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Hormones

Total Testosterone Blood Test Results Guide

Total testosterone is a vital hormone that may influence energy, muscle maintenance, bone health, mood, and libido in both men and women. Monitoring your levels can provide valuable insight into your overall hormonal health and vitality.

Doctor's Assessment Included

Reference Ranges

See the value that applies to you:

Choose male or female — this range differs by sex.

Enter your age — this range changes with age.

This range also depends on context such as cycle phase or sample material; the highlighted rows apply to your group.

Your reference range
nmol/l
0,1 29 nmol/l
Reference ranges by group, in nmol/l
Male · 20–49 years 8,64–29 nmol/l
8,64 29
Male · 50 years and older 6,68–25,7 nmol/l
6,68 25,7
Female · 20–49 years 0,29–1,67 nmol/l
0,29 1,67
Female · 50 years and older 0,1–1,42 nmol/l
0,1 1,42
0,1 29 nmol/l

Package-insert value: 5th-95th percentile per subgroup (n = 136 men 20-49 years; 78 men 50 years and older; 89 women 20-49 years; 71 women 50 years and older), with blood drawn between 06:30 and 13:00 and without use of contraceptives. Testosterone follows a daily rhythm; a morning draw is the standard. A hormone reference value is assay-specific; these values apply to the Roche Elecsys method. Important for women: the limit of quantitation of this immunoassay is 0.416 nmol/l, and both lower female limits (0.290 and 0.101 nmol/l) lie below it. The intermediate precision at female concentrations is an 8.2 % coefficient of variation (cobas e 411, at 0.406 nmol/l) to 14.5 % (cobas e 601/e 602, at 0.323 nmol/l), against 1.8-3.0 % at male concentrations. LC-MS/MS is the reference method for testosterone in women; the package insert itself advises confirming an unexpectedly raised female result with an extraction method or a validated LC-MS/MS method.

Source: Roche Diagnostics Reference population: Roche reference cohort (Elecsys Testosterone II package insert, study CIM 000669)

Reference ranges may vary between laboratories. When you order a test, a BIG-registered doctor assesses your personal results in context. For treatment decisions, discuss your results with your GP.

Check your own value

Total Testosterone: what this test measures

This test measures the total amount of testosterone in your blood, reported in nmol/l. It includes both testosterone bound to proteins like SHBG and albumin, and the small fraction of free, unbound testosterone available for immediate use.

Total Testosterone: why this value matters

Maintaining healthy testosterone levels may support energy, cognitive function, bone density, and emotional well-being. Levels can change with age and lifestyle factors. Regular monitoring allows your healthcare provider to recommend appropriate interventions if needed.

Total Testosterone: how the blood test works

Referral
No GP referral needed. After the order we arrange the referral through ZorgDomein, within one business day; orders after 17:00 or at the weekend start on the next business day. ZorgDomein emails a barcode, and that barcode is what the draw site needs.
The draw
A blood draw from a vein in the arm, at a partner laboratory's draw site. No home kit, no finger prick.
Which test
on its own €39,- Hormones Man · €129,- · InsideTracker Fitness · €199,- · InsideTracker Sleep · €199,- · InsideTracker Hormone Balance · €279,-
Where
650+ draw sites run by independent laboratories across the Netherlands. Draw sites

Total Testosterone: how to prepare

  1. Pause biotin

    Required

    Do you take a supplement with biotin (vitamin B8, common in hair, skin and nail supplements)? Stop it 72 hours before the draw. Biotin interferes with the measurement of these values.

  2. Have the draw in the morning

    Required

    These values vary over the day and peak in the morning. Have your blood drawn before 10:00, ideally between 07:00 and 09:00.

  • Water is always fine. Drink as usual beforehand, it makes the draw easier.
  • Take your usual medication, unless your own doctor told you otherwise.

Total Testosterone: when is testing worthwhile?

Testing may be considered when experiencing fatigue, mood changes, reduced libido, or changes in body composition. Some healthcare providers recommend morning testing, as testosterone levels tend to be highest in the early hours of the day.

Total Testosterone: symptoms of a high or low value

Low Levels

Some people with low testosterone may experience persistent fatigue, reduced muscle mass, increased body fat, low mood, decreased libido, or difficulty concentrating. These symptoms could also have other causes, so consult your healthcare provider.

High Levels

Some people with elevated testosterone may experience acne, oily skin, mood swings, or increased aggression. In women, high testosterone could potentially be associated with irregular periods, excess hair growth, or hormonal imbalance conditions.

Total Testosterone: what to do about an abnormal value

Male

If Low

Low testosterone may cause fatigue, decreased libido, and muscle loss. Consider lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, weight loss) and consultation with an endocrinologist for possible testosterone replacement.

If High

Elevated testosterone may indicate steroid use, adrenal tumors, or testicular tumors. Consult with an endocrinologist for evaluation.

Female

If Low

Low testosterone in women may cause decreased libido and energy. Consider lifestyle optimization and consultation with an endocrinologist if symptomatic.

If High

High testosterone may indicate PCOS, adrenal disorders, or ovarian tumors. Consider evaluation for PCOS, especially if experiencing irregular periods or hirsutism.

Total Testosterone: lifestyle and this value

Regular resistance training, adequate sleep, stress management, and a balanced diet with sufficient zinc and vitamin D may support healthy testosterone levels. Limiting alcohol consumption could also be beneficial. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.

Total Testosterone: frequently asked questions

What is the difference between total and free testosterone?

Total testosterone includes all testosterone in the blood, both bound to proteins and free. Free testosterone is the small unbound portion that your body can actively use. Both measurements together may provide a more complete picture of your hormonal status.

Why should testosterone be tested in the morning?

Testosterone levels typically follow a circadian rhythm and tend to be highest in the morning, gradually declining throughout the day. Morning testing may provide the most consistent and reliable baseline measurement for comparison purposes.

Can lifestyle changes affect testosterone levels?

Research suggests that regular exercise, adequate sleep, stress reduction, and maintaining a healthy weight may support healthy testosterone levels. However, individual results can vary. Discuss any concerns or planned changes with your healthcare provider.

Total Testosterone: sources

  1. Roche Diagnostics. Elecsys Testosterone II, Method Sheet 08946353500 V 2.0, 2025-01 (CE). Material 08946353190 (cobas e 411 / e 601 / e 602). Verwachte waarden: 5e-95e percentiel, studie CIM 000669 (214 mannen, 160 vrouwen). (retrieved 2026) elabdoc-prod.roche.com

Test Products

This marker is included in the following test panels.

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Medical policy
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Total Testosterone

€39,-