Testosterone, total and free (men)

What this test is

This test checks testosterone, the main male sex hormone. It is a good test if you have real symptoms. These include low sex drive or trouble getting or keeping an erection. Losing your usual morning erections is another sign. So is ongoing tiredness or low mood. The test should be done in the morning. You should not eat first. Testosterone is highest in the morning and drops through the day. A low result is often checked again before we act on it. One low number can be misleading. This is not a useful test if you have no symptoms. A low number without symptoms often does not mean much.