What kind of test is required to confirm low testosterone?

To determine if someone has low testosterone, doctors usually order a blood test that checks the level of testosterone in your blood. This test is typically done in the morning because testosterone levels are highest at that time. The test measures what's known as total testosterone, which is the sum of free and bound testosterone. In some cases, if the total testosterone result is borderline or if there are symptoms that do not fully match, your doctor might also order a test for free testosterone. Free testosterone is the portion of your hormone that is not attached to proteins and is readily available for use by your body. The standard test is a serum testosterone level check, and results are compared against normal ranges based on age and other factors. It's important to follow your doctor's instructions on when to have blood drawn for this test because timing can affect the readings. If you're experiencing symptoms that concern you, you can start by using a free symptom checker to help identify potential causes before discussing the results of any tests and treatment options with your healthcare provider.