At home complete male hormone blood test
Home Testosterone Test Kit UK | Complete Male Hormone Panel
A broad 9 biomarker home blood test covering testosterone, androgen availability, pituitary reproductive hormones, prolactin and DHEAS.
The panel provides selected information about male androgen and reproductive hormone patterns. It can support discussion of reduced libido, erectile symptoms, low energy or fertility concerns, but it cannot diagnose the cause by itself.
This product does not include oestradiol, thyroid hormones, cortisol, PSA or a semen analysis. It cannot diagnose low testosterone, infertility, erectile dysfunction, pituitary disease, testicular disease or adrenal disease.
Hormone treatment can affect fertility and may carry important risks. Do not start, stop or alter testosterone, DHEA, anabolic steroids or fertility treatment without an appropriately qualified clinician.
Quality and compliance
Home testing supported by UK clinical standards
What this complete male hormone panel measures
| Health area | Biomarkers | What they may help show |
|---|---|---|
| Testosterone status | Total testosterone and free testosterone | The amount of circulating testosterone and the fraction available to tissues. |
| Androgen calculations | FAI, SHBG and albumin | Additional context on testosterone binding and estimated androgen availability. |
| Pituitary and testicular signalling | LH and FSH | Hormone signals involved in testosterone production and spermatogenesis. |
| Pituitary context | Prolactin | A hormone that can suppress reproductive signalling when persistently raised. |
| Adrenal androgen context | DHEAS | A relatively stable marker of adrenal androgen production. |
Who may consider this test?
This panel may be considered by adult men seeking selected hormone information in the context of:
- Reduced libido or loss of morning erections
- Erectile dysfunction
- Persistent tiredness, low mood or reduced muscle strength
- Fertility concerns alongside a semen analysis
- Breast enlargement or unexpected breast discharge
- An earlier low or borderline testosterone result
- Possible pituitary or adrenal androgen concerns
- Monitoring requested by a GP, endocrinologist, urologist or fertility specialist
These symptoms are non specific. Sleep problems, depression, medicines, obesity, diabetes, vascular disease, alcohol and other conditions may produce similar symptoms.
Morning timing and repeat testing
| Testing point | Recommended approach |
|---|---|
| Collection time | Collect testosterone in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, because levels change through the day. |
| Fasting | Follow the kit instructions. UK diagnostic pathways commonly use a fasting morning sample for consistency. |
| Health status | Test when physiologically well. Acute illness, poor sleep, calorie restriction and overtraining can temporarily alter results. |
| Repeat result | A low or borderline testosterone result should normally be repeated on a separate morning before diagnosis. |
| Fertility assessment | Use a semen analysis to assess sperm count, movement and shape. Hormone results provide additional context. |
How the home testosterone test kit works
Prepare for morning collection
Review fasting, medicine, supplement and hormone product instructions before testing.
Collect and return
Collect capillary blood into the supplied microtainer and return it using the provided packaging.
Review the full pattern
Consider testosterone, LH, FSH, SHBG, prolactin and DHEAS together rather than relying on one number.
Preparing for the test
| Preparation | What to do |
|---|---|
| Morning sample | Collect between 9 am and 11 am where possible and record the exact collection time. |
| Food and water | Follow the kit fasting instructions. Plain water is normally allowed and supports collection. |
| Prescribed medicines | Record opioids, antidepressants, antipsychotics, anti-sickness medicines, anticonvulsants and glucocorticoids. |
| Hormone products | Record testosterone, DHEA, pregnenolone, anabolic steroids, fertility medicines and supplements marketed as hormone boosters. |
| Biotin | Biotin is vitamin B7 and may interfere with some assays. Ask whether it should be paused. |
| Exercise and stress | Avoid unusually strenuous exercise and allow time to settle before collection, particularly for prolactin. |
| Recent illness | Delay non urgent testing until recovered where possible because illness can alter testosterone and prolactin. |
| Sleep | Record significant sleep deprivation, shift work or obstructive sleep apnoea because these may affect interpretation. |
Common hormone patterns
These examples support discussion and are not diagnoses.
