Testosterone level test: Everything you need to know

Testosterone is a vital hormone for many functions in the body. It plays a role in physical growth, muscle strength, bone health and mood. Both men and women have testosterone, although men typically have higher levels than women. At South Ealing Pharmacy, we offer a convenient way to check testosterone levels through a simple blood test. You can book a testosterone level test with us and receive your results within three working days. This guide provides in-depth information on testosterone, how it works, the difference between total and free testosterone, signs of low and high levels, and how you might improve your hormone balance naturally. Our aim is to help you understand this important hormone, so you can take steps to optimise your health and wellbeing.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a hormone primarily produced by the testes in men. Women also produce testosterone, though in smaller amounts, and it is mainly made in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone is known for its role in sexual development and function, but it does a lot more than that. It helps to maintain muscle mass, bone density and red blood cell production. It can also affect mood and energy levels.

When testosterone levels are balanced, the body often has a good equilibrium of strength and vitality. When levels drop or rise too high, you may experience certain physical or emotional changes. This is why it is so important to keep an eye on your testosterone. If you feel run-down or have unexpected changes in your energy levels or physical health, it might be worth considering a testosterone blood test. You can book a blood test for testosterone with South Ealing Pharmacy if you suspect your levels might be off.

What's the difference between total testosterone and free testosterone?

When you decide to test testosterone levels, you will often come across two terms: total testosterone and free testosterone. Total testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone in your blood. Most of this testosterone is bound to proteins called sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. Bound testosterone is not always available for use by the body. Free testosterone is the portion of testosterone that is not bound to these proteins. This unbound testosterone is often considered the biologically active form, because it is free to bind with cells and receptors throughout the body.

Free testosterone tends to be a small fraction of your total testosterone, but it can be a better indicator of any hormonal imbalances. Even if your total testosterone levels seem normal, your free testosterone levels could be too low. Similarly, you might have a total testosterone reading that looks high but still feel signs of low testosterone if your free testosterone is below optimal levels. At South Ealing Pharmacy, you can request a lab test for testosterone that examines your total or free levels, depending on your needs and the advice of a healthcare professional.

What causes low testosterone levels?

Low testosterone can occur for several reasons. Ageing is one of the most common causes. Men often experience a gradual decline in testosterone, usually starting in their 30s or 40s. Women may also notice a decrease in testosterone levels with age, especially after menopause. Certain medical conditions can lead to low testosterone, such as problems with the pituitary gland or a condition known as hypogonadism. Some people may develop low levels after chemotherapy or radiation therapy that affects the hormone-producing areas of the body. Chronic illnesses like kidney disease and liver disease may also play a role.

Lifestyle factors can influence your testosterone levels. High stress, lack of sleep and a poor diet can lead to hormonal imbalances. Excessive alcohol use or drug use may also harm the body’s ability to maintain optimal testosterone. Being overweight can further exacerbate the problem, since fat cells can increase the conversion of testosterone to oestrogen. This is why a balanced diet, regular exercise and good sleep habits are crucial for hormone health. If you are concerned about any of these factors, a testosterone blood test at South Ealing Pharmacy can give you clearer insight into whether your lifestyle might be impacting your hormone levels.

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

Low testosterone can present with a range of symptoms that may be subtle at first. Many men notice a reduced sex drive or difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection. Some experience fatigue and a lack of energy, which might make it harder to get through the day. You might also notice a decrease in muscle mass and an increase in body fat, particularly around the midsection. Mood changes, irritability and depression can also occur. In fact, some men do not realise these changes in mood are related to their hormones until they check testosterone levels.

Hair loss can be another sign, especially if it occurs earlier than expected. In women, low testosterone might manifest as a decrease in libido, reduced strength or mood shifts. Because testosterone is an important hormone for the female body as well, an imbalance can create subtle but impactful changes. If you experience any of these symptoms, it may be time to consider a testosterone level test. Our team at South Ealing Pharmacy makes it easy for you to book a test and get your results quickly.

What are the symptoms of high testosterone?

High testosterone is less common than low testosterone, but it can still happen. In men, you might notice acne, greasy skin or excessive body hair. Some people with high testosterone experience mood swings, aggression or irritability. Having too much testosterone can also lead to an increase in muscle mass beyond what might be expected from normal exercise routines. While increased muscle can seem positive, a sudden and unexplained rise might be worth investigating.

In women, high testosterone can cause unwanted facial or body hair (known as hirsutism), acne or a deeper voice. Irregular menstrual cycles may also occur. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is one condition associated with higher testosterone levels in women. If you suspect that your levels might be higher than usual, a lab test for testosterone can help you learn more. At South Ealing Pharmacy, we can organise a quick and reliable blood test to confirm whether your testosterone is elevated.

Can women take this test?

Women can absolutely take a testosterone level test. Testosterone is not exclusive to men, and it plays a significant role in women’s health. If you are a woman who experiences any of the symptoms mentioned above—such as loss of libido, unexplained fatigue or hirsutism—a blood test can reveal if your hormone levels are the root cause. Some women might also want to check testosterone levels as part of a broader look at hormones, such as oestrogen and progesterone, especially during periods of change like pregnancy or menopause.

