Testing testosterone is best done with a blood draw in the morning, between 7 and 10 am, because that is when your level peaks. One reading says less than two on different days. Below you will read how to prepare, what to measure and how to get a reliable result.
One tip up front that prevents a lot of noise: always draw at a similar time.
How do you get your testosterone tested?
Testosterone is measured through a blood draw in the arm. You can go to your GP or to a draw location of a test provider. What matters is that the right values are included, because total testosterone alone does not always give enough context.
A hormone panel measures several values in one draw. That saves a second appointment and gives a fuller picture straight away.
You can have your values measured with the General Hormones panel, which measures SHBG and the signalling hormones alongside your testosterone.
When is the best time to test?
The morning is preferred, because testosterone follows a daily rhythm and falls during the day. Ideally do not test right after a night of poor sleep, a heavy session or during an acute illness, because those can temporarily lower your value.
A few practical points:
- Time: between 7 and 10 am.
- Repeat: with an abnormal result, a second reading on another day is common.
- Context: note your sleep and training so you can interpret the result better.
If you use testosterone therapy, different testing moments apply. They are described in TRT monitoring.
What do your blood values mean?
Your result usually consists of total testosterone, free testosterone and SHBG. The total is your starting point, but the story often sits in the ratio with SHBG and the free fraction. A normal total with a high SHBG can still work out on the low side for your body.
The ratio between total and free testosterone is explained in free testosterone and SHBG. To learn how to read the numbers and reference ranges, read understanding your testosterone values.
My advice: always have your result assessed by a doctor. A number without context is easy to read wrong.
References
- Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone therapy in men with hypogonadism: an Endocrine Society clinical practice guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2018;103(5):1715-1744. PMID: 29562364.
- Wu FCW, Tajar A, Beynon JM, et al. Identification of late-onset hypogonadism in middle-aged and elderly men. New England Journal of Medicine. 2010;363(2):123-135. PMID: 20554979.
- Travison TG, Araujo AB, O'Donnell AB, et al. A population-level decline in serum testosterone levels in American men. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism. 2007;92(1):196-202. PMID: 17062768.
Disclaimer
Every blood test result includes a professional assessment by a BIG-registered doctor. This article gives general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. A blood test is a tool to enter the conversation with your GP better informed, not a diagnosis in itself. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.
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