| Pattern | Possible context | Next step |
|---|---|---|
| Low testosterone with high LH or FSH | May suggest primary testicular dysfunction. | Repeat testosterone and seek endocrine or urology assessment. |
| Low testosterone with low or normal LH and FSH | May suggest pituitary or hypothalamic suppression, medicine effects, obesity or systemic illness. | Review prolactin, medicines, illness and possible further pituitary testing. |
| Low total testosterone with abnormal SHBG | The total result may not accurately represent available testosterone. | Consider a validated calculated free testosterone result. |
| Raised prolactin with low testosterone | Persistent hyperprolactinaemia may suppress reproductive signalling. | Repeat under controlled conditions and investigate medicines, thyroid, kidney and pituitary causes. |
| Markedly raised DHEAS | May indicate supplement exposure or increased adrenal androgen output. | Stop non prescribed DHEA and arrange clinical review. |
Biomarkers and result interpretation
Select each marker to read what it measures, preparation guidance and how low, normal, high, undefined or critical results may be considered.
Luteinising hormone
Luteinising hormone, known as LH, is released by the pituitary gland. In men it stimulates Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
LH becomes particularly useful when testosterone is low. High LH with low testosterone may suggest primary testicular dysfunction. Low or inappropriately normal LH with low testosterone may suggest pituitary or hypothalamic suppression.
Collect in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, when physiologically well. Follow the kit fasting instructions. Record testosterone, anabolic steroids, opioids, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, fertility medicines and hormone gel exposure.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | May occur with pituitary or hypothalamic suppression, acute illness, obesity, opioid use, anabolic steroids, testosterone treatment or other medicines. | Interpret it with testosterone, FSH, prolactin and symptoms. |
| Normal | Falls within the laboratory interval. | A normal LH does not exclude a central cause when testosterone is low because it may be inappropriately normal. |
| High | May indicate that the pituitary is increasing stimulation because the testes are not responding adequately. | Discuss the result with a GP or endocrinology professional. |
Free androgen index
Free androgen index, known as FAI, is calculated as total testosterone divided by SHBG and multiplied by 100. It estimates androgen availability rather than directly measuring free testosterone.
FAI is used more commonly when assessing androgen excess in women. In men it becomes unreliable when SHBG is low or outside its usual range and should not be used alone to diagnose testosterone deficiency or guide testosterone replacement.
A validated calculated free testosterone method using total testosterone, SHBG and albumin is generally more informative than FAI when male testosterone status is uncertain.
Collect in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, when physiologically well. Follow the kit fasting instructions. Record testosterone, anabolic steroids, opioids, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, fertility medicines and hormone gel exposure.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | May reflect lower total testosterone, higher SHBG or both. | Review total testosterone, SHBG, albumin, calculated free testosterone and symptoms. |
| Normal | Falls within the reporting laboratory category. | Do not treat a normal FAI as proof that testosterone status is normal. |
| Undefined | The calculation could not be interpreted reliably, often because testosterone or SHBG was outside the analytical range. | Follow the laboratory recommendation and discuss repeat testing. |
| High | May reflect higher total testosterone, lower SHBG, testosterone treatment, anabolic steroids or other factors. | Discuss an unexpected result and all hormone products with a clinician. |
Albumin
Albumin is the principal protein in blood plasma and carries hormones, medicines and other substances. Some testosterone binds loosely to albumin.
Albumin may be used with total testosterone and SHBG when estimating free testosterone. It is not a complete liver, kidney or nutritional assessment.
Maintain normal hydration. Record liver disease, kidney disease, significant inflammation, weight loss and prescribed medicines.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Critical low | Can occur with serious liver disease, kidney protein loss, severe inflammation, malnutrition or critical illness. | Arrange prompt clinical review and follow urgent laboratory advice. |
| Low | May reflect inflammation, liver disease, kidney loss, poor intake, malabsorption or fluid overload. | Discuss wider liver, kidney and inflammatory testing with a GP. |
| Normal | Falls within the laboratory reference interval. | Use it as part of free testosterone interpretation where relevant. |
| High | Most commonly reflects dehydration or concentration of the blood sample. | Review hydration and discuss a persistent result with a clinician. |
Free testosterone
Free testosterone represents the small fraction of testosterone that is not tightly bound to SHBG or albumin and is available to tissues.
