Understanding Testosterone Tests: Types, Ranges & Interpretation
Testosterone is a hormone that plays a key role in reproductive health, muscle mass, mood, and energy levels. While often associated with male development, it’s also essential in female physiology. If you’re experiencing changes in sexual function, mood, or physical health, a testosterone test can help determine whether your hormone levels are within a healthy range.
In this article, we’ll explain how testosterone tests work, what your results may indicate, and when it’s time to speak with a healthcare provider. Whether you're evaluating symptoms or monitoring hormone therapy, understanding your testosterone levels is an important step in managing your health.
What Is Testosterone?
Testosterone is a steroid hormone that belongs to the androgen group. While it’s commonly associated with male development, both males and females produce testosterone in different amounts. In males, it's primarily produced in the testes; in females, smaller amounts are produced in the ovaries and adrenal glands.
Testosterone supports a wide range of bodily functions, including:
Sexual development and libido
Muscle mass and bone density
Red blood cell production
Mood, energy, and cognitive function
In females, testosterone contributes to fertility, hormonal balance, and sexual well-being. Imbalances—whether too high or too low—can affect physical, emotional, and reproductive health in all sexes. That’s why testing testosterone levels can be an important diagnostic and monitoring tool in a range of medical contexts.
Signs of Low or High Testosterone
Testosterone imbalances can affect people differently depending on age, sex, and overall health. Recognizing the symptoms can help guide whether testing is appropriate.
Low Testosterone Symptoms
In males, signs of low testosterone (often called low T or hypogonadism) may include:
Reduced libido or erectile dysfunction
Fatigue or low energy
Loss of muscle mass
Weight gain, especially around the abdomen
Depression or irritability
Decreased bone density
Reduced body or facial hair
In females, low testosterone may contribute to:
Low sexual desire
Mood changes or brain fog
Fatigue
Thinning hair or skin changes
High Testosterone Symptoms
While less common, high testosterone levels can also cause health issues.
In males, symptoms may include:
Acne or oily skin
Increased body or facial hair
Aggression or mood swings
High blood pressure
Enlarged prostate
In females, high testosterone may lead to:
Irregular menstrual cycles
Unwanted hair growth (hirsutism)
Acne or hair thinning
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS)
Difficulty with fertility
Because these symptoms can overlap with other conditions, a testosterone test is essential to confirm hormone levels and identify possible underlying causes.
How Testosterone Testing Works
A testosterone test measures the amount of testosterone in your blood. It’s a straightforward process that can be done in a clinical setting or with an at-home collection kit. These tests help determine whether your testosterone levels are within a healthy range based on your age and sex.
Types of Testosterone Measured
There are two primary forms of testosterone that a lab may evaluate:
Total testosterone: This includes both free testosterone (not bound to proteins) and testosterone attached to proteins like SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin).
Free testosterone: This refers to the portion of testosterone that circulates freely in the bloodstream and is most readily available to tissues.
In most cases, your provider will test total testosterone first. If results are borderline or symptoms don’t match, free testosterone levels may be measured for a more complete picture.
When to Take the Test
Timing matters. Testosterone levels fluctuate throughout the day and are usually highest in the early morning. For males under age 45, testing is often recommended between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m. for the most accurate reading.
What Your Testosterone Test Results Can Tell You
Interpreting testosterone levels requires context—your age, sex, symptoms, and testing method all influence what’s considered “normal.” Below are general reference ranges and what your results might indicate.
Typical Testosterone Ranges
Adult males:
Normal total testosterone levels range from 300 to 1,000 ng/dL. Levels below 300 ng/dL may suggest low T, particularly if symptoms are present.Adult females:
A typical range is 15 to 70 ng/dL. Levels outside this range could be associated with hormonal imbalances, including PCOS or menopause-related changes.
Note: Labs may vary slightly in how they define reference ranges. It’s important to discuss your specific numbers with a healthcare provider.
Factors That Can Affect Your Results
Several conditions or lifestyle factors may influence testosterone levels:
Low testosterone may be linked to:
Aging
Obesity
Diabetes
Testicular or ovarian disorders
Chronic illness or certain medications
High testosterone may result from:
Polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) in females
Congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH)
Tumors affecting the adrenal glands or testes
Use of testosterone therapy or anabolic steroids
Keep in mind that a single test result may not be enough to make a diagnosis. Retesting or additional labs may be recommended to confirm levels.
When to Talk to a Doctor About Your Results
Whether your testosterone levels are low, high, or borderline, it’s important to speak with a healthcare provider to understand what your results mean for your health. A provider can help interpret your lab values in context—considering age, sex, symptoms, medications, and underlying conditions.
Why Medical Follow-Up Matters
For low testosterone: Your provider may assess for causes like aging, chronic stress, testicular or pituitary disorders, or metabolic conditions. Treatment options might include lifestyle changes, addressing underlying health issues, or testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) in certain cases.
For high testosterone: Particularly in females, elevated levels may be associated with conditions like PCOS or adrenal abnormalities. Further evaluation may include hormone panels, pelvic imaging, or specialist referral.
For unclear results: If your testosterone level falls near the low or high end of the normal range, repeat testing or additional labs (e.g., SHBG, LH, FSH, estradiol) may be needed.
Even if your results are within the expected range, discussing them with your provider ensures you're not overlooking subtle patterns or early warning signs.
Takeaway
Testosterone plays a vital role in many aspects of physical, emotional, and reproductive health—for both males and females. If you're experiencing symptoms like fatigue, mood changes, sexual dysfunction, or irregular periods, a testosterone test can offer valuable insights.
Testing is quick, widely available, and increasingly accessible through both clinics and at-home kits. Understanding your results—whether low, high, or normal—can help guide next steps, from additional testing to treatment decisions.
No matter the outcome, discussing your testosterone levels with a qualified healthcare provider ensures you get accurate interpretation and care that’s tailored to your needs.
References
Lerchbaum, E., Schwetz, V., Rabe, T., Giuliani, A., & Obermayer-Pietsch, B. (2014). Hyperandrogenemia in polycystic ovary syndrome: exploration of the role of free testosterone and androstenedione in metabolic phenotype. PloS one, 9(10), e108263. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0108263
Novaes, L. F., Flores, J. M., Benfante, N., Schofield, E., Katz, D. J., Nelson, C. J., & Mulhall, J. P. (2024). Analysis of diurnal variation in serum testosterone levels in men with symptoms of testosterone deficiency. The journal of sexual medicine, 21(5), 408–413. https://doi.org/10.1093/jsxmed/qdae026
Sizar, O., Leslie, S. W., & Schwartz, J. (2024). Male Hypogonadism. In StatPearls. StatPearls Publishing.
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