How to Test for Over-Supplementing Testosterone

Testosterone is a hormone produced by a man's testicles. It is responsible for maintaining muscle, bone growth, sexual function and adequate levels of red blood cells. After age 30, it is normal for the amount of testosterone in a man's body to decline. When this happens, testosterone supplements may be prescribed. Some women also require testosterone supplementation. A normal testosterone level for a man is 30 to 1,000 nanograms per deciliter; for a woman, it's 20 to 80 nanograms per deciliter. Regular testing of testosterone levels are advised during testosterone supplementation to ensure that levels are adequate and not in excess. Testosterone levels can be checked with blood tests or saliva tests.

Things You'll Need

• Testosterone saliva test

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Instructions

• 1

  Ask your doctor to give you a testosterone blood test. The most commonly used test is a "total" testosterone level check.

• 2

  Find out if you also need a "free" testosterone level check. This tells how much testosterone is actually moving through your blood.

• 3

  Visit your doctor, or a lab prescribed by your doctor, for your testosterone test. The nurse or technician will draw a vial of blood from your arm and send it to a laboratory to be analyzed. Testosterone tests are typically performed in the morning when your testosterone levels are highest.

• 4

  Get your test results when they are completed. Your doctor's office will usually call you when results are in. Have your doctor explain the results and whether you need to add to or reduce your testosterone supplementation.

• 5

  Determine if a saliva test is an option for you. Discuss this with your doctor before purchasing one. This test can be done in the privacy of your home, or you can ask your doctor to do the test. Saliva test kits can be purchased online or from medical supply stores. The price can range from $40 to $125. Your medical insurance may not cover the price of an at-home test.

• 6

  Purchase the saliva testosterone test kit and follow the directions. In most instances, you will collect saliva in the tubes provided in your saliva test kit a few times a day. You then need to fill out the form included in the kit and mail it back to the test-kit company with your tubes of saliva. Your results should be returned to you in one to two weeks. Be sure to share the results with your doctor.