Depending on the laboratory, free testosterone may be measured directly or calculated using total testosterone, SHBG and albumin. The report should state the method used.
Collect in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, when physiologically well. Follow the kit fasting instructions. Record testosterone, anabolic steroids, opioids, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, fertility medicines and hormone gel exposure.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | May support reduced androgen availability when compatible symptoms are present. Causes may be testicular, pituitary, hypothalamic, medicine related, metabolic or systemic. | Confirm the finding with clinical assessment and appropriate repeat testing. |
| Normal | Falls within the laboratory interval. | Persistent symptoms may still require evaluation for sleep, mood, thyroid, vascular, medicine or other causes. |
| High | May reflect testosterone treatment, anabolic steroid use, low SHBG, assay factors or less common endocrine conditions. | Discuss an unexpected result with a clinician. |
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate, known as DHEAS, is a weak androgen produced mainly by the adrenal cortex. Blood levels are relatively stable through the day and decline with age.
DHEAS provides adrenal androgen context. It is not a test for stress, adrenal fatigue or complete adrenal function and should not be interpreted independently of age, symptoms, medicines and other hormone results.
Record DHEA, pregnenolone, testosterone, anabolic steroids, glucocorticoids and supplements marketed for energy, ageing or hormone support.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | May occur with age, glucocorticoid treatment, reduced adrenal androgen production, pituitary disease or chronic illness. | Discuss the result with a clinician when symptoms or other hormone abnormalities are present. |
| Normal | Falls within the age and sex adjusted laboratory interval. | A normal result does not exclude every adrenal or endocrine condition. |
| High | May reflect DHEA supplements, assay variation or increased adrenal androgen production. Marked elevations are uncommon. | Stop non prescribed DHEA and discuss an unexplained or substantial elevation with a doctor. |
Sex hormone binding globulin
Sex hormone binding globulin, known as SHBG, is produced mainly by the liver and binds testosterone in the circulation.
SHBG changes the relationship between total and free testosterone. A total testosterone result can appear lower or higher depending on the SHBG concentration.
Collect in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, when physiologically well. Follow the kit fasting instructions. Record testosterone, anabolic steroids, opioids, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, fertility medicines and hormone gel exposure.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | May occur with obesity, insulin resistance, an underactive thyroid, androgen exposure, liver factors or some medicines. | Interpret total testosterone with free testosterone and the wider metabolic context. |
| Normal | Falls within the laboratory interval. | Use it with total testosterone and albumin where free testosterone is calculated. |
| High | May occur with ageing, an overactive thyroid, liver disease, oestrogen exposure, some medicines or low body weight. | Discuss the complete hormone pattern with a clinician. |
Prolactin
Prolactin is produced by the pituitary gland. When persistently raised in men it can suppress LH and FSH, reduce testosterone and contribute to reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, breast changes or fertility problems.
Stress, exercise, sleep, sexual activity, medicines, hypothyroidism, kidney disease and pituitary conditions can affect the result.
Collect after a calm period where possible. Avoid unusually strenuous exercise. Record antipsychotics, antidepressants, anti-sickness medicines, opioids and dopamine agonists.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | Often not clinically significant but may occur with dopamine agonist treatment or reduced pituitary function. | Discuss it if other pituitary hormones are abnormal. |
| Normal | Falls within the laboratory interval. | Makes clinically significant hyperprolactinaemia less likely. |
| High | May be temporary or related to medicines, stress, hypothyroidism, kidney disease or pituitary disease. | Mild elevations are often repeated after resting and reviewing medicines. |
| Critical high | A markedly raised result requires prompt assessment, particularly with headache, visual change, breast discharge or low testosterone. | Follow the urgent laboratory instruction. |
Total testosterone
Total testosterone measures testosterone circulating in protein bound and unbound forms. It is the usual first laboratory test when testosterone deficiency is suspected.
