A blood draw before 10am is recommended for the most representative result. Levels also gradually decline with age in males, typically from around age 30. Your venous blood is taken by a registered nurse in an appointment of approximately 20 minutes. The Testosterone (Total), LC MS Mass Spec is an individual blood test available at St Paul's Medical and Dental, our private practice at 5 Ave Maria Lane in the City of London, EC4M 7AQ. These tools can’t diagnose you, but they can help you decide whether to talk to your doctor about getting a testosterone blood test. "Testosterone peaks in the morning and goes down throughout the day," says Campbell, adding that the best time to get tested is before 10 a.m. These symptoms can affect your energy, mood, sex drive and fertility. Your doctor might order it if you have symptoms of low or high testosterone. The test can also help diagnose polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), a hormone condition that causes elevated testosterone and can lead to irregular periods or make it hard to get pregnant. If you’re having a hard time getting your partner pregnant, the test can also show whether low testosterone might be causing the issue. In males, a testosterone test can help find the reason for sexual problems, such as low sex drive or erectile dysfunction. The reference range for testosterone has been adjusted to have a lower limit of 12 nmol/L to reflect guidance from the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) 2022. The Testosterone Blood Test is suitable for both men and women. It also controls sperm production, so changes in this hormone can affect fertility. Women also produce testosterone in their ovaries and adrenal glands, but usually in smaller quantities. Use the simple finger-prick method to collect your blood sample at home, following the step-by-step guide provided. For more information, read our guide on what testosterone is. Fasting before a blood draw means you don’t eat or drink anything except water. WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Your doctor can recommend the right schedule for you based on your health history. The information on this site should not be used as a substitute for professional medical care or advice. Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results. You may have slight pain or bruising at the spot where the needle was put in, but most symptoms go away quickly.
