Testosterone2023-10-09T21:26:07+00:00

TESTOSTERONE

TESTOSTERONE

SimplyTest-Testosterone 3 boxes

SimplyHormone: Testosterone

  • Physician ordered testing

  • Male or Female

  • Noninvasive, pain-free saliva specimen collection

  • Free Shipping

  • Results in 24-48 hours after received at the lab

  • Consistent, highly accurate, & dependable molecular testing

  • Actionable clinical insights

  • Saliva testing is less expensive than conventional serum testing

  • CAP/CLIA accredited testing laboratory

WHY CHOOSE
SIMPLY HORMONE?

WHY CHOOSE
SIMPLY HORMONE?

Patients prefer the pain-free, non-invasive, and ease-of-use saliva testing offers. Unlike blood testing, hormone testing using saliva is not only easy and pain-free, it also has the unique ability through sensitive molecular testing to accurately measure the current bioavailable amount of hormone available to your body’s target tissues. For this reason, saliva testing better relates to specific symptoms of excess and deficiency.

  • Saliva testing is a consistent, highly accurate, & dependable method for measuring free testosterone levels.¹
  • Saliva can be used in a clinical setting to diagnose and monitor treatment of hormonal disorders.²
  • SimplyTest saliva sample preservation buffer increases test precision, accuracy, and assay reproducibility.³
  • Saliva collection avoids the stress impact a blood draw can have on hormone levels.
  • Reports demonstrate an increase in overall test participation & ongoing compliance with frequent testing regimens when saliva is offered.⁴

[1] Keevil, B. G., MacDonald, P., Macdowall, W., Lee, D. M., Wu, F. C., & NATSAL Team (2014). Salivary testosterone measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in adult males and females. Annals of clinical biochemistry, 51(Pt 3), 368–378. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004563213506412[2] Hammerich, K. H., Donahue, T. F., Rosner, I. L., Cullen, J., Kuo, H. C., Hurwitz, L., Chen, Y., Bernstein, M., Coleman, J., Danila, D. C., & Metwalli, A. R. (2017). Alkaline phosphatase velocity predicts overall survival and bone metastasis in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Urologic oncology, 35(7), 460.e21–460.e28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolonc.2017.02.001[3] Alimetrix 2023, Testosterone Assay Validation Summary[4] Dhima, M., Salinas, T. J., Wermers, R. A., Weaver, A. L., & Koka, S. (2013). Preference changes of adult outpatients for giving saliva, urine and blood for clinical testing after actual sample collection. Journal of prosthodontic research, 57(1), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpor.2012.09.004

SIMPLYTEST PEOPLE GRAPHIC
UNDERSTANDING TESTOSTERONE

Hormones exist in delicate harmony with one another—partners in an important and intricate balancing act.

When levels are in balance, body systems are generally stable. When levels fall out of balance, normal function may be disrupted. Knowing the signs, understanding the symptoms, and testing helps to support and maintain a normal, healthy, and directed hormonal balance as well as help keep other possible chronic disorders and diseases at bay.

Hormones exist in delicate harmony with one another—partners in an important and intricate balancing act.

When levels are in balance, body systems are generally stable. When levels fall out of balance, normal function may be disrupted. Knowing the signs, understanding the symptoms, and testing helps to support and maintain a normal, healthy, and directed hormonal balance as well as help keep other possible chronic disorders and diseases at bay.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone

Testosterone chemical makeup

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the male and female reproductive organs and adrenal glands. It is essential for the development of sexual characteristics, including muscle mass and bone density. It also plays a critical role in the formation of male reproductive organs such as the testes and prostate gland.1

Testosterone production is controlled by the Pituitary Gland

Testosterone infographic-Pituitary Gland

Testosterone Production Starts in the Brain. The pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, controls testosterone production. It sends signals to the testes to make testosterone. The hormone then circulates through the bloodstream to the entire body.2

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is a sex hormone

Testosterone chemical makeup

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the male and female reproductive organs and adrenal glands. It is essential for the development of sexual characteristics, including muscle mass and bone density. It also plays a critical role in the formation of male reproductive organs such as the testes and prostate gland.1

Testosterone production is controlled by the Pituitary Gland

Testosterone infographic-Pituitary Gland

Testosterone Production Starts in the Brain. The pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain, controls testosterone production. It sends signals to the testes to make testosterone. The hormone then circulates through the bloodstream to the entire body.2

Should I monitor testosterone levels after the initial report?

