Men's Health · Hormones & Blood Tests
Fatigue, low drive, lost muscle, low mood — they often trace back to a handful of hormones. Here's what each one does, what happens when it's off, and how to check the numbers.
See where to get tested — UK · US · Worldwide ↓Does this sound familiar?
Low testosterone and related imbalances rarely announce themselves. They show up as everyday things easy to blame on age or stress:
One or two can be normal. Several together, lasting for weeks, are worth understanding — which starts with the hormones behind them.
The hormones, at a glance
The whole picture in one view. A single testosterone reading misses most of it.
Why LH & FSH matter
Low testosterone can come from the testes themselves, or from the brain's signal to them. That's the difference between primary and secondary — and why a good test checks the signal too.
Reading the number
Most men start with total testosterone. UK guidance gives rough thresholds — but how you feel matters as much as the number.
Illustrative only — ranges vary by laboratory, age, time of day, units and assay. A result “in range” doesn't rule out a problem if you have symptoms. Always interpret with a doctor.
Sources: BSSM (2023) · Society for Endocrinology (UK) · NHS.
If you want to check your levels
Reputable at-home and lab services that test these hormones — compared at a glance, grouped by region.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Only providers we consider reputable are listed.
Why you can trust this guide
Built on officially recognised medical information — guidance from the NHS, the British Society for Sexual Medicine and the Society for Endocrinology. We explain what tests measure and what results can mean; we don't diagnose, and we never publish dosing or treatment protocols.
Affiliate disclosure: some provider links are affiliate links and we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. This never changes which services we list — only ones we consider reputable appear here.
Written by M. Videika — about The Testosterone Blueprint. Educational only; not a substitute for advice from your doctor.
Yes. If SHBG is high, your usable (free) testosterone can be low even when total looks normal — which is why a full panel beats a single number.
No — the services above let you order privately online. But results are best interpreted with a doctor, especially if anything is borderline.
In the morning, when testosterone peaks. Because it fluctuates, a borderline result is often confirmed with a second morning sample.
Both can be accurate. A venous (nurse-drawn) sample is often preferred for testosterone to avoid contamination — especially if you use testosterone gels or creams.
It varies by provider and how many markers you check — from a single testosterone test up to a full panel. Prices differ by country, so check the current cost on each provider's site via the links above.
Take the sample in the morning (ideally before 10am), when testosterone is highest. Many providers suggest being well hydrated and avoiding heavy exercise or alcohol the day before. Follow the exact instructions in your kit.
Usually 1–5 working days depending on the provider. Results appear in a secure online account, and several services include a doctor's or nurse's comment on what they mean.
For a clear picture, a full male panel (total & free testosterone, SHBG, LH, FSH, oestradiol and prolactin) tells you more than testosterone alone. Adding thyroid (TSH) and vitamin D helps rule out other causes of the same symptoms.
Reputable providers use accredited laboratories, so the analysis is reliable. The biggest variable is how the sample is collected — so follow the timing and technique instructions carefully, and confirm important results with a repeat test or your doctor.
Yes. While levels decline gradually with age, low testosterone can affect men of any age. If several symptoms persist for weeks, testing is reasonable regardless of your age.
Don't panic, and don't start any treatment on your own. Take your results to a doctor — a single reading isn't a diagnosis, and they may repeat the test or look at the wider picture before advising anything.
Total T is all the testosterone in your blood; free T is the small unbound portion your body can actually use. SHBG changes how much is free — which is why a “normal” total can still come with symptoms.
Not ready for a blood test?
A quick symptom-based read — no blood, no email required.