A diagnosis cannot be made from symptoms or one result alone. UK pathways generally require compatible symptoms and two separate low morning testosterone results while the person is well.
Testosterone replacement can suppress sperm production. Fertility intentions should be discussed before treatment is started or changed.
Collect in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, when physiologically well. Follow the kit fasting instructions. Record testosterone, anabolic steroids, opioids, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, fertility medicines and hormone gel exposure.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | May occur with primary testicular dysfunction, pituitary or hypothalamic suppression, obesity, acute illness, sleep disruption, medicines, anabolic steroid withdrawal or systemic disease. | Repeat on a separate morning and interpret with LH, FSH, SHBG, free testosterone and prolactin. |
| Normal | Falls within the laboratory reference interval. | Persistent symptoms may have another cause and still merit clinical assessment. |
| High | Most often reflects prescribed testosterone, anabolic steroids, supplements containing hormones or assay factors. Less common endocrine causes are possible. | Discuss an unexpected result and all hormone products with a clinician. |
Follicle stimulating hormone
Follicle stimulating hormone, known as FSH, is released by the pituitary gland. In men it acts on Sertoli cells and supports sperm production.
FSH can provide context where a semen analysis is abnormal or testosterone is low. It cannot measure sperm count, movement or shape.
Collect in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, when physiologically well. Follow the kit fasting instructions. Record testosterone, anabolic steroids, opioids, glucocorticoids, anticonvulsants, fertility medicines and hormone gel exposure.
How to understand this result
| Result | What it may mean | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Low | May occur with pituitary or hypothalamic suppression, testosterone or anabolic steroid use, acute illness or some medicines. | Interpret it with LH, testosterone, prolactin and fertility history. |
| Normal | Falls within the laboratory interval. | A normal FSH does not prove that semen quality is normal. |
| High | May suggest reduced sperm producing function or broader testicular dysfunction, particularly when semen analysis is abnormal. | Discuss fertility concerns with a GP, urologist or fertility specialist. |
Content standards
How this product information was prepared
This page was prepared from the supplied nine marker complete male hormone specification and expanded using current UK guidance on testosterone timing, repeat testing, fertility assessment, prolactin, DHEAS, SHBG and treatment safety.
Expert review
Medical and editorial review
This product information has been reviewed for male hormone context, fertility limitations, morning collection, adrenal androgen interpretation, medicine and treatment safety and urgent symptoms.
The reviewers are not presented as consultant endocrinologists, urologists or fertility specialists. This review does not replace individual assessment by an appropriately qualified clinician.
Dr Rimas Geiga
Medical Doctor, Nutritional Sciences Adviser and Healthy Ageing Expert
Reviewed testosterone, metabolic and healthy ageing context, preparation factors and responsible discussion of supplements and lifestyle.
View professional profileDr Snieguole Geige
Dentist, Medical Doctor and Senior Adviser
Reviewed the general reproductive and endocrine boundaries, fertility communication and guidance on when direct clinical assessment is required.
View professional profileVeronika Matutyte
Medical Doctor and Healthcare Management Expert
Reviewed urgent testicular and pituitary symptoms, hormone treatment cautions, repeat testing, DHEAS limitations and home pathway safety.
View professional profileFurther reading
Authoritative UK male hormone and fertility information
These resources provide additional context. They do not replace the reference intervals, comments or urgent instructions supplied with your laboratory report.
View NICE and NHS references
- NICE assessment of erectile dysfunction and morning testosterone testing
- NHS biochemical investigation of suspected endocrine problems in men
- NHS low sperm count and semen analysis guidance
- NHS prolactin testing information
- NHS SHBG test information
- NHS DHEAS laboratory information
- NHS free androgen index information
- NICE fertility problems assessment and treatment
- UKAS medical laboratory accreditation
- CQC diagnostic and screening services guidance
Search led questions
Home testosterone and complete male hormone test FAQs
Can I test testosterone at home?
