All About At Home Male Hormone Testing Kits
Introduction
A male hormone test kit is a very useful way to make sure one’s hormones are in check. Testosterone is a male sex steroid hormone produced in the testes of men that’s associated with their sexual function. It’s the most common naturally occurring androgen (a group of sex hormones which gives men their ‘male’ characteristics). It also plays a significant role in the regulation of other bodily functions including:
- Bone maintenance
- Metabolic rate
- Heart rate
- Cholesterol levels
- Body temperature
- Digestive function
- Mood and energy levels
- Brain development
- Hair growth
- Muscle control
- Nervous system
There is a trend of declining testosterone (male sex hormone and anabolic steroid) levels with an upsurge in associated health disorders. This includes decreased semen quality and genital abnormalities in newborn boys. Almost one-third of all men over the age of 75 have lower-than-normal testosterone levels. However, low testosterone levels can occur in men of any age. It can be a symptom of underlying health problems such as obesity, cancer treatments, a pituitary gland disorder, or an injury can reduce testosterone levels.
Symptoms of low testosterone
Low testosterone levels are often associated with the aging process, but in some cases, serious medical condition could also be the reason. Below are the symptoms of low testosterone levels:
- Decreased sex drive
- Reduced erectile function
- Loss of body hair
- Reduced beard growth
- Signs of depression
- Loss of lean muscle mass
- Fatigue (feeling of physical exhaustion all the time)
- Obesity (excessive weight)
Diagnosing low testosterone
Consulting with your physician allows him to carry out a physical exam. This will help him check the signs and symptoms of your testosterone levels. He will also do a blood test to check your hormone levels. Your GP prefers to collect your blood sample 7:00 and 10:00 a.m because testosterone levels show a lot of variation (peaks and valleys) during the day time with highest levels at 8 a.m.
A blood test for the male hormone- testosterone will help your physician to assess and measure the total amount of free testosterone circulating in your blood. Research indicates that measuring male hormone levels – testosterone is an accurate and reliable method of diagnosing hypogonadism which is a condition when the male body doesn’t produce enough of testosterone. However, testosterone levels are affected by many factors. Therefore, increased or reduced levels do not necessarily indicate a clinical problem.
At home male hormone test kit
Male hormone test kits are easily available nowadays. Before you see your doctor, these test kits help you measure your hormone levels. The sample can easily be collected at home because these test kits test your saliva. The number of samples to be collected and instructions of how they are to be collected depends on the test kit. However, all home test kits need you to send your samples to a laboratory for testing. After that, you will get the results within a few days or a few weeks.
One of the best companies to buy a male hormone test kit is from Letsgetchecked.com. They are one of the most reliable, accurate, and cheapest place online to get the test kits.
Saliva testing – Accuracy versus reliability
It is important to understand the reliability factor of saliva testing versus the blood testing, prior to depending on the results produced by the testosterone home test kit. Saliva testing method is relatively straightforward to the blood testing. Hence, researchers are inclined to understand if this method is reliable enough. However, there is mixed speculation from the experts panel. According to the American Association of Clinical Endocrinologist, blood testing is the most reliable option to measure sex hormones level like testosterone because saliva testing has a lot of result variances.
In contrast, there are studies which state the preference of saliva testing since it is less daunting. According to a review, the saliva is as reliable as other body fluids such as urine, sweat, and tears. These reviewers haven’t commented on the viability of domestic home testing kits that are available over the counter though. The authenticity of these kits is not confirmed by these reviews. The way saliva sampling is done and stored could also be a factor to get an authentic measurement for testosterone.
What do you do with the results?
When using at home male hormone test kit to check your testosterone levels, it is important to follow the step-by-step instructions. With that, the lab should be able to give a detailed investigation report of your testosterone levels. In case you have symptoms of low testosterone but your test results are normal, then it’s good to see your health provider.
If your results show low levels of testosterone, consult your doctor before trying any home treatments and remedies. A variety of testosterone supplements available in the market carry risks, and they can cause side effects such as:
- Prostate growth
- sleep apnea
- an increased risk of heart disease
- limited sperm production
Low testosterone levels can also sometimes be a symptom of an underlying health issue. This is yet another good reason for you to do a test to measure the hormone levels. If your levels are low, then you need to consult your physician.
Benefits of the home male hormone test kit
Convenience
The tests are carried out by highly accredited labs and the results are available in 2 – 5 days. You do not have to take time off work or visit any test lab or your physician office.
Control
The complete testing process is under your control, and the results can be easily managed from a secure online account. You do not have to run after the nurses and doctors requesting for your results.
Accuracy
At home male hormone test kit is accurate and reliable.
Takeaway
Low levels of testosterone could just be the result of normal aging phenomena. However, some other health conditions could also cause testosterone levels to drop. In either case, the best solution is to consult your health provider for an accurate diagnosis and recommended therapies and treatment options.
References
https://www.healthline.com/health/testosterone-test-kits