Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Low testosterone (Low T) can affect energy, mood, libido, erections, and body composition. Causes range from testicular conditions to pituitary or hypothalamic issues—and cardiometabolic health, medications, sleep, and stress often play a role. Because symptoms overlap with other conditions, structured lab testing is the best way to confirm Low T and uncover contributors.

A proactive plan begins with morning total testosterone, then adds free testosterone/SHBG when results are borderline or binding proteins are abnormal. LH/FSH and prolactin help localize the cause. A thyroid panel (TSH ± free T4)A1c/glucoselipids, and CMP/CBC assess overall health and risks. For people considering or using TRT, monitoring commonly includes CBC/hematocritPSA (as age-appropriate), estradiol (sensitive), and general safety labs. Labs support screeningdiagnostic triage, and monitoring, but they do not replace a clinician’s exam, cardiovascular risk assessment, counseling, or imaging when needed.

Signs, Symptoms & Related Situations

  • Sexual/urogenital

    • Low libido; reduced morning erections; erectile difficulties; reduced ejaculate volume

  • Energy & mood

    • Fatigue, low motivation, depressed mood, brain fog, sleep disturbance

  • Body composition

    • Increased body fat, decreased muscle mass/strength, decreased shaving frequency, gynecomastia

  • Reproductive context

    • Infertility concerns (TRT can suppress sperm production—discuss plans to conceive)

  • Medical/medication factors

    • Obesity/metabolic syndrome, diabetes, sleep apnea, chronic opioids or steroids, pituitary disease, testicular injury

  • When to seek urgent care

    • Chest pain, severe shortness of breath, sudden neurologic deficits, priapism (erection >4 hours), acute testicular pain

All symptoms and risks should be evaluated by a qualified clinician.

Why These Tests Matter

What testing can do

  • Confirm Low T with appropriately timed morning testosterone and clarify bioavailable levels with free T/SHBG

  • Differentiate causes using LH/FSH (primary vs. central hypogonadism) and prolactin

  • Reveal cardiometabolic contributors (A1c, lipids, CMP) and thyroid overlap

  • Monitor TRT safety and response with CBC/hematocritPSAestradiol, and chemistry panels

What testing cannot do

  • Diagnose Low T from one result or replace a clinical exam and medication review

  • Determine psychological contributors or provide therapy/dosing advice

  • Guarantee symptom improvement—results must be interpreted in clinical context

What These Tests Measure (at a glance)

  • Total Testosterone (AM): primary screen; repeat a morning sample to confirm low/borderline values.

  • Free Testosterone & SHBG: estimate bioavailable T; useful when total T is borderline or SHBG is altered (age, thyroid, liver, obesity).

  • LH & FSH: high with low T → primary testicular issue; low/normal with low T → central(pituitary/hypothalamic) pattern.

  • Prolactin: elevated levels can suppress gonadotropins and libido; persistent elevation needs clinician review.

  • Thyroid (TSH ± Free T4): thyroid imbalance can mimic or worsen Low T symptoms.

  • Metabolic Health: A1c/fasting glucoselipid panel (± ApoB, Lp[a])CMP—ED and Low T frequently track with cardiometabolic risk.

  • CBC/Hematocrit: baseline and TRT monitoring; high hematocrit may require clinical action.

  • PSA (contextual, age-appropriate): prostate status before and during TRT as directed by your clinician.

  • Estradiol (sensitive E2): optional; helps assess gynecomastia, water retention, or symptom patterns during TRT.

  • Additional (selected cases): DHEA-Spituitary testing per clinician judgment.

Quick Build Guide

Clinical goal Start with Add if needed
Suspected Low T Morning total T • TSH • A1c • Lipid panel • CMP • CBC Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin
Borderline/variable T Repeat morning total T Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin • E2 (sensitive)
TRT baseline (before therapy) Total & Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin • PSA (as directed) • CBC • CMP • Lipids • A1c • TSH E2 (sensitive) per clinician
On TRT—monitoring Total/Free T (timed to dose) • CBC/Hct • PSA (as directed) • CMP E2 (sensitive) • Lipids • A1c
Persistent symptoms but normal T A1c • Lipids • TSH • CMP • CBC Clinician-directed cardiovascular, sleep, or mental-health evaluation
Fertility priority Morning total T • LH/FSH • Prolactin Semen analysis (Men’s Fertility category); discuss TRT impact on sperm

How the Testing Process Works

  1. Time your draw: schedule morning testing for testosterone (typically 7–10 a.m.).

  2. Collect baseline labs: include hormones plus PSA (as age-appropriate)CBCCMPA1c, and lipids. Fast only if your order includes fasting lipids/glucose.