At South Ealing Pharmacy, we welcome both men and women to book a blood test for testosterone. We understand that hormonal balance can be tricky, and checking your levels is a proactive way to spot any issues before they worsen.

Can I increase my testosterone levels naturally?

Many people wonder if lifestyle changes can help improve their testosterone levels. It can be possible to boost hormone levels naturally if you maintain healthy habits and address underlying issues that might be affecting your body’s hormone production.

Regular exercise can be a helpful start. Resistance training, such as lifting weights or performing bodyweight exercises, can stimulate testosterone production. If you find heavy weights intimidating, even moderate strength training sessions might offer benefits over time. Getting enough sleep is also crucial. Studies show that chronic sleep deprivation can lead to a drop in testosterone, so aiming for seven to nine hours of quality sleep can help keep your hormones balanced.

A balanced diet that includes proteins, healthy fats and carbohydrates from whole foods can also support hormone health. Foods rich in vitamins D and B, as well as zinc and magnesium, can be particularly helpful. Reducing stress through meditation, yoga or other relaxation techniques may have a positive effect too. Prolonged stress signals the body to produce cortisol, a hormone that can interfere with normal testosterone production.

These lifestyle changes may gradually help you move towards optimal testosterone levels. However, if you suspect a significant imbalance, you should still consider a testosterone blood test. Even a healthy lifestyle can sometimes be overshadowed by underlying medical conditions. Getting the correct blood test at South Ealing Pharmacy can help determine whether you have a deeper issue that needs more targeted attention.

What do my testosterone test levels mean?

If you decide to have a test to check testosterone levels, you will receive a numerical value for your total and/or free testosterone. The exact healthy range can vary depending on factors like age, sex and the specific laboratory that analyses your sample. In men, a typical total testosterone range might be somewhere between 8.0 and 30.0 nmol/L, although it can differ slightly between labs. In women, normal levels are often much lower.

Interpreting these results can sometimes be confusing. A level that seems low might still be within a normal range for your specific demographic, while a level that appears high might be normal for someone else. This is why it is important to discuss your results with a qualified healthcare professional who can account for your overall health, symptoms and any other factors that might be affecting your hormone balance.

At South Ealing Pharmacy, we provide clear guidance on your test results. If your testosterone levels are outside the expected range, we can advise you on next steps or refer you to your GP or a specialist for further investigation. Understanding your levels is the first step in taking control of your health, and our friendly team is here to help you with any questions you may have.

Why do I need a testosterone levels test?

A testosterone levels test can be important for several reasons. If you have persistent low energy, reduced libido, unexplained weight gain or mood changes, a test can reveal whether hormonal imbalances are at play. Early detection of low or high testosterone might help you avoid complications later on, since untreated hormone issues can contribute to problems like osteoporosis, cardiovascular issues or metabolic disorders. For women, identifying high testosterone can help diagnose conditions like PCOS, which often benefits from prompt treatment or lifestyle adjustments.

Testing is also valuable if you are embarking on certain fitness or health journeys. Monitoring testosterone is a good way to see if your exercise routine or diet is giving you the benefits you expect. It can also help men who are considering testosterone replacement therapy or women exploring hormonal treatments. Knowing your baseline levels can guide you in making the right decisions for your physical wellbeing.

At South Ealing Pharmacy, we believe that knowledge is power when it comes to your health. By offering a straightforward testosterone blood test, we give you the means to understand your body’s hormone balance. You can get your results in as little as three working days, which means you do not have to wait for weeks to find out if you have an issue that requires attention. Our pharmacy is located in a convenient spot, and our team is on hand to answer any queries you may have before or after your test.

Final thoughts and how to book

Maintaining balanced testosterone levels is essential for both men and women. Hormonal imbalances can have a large impact on your overall health, including your mood, muscle strength, weight management and bone density. If you suspect your testosterone levels might be too low or too high, getting a testosterone level test is a key step. A quick blood test can provide the information you need to make informed decisions about your wellbeing.

South Ealing Pharmacy is proud to offer a reliable and efficient way to check testosterone levels. Our service is designed to be quick and hassle-free, so you can have peace of mind. Once you book your test, you can expect to get your results within three working days. Whether you are curious about your levels due to specific symptoms, or you simply want a comprehensive health check, our team is here to support you. We can help you interpret your test results and, if needed, recommend further steps or refer you to another healthcare provider.

We encourage you to look after your health by monitoring important markers like testosterone. By keeping an eye on your levels, you can catch imbalances before they become bigger problems. You do not need a referral or a special appointment. Just contact our friendly staff at South Ealing Pharmacy to organise your testosterone blood test. We will do our best to make the process easy from start to finish.

Understanding testosterone is not just about addressing specific symptoms. It is also about feeling confident in your health. When hormones are balanced, many people experience improved energy, mood and overall physical performance. If you have concerns or simply want to be proactive about your health, book your testosterone level test with South Ealing Pharmacy and take that important step towards a healthier, happier you. You deserve to know where you stand, and we are here to help every step of the way.