Testosterone levels tend to fluctuate throughout a man’s lifetime. T levels for teenage boys are higher than adult males to speed up growth and development. After turning 30, T levels inevitably decline. About 5 percent of men ages 50 to 59 have T levels lower than 300 ng/dL and experience symptoms like low libido and fatigue.
According to The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism and the FDA, testosterone replacement therapy should only be prescribed if there is proof T levels are abnormally low.
What Are Normal Testosterone Levels?
It depends on who you ask. In the American Urological Association’s testosterone deficiency guidelines, normal T levels are between 300-1000ng/dL. Some clinicians find that the range is broader, 270-1200ng/dL.
There’s a lot of information about the harmful side effects associated with low T, like hair loss, fatigue, and sexual dysfunction. However, too much testosterone can also adversely affect the body. Levels above 1200ng/dL cause aggression, testicular shrinkage, and an enlarged prostate in men over 30.
Should I Test my Testosterone at Home?
The proliferation of the internet has dramatically changed the hormone replacement industry. In the past, men could only test their hormonal levels by making an appointment with a medical professional. Now, all it takes is an internet connection and in the manner of a few clicks, you can have an at-home test kit in your mailbox.
The phenomenon of at-home hormone testing first started as saliva, urine, and hair kits. Women could monitor their menstrual cycle and pinpoint their ovulation window from the comfort of their bathrooms.
However, at-home testing has evolved to include testosterone testing. There are two options, blood and saliva exams. Men can purchase tests online, and the prices can range from $50 to $150.
Saliva test kits are easier to complete than blood tests. Men can either swab their inner cheek or use a small vial to collect the sample. The process is less invasive and less stressful for patients than blood testing. Testosterone blood tests are essentially a finger-prick exam, along with either a vial or an absorbent piece of paper to collect the sample.
Once clients collect their sample, they can mail it to the lab for testing.
THE ACCURACY DEBATE
Many customers don’t realize the body produces two forms of testosterone, bound and bioavailable. Bound testosterone cannot be used, whereas free or bioavailable testosterone is not attached to proteins and can easily be used by the body to build muscle, regulate emotions, and raise libido.
The at-home test kits don’t differentiate between bound and bioavailable testosterone in the results. Instead, they only track total testosterone levels. Hormone experts know that just because an at-home test comes back within the normal range, does not mean a client is producing enough bioavailable testosterone.
Researchers believe that saliva tests have an especially large margin of error. Everyday activities like eating and drinking can drastically lower the validity of the exam. Even when customers do follow the necessary steps, there is no guarantee the results are accurate.
Finding Low T Centers in Bel Air
When it comes to your health and wellness, ‘close enough’ is simply not good enough. At-home testing for low T is not reliable. Instead, find a certified medical professional that specializes in hormone replacement and endocrinology. A physician can administer an accurate blood panel and diagnose the root cause of your issues.
Some men can experience the symptoms of low T but have T levels well within the normal range. A clinician can walk you through your results and create the best course of action for managing your symptoms and getting your life back.
While some low T centers only focus on medication, Renew Vitality LA takes a different approach. Our wellness programs are one of the only five clinics in Bel Air that incorporate exercise and nutrition, so clients reach the pinnacle of performance and health.
We’re the top choice for Bel Air, and its 9,000 residents. You can find us at 9301 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 404, Beverly Hills, CA, 90210 – near Spago and SIXTY Beverly Hills Hotel.
Try Renew Vitality
Low T can make many men feel stressed and frustrated. The symptoms include hot flashes, mood swings, weight gain, loss of muscle tone, and fatigue. Renew Vitality specializes in providing bioidentical hormone replacement therapy to increase protein synthesis, break down fat, restore energy levels, and raise libido.
The success of the treatment is largely dependent on the experience of the provider. At Renew Vitality LA, our concierge wellness team has decades of experience diagnosing and treating hormonal deficiencies.
Our TRT combines the convenience of at-home testing with the accuracy of a medical professional and the support of an entire team in your corner. Clients can administer their treatment in the comfort of their own homes while our team closely monitors the success.