  3. Confirm abnormal results: repeat low/borderline testosterone on a separate morning sample; add free T/SHBGand LH/FSH.

  4. Align draws with TRT: if on therapy, your clinician may time labs at a trough or consistent point in your dosing cycle for reliable comparisons.

  5. Review together: interpret results with your clinician and set a monitoring cadence that fits your plan.

Interpreting Results (General Guidance)

  • Low total T → confirm with a repeat morning test; use free T/SHBG and LH/FSH to localize the cause.

  • High prolactin → may suppress testosterone; confirm and evaluate clinically.

  • Abnormal TSH → thyroid dysfunction can mimic Low T symptoms—address with your clinician.

  • On TRT:

    • Rising hematocrit → discuss with your clinician (safety review).

    • PSA changes → require clinician interpretation in age-appropriate context.

    • Estradiol shifts → may correlate with symptom patterns; management is clinician-directed.

  • Cardiometabolic risk (A1c/lipids, CMP) often coexists with Low T and ED; improving overall health can support outcomes.
    Always interpret patterns with a qualified healthcare professional; trends and timing matter.

Choosing Panels vs. Individual Tests

  • Foundational Low T panel: Morning total T • TSH • A1c • Lipid panel • CMP • CBC

  • Diagnostic add-ons: Free T/SHBG • LH/FSH • Prolactin

  • TRT baseline & monitoring: PSA (as directed) • CBC/Hct • CMP • Estradiol (sensitive) with Total/Free Ttimed to dosing

  • Risk refinement: ApoB • Lp(a) where available

FAQs

Do I need to test in the morning?
Yes. Testosterone peaks in the morning; repeat a low result to confirm.

Is one low result enough to diagnose Low T?
No. Clinicians typically confirm with a repeat morning test and review symptoms.

Will TRT affect fertility?
TRT can suppress sperm production. If you plan to conceive, discuss alternatives with your clinician.

Which labs monitor TRT safety?
Commonly CBC/hematocritPSA (as age-appropriate), CMP, and estradiol (sensitive), alongside total/free T.

Do I have to fast?
Only if your order includes fasting lipids or fasting glucose.

How soon after starting or changing TRT should I recheck labs?
Clinicians often reassess within weeks of changes and then periodically; follow your clinician’s plan.

Can weight loss or sleep help testosterone?
Improving weight, sleep, and metabolic health can support testosterone levels and symptoms.

Related Test Categories and Key Tests

  • Men’s Health Tests Hub

  • Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Tests • Fertility Test for Men • Hormone Tests for Men • Thyroid Tests • Diabetes Health • Heart & Cardiovascular Risk

  • Key Tests: Total Testosterone (AM) • Free Testosterone • SHBG • LH • FSH • Prolactin • TSH • Free T4 • Estradiol (sensitive) • PSA (as directed) • CBC/Hematocrit • CMP • Lipid Panel (± ApoB, Lp[a]) • A1c/Glucose

References

  • Endocrine Society. Testosterone Therapy in Men with Hypogonadism: Clinical Practice Guideline.
  • American Urological Association. Testosterone Deficiency Guideline.
  • American Urological Association. Guideline on the Management of Erectile Dysfunction.
  • American Association of Clinical Endocrinology. Clinical practice guidance on hypogonadism evaluation.
  • American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association. Cholesterol guideline—risk assessment.
  • Clinical reviews on laboratory monitoring of TRT (hematocrit, PSA, estradiol) and assay timing.

Available Tests & Panels

Your Low T and TRT menu is pre-populated in the Ulta Lab Tests system. Start with morning total testosterone and a core health panel (TSH, A1c, lipids, CMP, CBC). Use filters to add free T/SHBGLH/FSHprolactin, and—for those considering or using TRT—PSAestradiol (sensitive), and scheduled monitoring labs. Review results with your clinician to confirm diagnosis and set a safe follow-up plan.

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Are you feeling tired all the time? Have you noticed that your hair is not growing as usual? Are you struggling with your weight?

If the answer is yes, you may have low testosterone levels. This is also known as low T. It affects around 2 out of every 100 men in America. Thankfully effective therapies are available to help.

