Good to knowOne result rarely tells the whole story. Your provider looks at your results together with your symptoms, exam, and other tests.
What the test is
Levels are highest in the morning, so testing is usually done before 10 a.m. Low results are repeated before diagnosis.
Why it's done
- Low sex drive, erection problems, low energy, or loss of muscle in men
- Excess hair growth, acne, or irregular periods in women
- Infertility
Getting ready and what happens
- Test early in the morning, ideally fasting.
How the test is done
- A health worker cleans the skin, puts a band around your arm, and draws blood from a vein with a small needle. It takes a few minutes.
What the results mean
| Result | Typical range for adults |
|---|---|
| Men (total) | About 300 to 1,000 ng/dL |
| Women (total) | About 15 to 70 ng/dL |
Normal ranges vary from lab to lab and can differ by age, sex, and pregnancy. Your report lists your lab's own range next to each result. A result a little outside the range is often not a problem.
Low in men
Two morning results below about 300 ng/dL with symptoms suggest low testosterone. Causes include aging, obesity, sleep apnea, opioids, and pituitary problems.
High in women
Can point to PCOS or, rarely, a hormone-making tumor.
Questions to ask your provider
- What do my results mean for me?
- Do I need to repeat this test or have other tests?
- Should the test be repeated?
- What's causing my low level?
- Would treatment affect my fertility?
Risks
A blood draw is very safe. You may have slight pain or a small bruise where the needle went in.
Related conditions
Related medicines
Sources
Last updated 2026-11-13.