Yes. This kit uses a capillary blood sample collected at home and returned for laboratory analysis. A home result can provide useful hormone context, but it cannot diagnose testosterone deficiency by itself.
What does a complete male hormone blood test check?
This panel checks total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG, albumin, calculated free androgen index, LH, FSH, prolactin and DHEAS.
What is the best time for a testosterone blood test?
Collect in the morning, ideally between 9 am and 11 am, because testosterone follows a daily rhythm and is usually higher earlier in the day.
Do I need to fast for a male hormone test?
For the most comparable testosterone result, UK pathways commonly use a morning fasting sample. Plain water is normally allowed. Follow the kit instructions.
Can one blood test diagnose low testosterone?
No. Diagnosis requires compatible symptoms and usually two separate low morning testosterone results, alongside clinical assessment and investigation of the cause.
What is the difference between total and free testosterone?
Total testosterone includes protein bound and unbound testosterone. Free testosterone estimates the smaller fraction available to tissues and is interpreted with SHBG and albumin.
What is free androgen index?
Free androgen index is calculated as total testosterone divided by SHBG, multiplied by 100. It is used more commonly when assessing androgen excess in women and is less reliable for evaluating testosterone status in men than a validated calculated free testosterone method.
Can free androgen index diagnose low testosterone in men?
No. FAI should not be used alone to diagnose male testosterone deficiency or determine testosterone treatment. Total testosterone, symptoms, repeat morning testing and an appropriate free testosterone method are more relevant.
What do LH and FSH show in men?
LH stimulates testosterone production in the testes. FSH supports the cells involved in sperm production. Their pattern may help distinguish a possible testicular problem from a pituitary or hypothalamic cause.
Does this test check male fertility?
It provides reproductive hormone context, but it is not a fertility diagnosis. The main test for sperm count, movement and shape is a semen analysis.
Can testosterone treatment reduce fertility?
Yes. Testosterone replacement can suppress LH and FSH and reduce sperm production. Fertility intentions should be discussed before treatment is started or changed.
What is DHEAS?
DHEAS is a weak androgen produced mainly by the adrenal glands. It provides adrenal androgen context but does not measure stress, adrenal fatigue or overall adrenal function.
What does a high DHEAS result mean in a man?
A raised result may reflect supplements, age related variation, laboratory factors or increased adrenal androgen production. A markedly raised or unexplained result requires medical review.
What does a high prolactin result mean?
Raised prolactin can occur because of stress, exercise, medicines, hypothyroidism, kidney disease or a pituitary condition. Mild elevations may need repeating under controlled conditions.
Can stress or exercise affect prolactin?
Yes. Stress from collection, strenuous exercise, poor sleep, sexual activity and some medicines can temporarily raise prolactin.
Why are SHBG and albumin included?
SHBG and albumin carry testosterone in the blood and help explain the relationship between total and free testosterone. Albumin also provides limited general context on hydration, liver function and kidney protein loss.
Can biotin affect male hormone tests?
Yes. High dose biotin, which is vitamin B7, can interfere with some laboratory hormone assays. Ask the testing service or a clinician whether it should be paused.
Can illness, poor sleep or weight change affect testosterone?
Yes. Acute illness, sleep disruption, major calorie restriction, significant weight change, overtraining, alcohol and some medicines can alter testosterone.
When should the test be repeated?
A low or borderline testosterone result is usually repeated on a separate morning before diagnosis. Other abnormal markers may also be repeated after controlling for timing, illness, stress or medicines.
When should symptoms be treated as urgent?
Seek urgent medical help for sudden severe testicular pain, a new testicular lump, severe headache with visual changes, collapse, severe breathlessness or another rapidly worsening symptom.
Are the laboratories UKAS accredited and CQC registered?
Samples are processed through UKAS accredited laboratories within a CQC registered diagnostic pathway. Collection equipment is UKCA and CE marked and supported by an ISO 13485 quality management framework.