Let's take a look at testosterone replacement therapy tests, and how you can get them.

What Is the Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)?

Low T is a condition in which there is a low level of the male sex hormone testosterone in the body. For a man to be diagnosed with low testosterone, it needs to be lower than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL).

Testosterone naturally exists in the body in two forms - free and testosterone that is attached to other proteins. The free testosterone circulates and having too little is linked to the symptoms mentioned at the outset. 

Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) is hormone therapy for treating low testosterone. Testosterone can be administered in a variety of ways. These include patches, gels, injections, and even implants. Make sure you get an accurate diagnosis before starting any of these treatments.

Risk Factors for Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

There are many different reasons men develop low T. Some risk factors include:

  • Injury to the testicles
  • Chemotherapy
  • Metabolic disorders
  • Medications and illicit drug use
  • Alcohol
  • HIV/AIDS
  • Kidney failure
  • Obesity
  • Aging

If you have symptoms and know your lifestyle is not healthy, this is a good place to start.

Signs and Symptoms of Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

Symptoms of low testosterone vary from person to person. Older men are more likely to experience low testosterone than younger men. The following are common symptoms:

  • Low libido (sex drive)
  • Difficulty attaining or maintaining erections
  • Malaise
  • Feelings of depression
  • Concentration or memory problems
  • Feeling tired all the time
  • Irritability
  • Loss of muscle tone and strength

If low testosterone levels persist, there can be consequences. These include thinning of the bones, hair loss, infertility, and even breast development.

If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's good to get an understanding of where your baseline testosterone levels are at. 

Lab Tests for Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)

The first step is to take lab tests to determine whether you are suffering from low testosterone levels. This will help your doctor decide whether or not you need treatment and the type of treatment you need.

A pre-TRT blood test will examine at least the following areas:

A complete blood count is important. It will help your doctor to see whether other factors could be contributing to your symptoms. The PSA level is important as elevated levels may indicate the presence of prostate cancer. 

Your doctor may advise taking your total testosterone level at two different times on two different days. Ideally, do this between 7-10 am. That's because naturally testosterone levels rise and fall in the body.

Later in the day, levels are naturally lower. So, to gain a baseline for diagnostic purposes, two tests early in the day give a clearer picture. 

Once treatment for low T has started, you will need follow-up testosterone replacement therapy lab tests. These are usually done after 4 to 6 weeks. 

The two most common lab panels ordered by practitioners are the Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Panel and the Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) Plus Panel that monitor the hormonal balance, and key biomarkers and organ function that can be affected with TRT.

Frequently Asked Questions

People have a range of questions about low T and testosterone replacement therapy tests. Some of their most common are:

What are normal testosterone levels?

A normal testosterone level for a healthy man is normally considered to be more than 300 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL). If you have a level that is lower than this, your doctor may diagnose low testosterone and recommend treatment.

What are the benefits of testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)?

The benefits of TRT include increased libido, increased muscle mass, and increased energy. Many men also report improvements in their mood and energy levels.

What are the risks of TRT?

The risks include having to take testosterone treatment long-term. If your body does not respond by naturally making more, it's possible that you will need to keep taking treatment.

What is the cost of TRT?

The cost of TRT will depend on a number of factors, including the dosage needed and whether this is covered by your insurance. Costs vary widely between $20 and $1000 per month. 

TRT should be prescribed by a physician. This ensures that you are getting the correct dose, and your condition is being monitored.

It's important to remember that testosterone replacement is not a wonder drug. You should only take it on medical advice and it's only for men who have a diagnosis of low T.

If you're experiencing a low mood, lack of energy, and a loss of interest in sex, take a look at your lifestyle. How are your diet and sleep? Do you exercise regularly? You can improve some of these issues through lifestyle changes rather than hormone therapy.

Benefits of Low T and Testosterone Replacement Therapy Tests With Ulta Lab Tests

The only way to diagnose low T is through testosterone replacement therapy tests. Never embark on treatment for low testosterone without thorough testing and sound medical advice. If you do have low T though, TRT could help you get your mojo back.

Ulta Lab Tests offers TRT testing that is highly accurate and reliable so you can make informed decisions about your health.

  • Secure and Confidential Results
  • No Insurance or Referral Needed
  • Affordable Pricing including Doctor's Order
  • 100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Order your low T and testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) lab test today. Your results will be provided to you securely and confidentially online in 24 to 48 hours for most tests.

Take charge of your health and track your progress with Ulta Lab Tests.