Description
What is testosterone?
Testosterone is a vital hormone that plays a key role in energy levels, mood, motivation, muscle mass, strength, libido, and overall well being. When testosterone is out of balance — whether too low, too high, or not being properly utilised — it can lead to a wide range of symptoms. These may include persistent fatigue, low mood, lack of motivation, reduced sex drive, difficulty building or maintaining muscle, weight gain, or fertility challenges. Even if your total testosterone levels appear “normal,” you may still experience symptoms if your body isn’t accessing enough active hormone.
What could a comprehensive testosterone blood test show?
This test goes further by looking at multiple aspects of testosterone function. It includes your total testosterone, which shows the overall amount of the hormone in your blood. But more importantly, it measures free testosterone — the portion that is unbound and fully available for your body to use. This active form of testosterone is often a better indicator of how you’re actually feeling day to day.
The test also evaluates your free-to-total testosterone ratio, helping to reveal whether the balance between usable and bound testosterone is where it should be. It measures SHBG, a protein that binds to testosterone and can make it unavailable. High levels of SHBG can trap too much testosterone, which means your body has less to work with, even if the total level looks fine. Albumin is another protein included in this panel, which binds to testosterone more loosely and plays a role in calculating how much free testosterone you have.
Finally, the Free Androgen Index (FAI) is calculated to estimate how much active testosterone is truly available, especially useful in situations where binding proteins like SHBG are affecting hormone balance.
This comprehensive approach makes the test ideal for men who are experiencing symptoms related to testosterone imbalance or deficiency, as well as those already on testosterone replacement therapy who want to monitor how their treatment is working. It can also be useful for those trying to understand fertility issues or simply get a clear baseline of their hormone health.
By taking this test, you’re not just getting a number — you’re gaining meaningful insight into how your body is functioning and where support may be needed. Whether you’re investigating symptoms, optimising your health, or tracking progress on hormone therapy, this test offers clarity and guidance.
How often should I have a testosterone blood test?
If you are taking testosterone therapy (TT) and are stable a testosterone blood test is recommended every 6-12 months.
If you are trying to increase/decrease your testosterone levels naturally then a test every 6 months is recommended.
Our Nurses visit your Home or Work to take your blood.
Pick a time and date to suit you.
Your results are available online within days of your blood being taken.
Other Questions
If you experiencing any of these symptoms it may be due to your testosterone levels
- Low energy or persistent fatigue, even with rest
- Reduced sex drive or libido
- Erectile dysfunction or performance issues
- Mood changes like irritability, depression, or low motivation
- Loss of muscle mass or strength, despite exercising
- Increased body fat, especially around the belly
- Difficulty concentrating or brain fog
- Reduced endurance or recovery after workouts
- Infertility or low sperm count
- Decreased bone density or frequent injuries
This blood test is to check on:
- Hormones
- Proteins
For best results (if medically suitable) it is advisable to fast (water is allowed) 12 hours prior to the test.
Collection method: Venous blood
Results available: 1-2 days after the sample has reached the laboratory.
Total Testosterone
This measures the overall amount of testosterone in your blood, including both active (free) and inactive (bound) forms.
Free Testosterone
This is the unbound form that’s biologically active and available for your body to use. It’s often a better indicator of how your body is really functioning hormonally.
Free/Total Testosterone ratio
The Free/Total Testosterone Ratio is a biomarker that helps determine how much of your total testosterone is actually available for your body to use.
Albumin
Some testosterone in your blood is loosely bound to albumin, and this portion is considered bioavailable — meaning it can still be used by your body.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
While not testosterone itself, SHBG affects how much testosterone is available. High SHBG can reduce free testosterone levels.
Free Androgen Index (FAI)
A calculated ratio of total testosterone to SHBG. It helps estimate how much usable testosterone is circulating.
How it Works
1. Order a Test
Order your test, and then Answer the Questions about why you’re taking that test.
Our nurse will contact you for dates, so they can take your blood sample at your home.
Our nurse will then send your sample to our laboratory.
2. Our laboratory team run the tests
Our skilled laboratory staff conduct your blood tests in a clean and secure environment, ensuring accuracy and reliability.
Each test follows strict protocols to maintain the highest quality standards.
3. Receive Your Results within 7 days
We will email you to inform you that your blood test results are ready.
The email will have a PDF report attached, sent directly to your inbox.
4. Monitor your levels over time
With regular ongoing tests and reports, you can track your results. The reports can be shared with your GP.
Check if you’re improving healthily or where changes could be made.