Testosterone infographic -testing months

To identify potential imbalances and to determine how effective hormonal treatment is, testosterone levels should be monitored. This should be done typically every three to six months. This ensures that the levels are within the desired range.6

Should I monitor testosterone levels after the initial report?

Testosterone infographic -testing months

To identify potential imbalances and to determine how effective hormonal treatment is, testosterone levels should be monitored. This should be done typically every three to six months. This ensures that the levels are within the desired range.6

How are testosterone levels tested?

Testosterone infographic -COLLECTION METHODS-saliva

Saliva
Collection

Measures bio-available free testosterone (Free T) levels

Ideal for screening or periodic testing/monitoring or adjusting therapeutic dosing that require multiple collections (after your initial baseline is measured through an initial blood draw)

Saliva collections can be done from your home (or anywhere really) without disrupting your daily schedule

Non-invasive, pain free and stress free, avoiding the stressful impact a blood draw can have on hormone levels

Testosterone infographic -COLLECTION METHODS-serum

Blood Serum
Collection

Measures total testosterone (Total T) and free testosterone (Free T) levels

Ideal for an in-depth assessment of testosterone levels and offers a baseline level

Blood serum collection is taken by a health care professional from a vein in your arm, using a needle and collected into a test tube or vial

Takes less than 5 minutes, may feel a little sting from the needle, should be taken between 7am and 10am, and usually

Free T is the testosterone our body uses, it is not bound to anything and can be actively used by our cells. When Free T levels are off, that is when we start to notice symptoms.

Total T is the total amount of testosterone in your body that is both attached to proteins and free.

How are testosterone levels tested?

Testosterone infographic -COLLECTION METHODS-saliva

Saliva
Collection

Measures bio-available free testosterone (Free T) levels

Ideal for screening or periodic testing/monitoring or adjusting therapeutic dosing that require multiple collections (after your initial baseline is measured through an initial blood draw)

Saliva collections can be done from your home (or anywhere really) without disrupting your daily schedule

Non-invasive, pain free and stress free, avoiding the stressful impact a blood draw can have on hormone levels

Testosterone infographic -COLLECTION METHODS-serum

Blood Serum
Collection

Measures total testosterone (Total T) and free testosterone (Free T) levels

Ideal for an in-depth assessment of testosterone levels and offers a baseline level

Blood serum collection is taken by a health care professional from a vein in your arm, using a needle and collected into a test tube or vial

Takes less than 5 minutes, may feel a little sting from the needle, should be taken between 7am and 10am, and usually

Free T is the testosterone our body uses, it is not bound to anything and can be actively used by our cells. When Free T levels are off, that is when we start to notice symptoms.

Total T is the total amount of testosterone in your body that is both attached to proteins and free.

How are testosterone levels analyzed?

Testosterone infographic -measurements male

Normal male salivary testosterone levels of 93–378 pmol/L 4

Testosterone infographic -measurements female

Normal female salivary testosterone levels of 4–46 pmol/L 4

Testosterone infographic -Analysis Female

These numbers are highly sensitive to several factors, like age, medication, medical conditions, and the time of day and season when the test is taken. 5

How are testosterone levels analyzed?

Normal male salivary testosterone levels of 93–378 pmol/L 4

Testosterone infographic -measurements male
Testosterone infographic -Analysis Female

Normal female salivary testosterone levels of 5–46 pmol/L 4

Testosterone infographic -measurements female

These numbers are highly sensitive to several factors, like age, medication, medical conditions, and the time of day and season when the test is taken. 5

Are low levels dangerous?

Testosterone plays an important role in physical and mental health.

Testosterone infographic -dangerous levels- male

Male salivary testosterone levels

Testosterone infographic -dangerous levels-female

Female salivary testosterone levels

Low levels of testosterone can have various effects, such as weakened bones, higher fat percentage, and reduced muscle strength. It can also cause emotional disturbances, like depression and irritability.3 Testosterone affects sex organs, bone marrow, skin, bones, muscles and the brain.

Are low levels dangerous?

Testosterone plays an important role in physical and mental health.

Testosterone infographic -dangerous levels- male

Male salivary testosterone levels

Female salivary testosterone levels

Testosterone infographic -dangerous levels-female

Low levels of testosterone can have various effects, such as weakened bones, higher fat percentage, and reduced muscle strength. It can also cause emotional disturbances, like depression and irritability.3 Testosterone affects sex organs, bone marrow, skin, bones, muscles and the brain.

