Quest Diagnostics Testosterone Test
Type
Blood Testing
Biomarkers
9
Duration
30 min
Results
4 days
Blood test to check total testosterone levels for potential abnormalities like hypogonadism and hyperandrogenism.
This blood test measures total testosterone, encompassing all forms, including free and protein-bound. It helps individuals and their healthcare providers identify potential abnormalities in testosterone levels, such as hypogonadism (low testosterone) and hyperandrogenism (high androgen levels). Testosterone impacts sex drive, fertility, energy, muscle mass, body fat distribution, and bone density. Understanding testosterone levels is crucial for overall health and may be particularly relevant for those experiencing related symptoms or undergoing hormone therapy.
Key Details
- Biomarkers
- 4–12 hormone markers
- Fasting Required
- Not required, but morning draw recommended
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Turnaround
- 2–5 business days
- Timing Note
- Morning draw for accurate testosterone/cortisol
Who Is This For?
Men over 30 experiencing low energy, reduced libido, difficulty building muscle, or mood changes. Women with irregular periods, fertility concerns, or perimenopausal symptoms. Anyone experiencing unexplained fatigue, weight gain, sleep disruption, or mood swings. Athletes interested in optimizing recovery and performance through hormonal insights.
What's Included
Preparation Required
Fasting for 10–12 hours before your appointment is recommended for accurate results (water is fine). Avoid alcohol for 24 hours and intense exercise for 12 hours before the blood draw. Morning appointments are ideal for consistent hormone and glucose readings. The blood draw typically takes 5–10 minutes.
Biomarkers Tested
9Free Testosterone Index (FTI) is a measure of the amount of testosterone available in the blood. It helps assess androgen status in both men and women.
The primary male sex hormone, also important in women at lower levels. Testosterone regulates muscle mass, bone density, fat distribution, libido, and mood. Levels decline naturally with age in both sexes.
The most potent and prevalent form of estrogen. In women, estradiol regulates the menstrual cycle, fertility, and bone density. In men, it's produced from testosterone and plays roles in bone health and libido. Levels vary significantly with age and menstrual cycle.
A protein that binds and transports sex hormones (testosterone, estrogen) in the blood. High SHBG reduces the amount of free, active hormones available. SHBG increases with age, thyroid hormones, and estrogen; decreases with obesity and insulin resistance.
The primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol regulates metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the sleep-wake cycle. Chronically elevated cortisol from stress contributes to weight gain, immune suppression, and metabolic dysfunction.
The sulfated, stable form of DHEA with a long half-life, making it the preferred test for adrenal androgen production. DHEA-S is the most abundant circulating steroid hormone and a key longevity biomarker.
The unbound, biologically active fraction of testosterone (typically 1–3% of total). Free testosterone is the form that can enter cells and exert effects. More clinically relevant than total testosterone for assessing hormonal status.
Regulates reproductive function in both sexes. In women, FSH stimulates egg development; elevated levels indicate declining ovarian reserve or menopause. In men, FSH stimulates sperm production.
Works with FSH to regulate reproductive function. In women, an LH surge triggers ovulation. In men, LH stimulates testosterone production. Abnormal levels can indicate pituitary or gonadal disorders.
+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee
- Category
- Diagnostic
- Sample Type
- Blood draw
- Duration
- 30 min
- Results
- 4 days