived from the ratio of total testosterone to SHBG.

How It Works

1. Order Your Kit
   Purchase your Testosterone Test Plus (Male) kit online.

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

3. Mail Your Sample
   Send your collected sample to our CLIA-certified laboratory using the pre-paid shipping label provided.

4. Receive Digital Results
   Access your confidential results securely online within days of your sample arriving at the lab.

Who Should Consider This Test?

The GetTested Testosterone Test Plus (Male) is suitable for:

• Men experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, such as low energy, mood changes, decreased libido, or difficulty maintaining muscle mass.

• Individuals interested in understanding their hormonal status for proactive health management.

• Athletes or fitness enthusiasts monitoring key hormone levels.

• Men aged 30–60+ seeking insights into age-related hormonal changes.

Understanding Your Results

Your comprehensive results report will provide a clear breakdown of each biomarker, indicating whether your levels fall within typical reference ranges.

While the report offers valuable information, it is recommended to discuss your results with a healthcare professional for interpretation and guidance based on your individual health context.

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
• 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
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH): Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a key hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in reproduction. In women, it triggers ovulation and stimulates the corpus luteum to produce progesterone. In men, LH stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone, which is essential for sperm production and male characteristics.
• 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
• 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.

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

How does the GetTested Testosterone Test Plus (Male) work and what does it measure?

The GetTested Testosterone Test Plus is an advanced at-home dried blood spot test designed for comprehensive male hormonal analysis. It meticulously measures key markers including Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), and the Free Androgen Index (FAI). This combination provides a detailed, nuanced understanding of your endocrine system, extending beyond typical single-marker tests to fully assess your hormonal balance and potential underlying causes for imbalances.

What is the sample collection process for the Testosterone Test Plus, and how long until I receive my results?

The sample collection is a straightforward, convenient at-home process using a dried blood spot kit. You'll perform a simple finger prick to collect a few drops of blood onto a specialized card, then mail it to our CLIA-certified laboratory using the provided prepaid envelope. Once your sample is received by our lab, results typically become available within 2-5 business days through our secure online portal, allowing for quick and private access to your hormonal insights.

Who should consider taking the Testosterone Test Plus, and why is this panel superior?

This comprehensive test is ideal for men experiencing symptoms associated with hormonal imbalances, such as fatigue, decreased libido, mood changes, muscle loss, or those simply keen on understanding and optimizing their hormonal health proactively. Our panel's superiority lies in its detailed analysis of Total and Free Testosterone alongside LH, SHBG, and FAI. This integrative approach helps to clarify *why* T levels might be altered (e.g., pituitary issues indicated by LH, or bioavailability concerns with SHBG) rather than just identifying an abnormal T level, providing truly actionable insights for wellness optimization.

How accurate and reliable are the results from the Testosterone Test Plus?

Our Testosterone Test Plus utilizes state-of-the-art laboratory analysis performed in CLIA-certified facilities, ensuring the highest standards of accuracy and reliability for all measured markers including Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, LH, SHBG, and FAI. The dried blood spot method is scientifically validated for these specific hormone measurements, comparable to venipuncture in precision. Furthermore, all results undergo physician review, providing an additional layer of medical oversight and validation for your peace of mind.

What does the price of the Testosterone Test Plus include, and how are my results interpreted?

The price includes the complete at-home dried blood spot collection kit, all laboratory analysis for Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, LH, SHBG, and FAI, shipping to and from the lab, and access to your secure digital results report. Your report will not only display your numerical values but also provide clear reference ranges and physician-reviewed commentary to help you understand what your levels mean. While we offer guidance, we always recommend discussing your results with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and potential lifestyle interventions.

Why is measuring all these specific hormones (Total T, Free T, LH, SHBG, FAI) together crucial for male health?

Measuring Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, LH, SHBG, and FAI concurrently offers a profoundly comprehensive view of your androgenic status and endocrine function. Total Testosterone indicates overall production, while Free Testosterone represents biologically active hormone. LH levels reveal pituitary gland function, indicating if the testes are receiving proper signaling; SHBG impacts testosterone's availability. The Free Androgen Index synthesizes this information to provide a robust indicator of free testosterone activity, collectively offering granular insights into the complex interplay governing male hormonal health, enabling more targeted interventions.

Can I use the Testosterone Test Plus to monitor my hormone levels over time, and what are the benefits of longitudinal testing?

Yes, absolutely. The Testosterone Test Plus is an excellent tool for longitudinal monitoring of your hormonal health. Tracking your Total Testosterone, Free Testosterone, LH, SHBG, and FAI levels over time allows you to observe trends, assess the effectiveness of lifestyle changes (such as diet, exercise, or sleep optimization), or evaluate interventions. Consistent monitoring provides invaluable data, transforming snapshots into a dynamic understanding of your body's responses and facilitating proactive management of your vitality and well-being.

Customer reviews

4.6/5 (5)

• 5/5 — The kit arrived quickly and the instructions were very straightforward. Got my results back in just a few days, really happy with the detail.
• 5/5 — Quick turnaround on results, and the report was comprehensive.
• 4/5 — Gave me some good data points for discussion with my doctor.
• 5/5 — Much easier than going to a lab. The results were easy to understand.
• 4/5 — Test provided useful information about my hormones. Collecting the sample early morning sometimes felt rushed.