Why understand testosterone levels?

It is important for patients to be informed about their testosterone levels. This helps them identify any underlying medical conditions and make informed health choices.7

Why understand testosterone levels?

It is important for patients to be informed about their testosterone levels. This helps them identify any underlying medical conditions and make informed health choices.7

Does the saliva test sample need to be sent in for analysis immediately? Will it need to be stored at a specific temperature?

Testosterone infographic -sample collection
Testosterone infographic -sample collection

After collecting a saliva sample using the SimplyTest™ saliva collection kit, testing samples will be preserved and stabilized safely inside the collection device at room temperature for over a 10 days. It is strongly recommended however, to mail samples to the lab for testing the same or next day.

Does the saliva test sample need to be sent in for analysis immediately? Will it need to be stored at a specific temperature?

Testosterone infographic -sample collection

After collecting a saliva sample using the SimplyTest™ saliva collection kit, testing samples will be preserved and stabilized safely inside the collection device at room temperature for over a 10 days. It is strongly recommended however, to mail samples to the lab for testing the same or next day.

Testosterone infographic -sample collection

[1] Huo, S., Scialli, A. R., McGarvey, S., Hill, E., Tügertimur, B., Hogenmiller, A., Hirsch, A. I., & Fugh-Berman, A. (2016). Treatment of Men for “Low Testosterone”: A Systematic Review. PLoS One, 11 (9). http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/- journal.pone.0162480[2] 10 Facts Every Man Should Know About Testosterone. Medically Reviewed by UPMC https://share.upmc.com/2021/10/testosterone-facts/#:~:text=Testosterone%20Gives%20You%20Stronger%20Bones,against%20bone%20diseases%20like%20osteoporosis.[3] Morgentaler, A., Traish, A., Hackett, G., Jones, T. H., & Ramasamy, R. (2019). Diagnosis and Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency: Updated Recommendations From the Lisbon 2018 International Consultation for Sexual Medicine.
Sexual medicine reviews, 7(4), 636–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.06.003[4] Keevil, B. G., MacDonald, P., Macdowall, W., Lee, D. M., Wu, F. C., & NATSAL Team (2014). Salivary testosterone measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in adult males and females. Annals of clinical biochemistry,
51(Pt 3), 368–378. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004563213506412[5] Paduch, D. A., Brannigan, R. E., Fuchs, E. F., Kim, E. D., Marmar, J. L., & Sandlow, J. I. (2014). The laboratory diagnosis of testosterone deficiency. Urology, 83(5), 980–988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2013.12.024[6] Fui, M. N. T., Dupuis, P., & Grossmann, M. (2014). Lowered testosterone in male obesity: Mechanisms, morbidity and management. Asian Journal of Andrology, 16(2), 223-231. https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.122585 Goldman, A. L., Bhasin, S., Wu, F. C. W., Krishna, M., Matsumoto, A. M., & Jasuja, R. (2017). A Reappraisal of Testosterone’s Binding in Circulation: Physiological and Clinical Implications. Endocrine reviews, 38(4), 302–324. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2017-00025[7] Ho, C. K. (2011). Testosterone testing in adult males. The Malaysian Journal of Pathology, 33(2), 71–81.

Meet the Lab

FAQ’s

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the importance of understanding your patients’ testosterone levels?2023-04-24T22:58:02+00:00

It is essential for patients to be informed about their testosterone levels. This helps them identify any underlying medical conditions and make informed health choices.

 

Ho, C. K. (2011). Testosterone testing in adult males. The Malaysian Journal of Pathology33(2), 71–81.

How do testosterone levels differ between blood and saliva? Is saliva a more accurate measurement of testosterone levels?2023-04-24T22:56:54+00:00

Saliva testing for measuring testosterone levels has gained acceptance as a dependable approach. (Keevil et al., 2014)

According to It can be used in a clinical setting to diagnose and treat hormonal disorders. (Hammerich et al., 2017)

 

Keevil, B. G., MacDonald, P., Macdowall, W., Lee, D. M., Wu, F. C., & NATSAL Team (2014). Salivary testosterone measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in adult males and females. Annals of clinical biochemistry51(Pt 3), 368–378. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004563213506412

