There are many reasons why you might want to check your testosterone levels. For men, testosterone is an essential hormone in terms of health. It is also important as it influences muscle tone and bone density. Then there’s the fact that it is vital for men to enjoy a healthy sex life.
It is a fact, and one that we can’t get away from, that as men age, so testosterone production falls. This is simply natural, and is why many men decide to start taking testosterone supplements, especially if they are among the many who work out to keep in trim.
How do you know when you have low levels of testosterone? It can be difficult to tell in the first instance, although the following are clear indications that you might be suffering from lower than normal levels:
- Hair loss
- A decrease in muscle mass
- Putting on weight through body fat
- Lack of sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Fatigue
- Low semen volume
Note that the above list is in no particular order, and these symptoms are not exclusive to low testosterone (hair loss, for example, and fatigue can be caused by a wide variety of factors that do not involve testosterone) so don’t take them as definite signs.
If you do find that you are experiencing a few of the above symptoms – or suspect for other reasons that you are low on testosterone – it’s probably time to invest in a home testosterone test kit and check things out for certain.
What is a Home Testosterone Test Kit?
There are two methods of testing for your testosterone levels: take a blood test, or take a saliva test. The range of home kits includes examples of both types of test. Some of you may be squeamish about a blood test, but they really are nothing to be worried about. If you don’t like the idea of a home blood test, you can always ask a doctor to do it for you, though that will incur a fee.
However, the saliva test is the easier option, but it does come with some drawbacks. Saliva testosterone kits are easy to use and offer quick and accurate results. Accurate, that is, to a certain degree.
There is absolutely no disputing that a blood test offers the greatest level of accuracy, which is why many people choose that option, but when all is said and done, the actual degree of accuracy involved is very small.
The advantages of the saliva test include the fact it takes place at home and you do it yourself, it is less intrusive than a blood test, and it is also cheaper. It’s worth reading through the reviews in the link we have supplied to get a better idea of what they are all about, and the different types and methods available.
Boosting Testosterone
Let’s assume you find you are testosterone deficient. The first thing to understand is that it is not unusual. As we have explained, testosterone production naturally reduces with age. We’re not necessarily talking ‘old’ men here; even those in their 30’s will find a lower level than in their earlier, more youthful days.
Many people take testosterone supplements to boost their levels – and these are especially effective if you are into a work-out routine – so check out those available and read through reviews of testosterone boosters and you’ll get a good idea of the ingredients to look for, the best products for you, and what you can expect to gain from taking a testosterone-booster supplement.