Hammerich, K. H., Donahue, T. F., Rosner, I. L., Cullen, J., Kuo, H. C., Hurwitz, L., Chen, Y., Bernstein, M., Coleman, J., Danila, D. C., & Metwalli, A. R. (2017). Alkaline phosphatase velocity predicts overall survival and bone metastasis in patients with castration-resistant prostate cancer. Urologic oncology35(7), 460.e21–460.e28. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urolonc.2017.02.001

 

What is the most common method of detecting testosterone?2023-04-24T22:54:53+00:00

Tests to measure testosterone levels are primarily offered as blood-based sample collection. (Goldman et al., 2017) Patients reported a definite preference for saliva collection when choosing between oral, urine, and blood samples. Testing saliva is less invasive, and research shows that participation in testing is increased for this option. (Dhima et al., 2013)

 

Goldman, A. L., Bhasin, S., Wu, F. C. W., Krishna, M., Matsumoto, A. M., & Jasuja, R. (2017). A Reappraisal of Testosterone’s Binding in Circulation: Physiological and Clinical Implications. Endocrine reviews38(4), 302–324. https://doi.org/10.1210/er.2017-00025

Dhima, M., Salinas, T. J., Wermers, R. A., Weaver, A. L., & Koka, S. (2013). Preference changes of adult outpatients for giving saliva, urine and blood for clinical testing after actual sample collection. Journal of prosthodontic research57(1), 51–56. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpor.2012.09.004

What is the recommended frequency of testosterone testing for patients who are undergoing treatment?2023-04-24T22:52:54+00:00

It is important to monitor testosterone levels in those with a potential imbalance and patients actively managing their levels. During treatment, testing every three to six months is recommended to ensure patients are within the desired range. (Fui et al., 2014)

Collection using saliva provides convenience for patients and improved compliance with frequent testing regimens.

 

Fui, M. N. T., Dupuis, P., & Grossmann, M. (2014). Lowered testosterone in male obesity: Mechanisms, morbidity and management. Asian Journal of Andrology, 16(2), 223-231. https://doi.org/10.4103/1008-682X.122585

 

What is testosterone? Why do we need it?2023-04-24T18:57:50+00:00

Testosterone is a hormone produced by the male and female reproductive organs that is essential for the development of sexual characteristics, including muscle mass and bone density. It also plays a critical role in the formation of male reproductive organs such as the testes and prostate gland.

 

Huo, S., Scialli, A. R., McGarvey, S., Hill, E., Tügertimur, B., Hogenmiller, A., Hirsch, A. I., & Fugh-Berman, A. (2016). Treatment of Men for “Low Testosterone”: A Systematic Review. PLoS One, 11 (9). http://dx.doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0162480

What are the symptoms of abnormal testosterone levels?2023-04-24T18:59:11+00:00

Abnormal testosterone levels in males can cause low libido, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, and fatigue. Female symptoms include irregular menstrual cycles, reduced sex drive, and vaginal dryness.

Cunningham, G., & Toma, S. (2011). Why is androgen replacement in males controversial? The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 96(1), 38-52. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-1658

Are low testosterone levels dangerous?2023-04-24T19:00:35+00:00

Testosterone plays an important role in physical and mental health. Low levels of testosterone can have various effects, such as weakened bones, higher fat percentage, and reduced muscle strength. It can also cause emotional disturbances, like depression and irritability.

Morgentaler, A., Traish, A., Hackett, G., Jones, T. H., & Ramasamy, R. (2019). Diagnosis and Treatment of Testosterone Deficiency: Updated Recommendations From the Lisbon 2018 International Consultation for Sexual Medicine. Sexual medicine reviews7(4), 636–649. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sxmr.2019.06.003

What test values suggest you might have low testosterone?2023-04-24T19:02:17+00:00

Females should have salivary testosterone levels of 5–46 pmol/L and males should have salivary testosterone levels of 93–378 pmol/L. (Keevil et al., 2014)

These numbers are highly sensitive to several factors, like age, medication, medical conditions, and the time of day and season when the test is taken. (Paduch et al., 2013)

 

Keevil, B. G., MacDonald, P., Macdowall, W., Lee, D. M., Wu, F. C., & NATSAL Team (2014). Salivary testosterone measurement by liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry in adult males and females. Annals of clinical biochemistry51(Pt 3), 368–378. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004563213506412

Paduch, D. A., Brannigan, R. E., Fuchs, E. F., Kim, E. D., Marmar, J. L., & Sandlow, J. I. (2014). The laboratory diagnosis of testosterone deficiency. Urology83(5), 980–988. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.urology.2013.12.024

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