Feeling less energetic than you used to? You're not alone. Testosterone test demand in the UK has surged by nearly 90% between 2000 and 2010 [2], as more men recognise the impact hormonal changes can have on their daily lives.
Most men don't realise their testosterone naturally drops by about 1% each year after age 30 [4]. Normal testosterone levels for adult males typically range between 8.7–29 nmol/L (250–836 ng/dL) [2], but these numbers tell only part of the story. Studies show that two to five percent of men worldwide experience testosterone deficiency [3]—a condition also known as hypogonadism that can seriously affect quality of life.
For men over 60, understanding your testosterone levels becomes particularly important. Changes in energy, mood, or physical strength often develop gradually, making them easy to dismiss as normal ageing rather than treatable hormonal changes. The good news? Multiple testing options exist to help you get answers—from NHS testosterone testing to private clinics and home test kits.
Healthcare providers recommend annual testing for men aged 60 and above [1], especially when symptoms persist. Whether you choose NHS services, private testosterone test options, or home testing kits in the UK, getting tested is the first step toward understanding what's happening with your hormone levels and what you can do about it.
Understanding Testosterone and Ageing in Men Over 60: Testosterone Test UK Options
"Since SHBG levels in men tend to increase with age, this means that levels of calculated free testosterone are likely to decline faster as a man ages than his total testosterone levels." — Centre for Men's Health (summarising research findings), UK medical clinic specialising in men's health and hormone therapy
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"Since SHBG levels in men tend to increase with age, this means that levels of calculated free testosterone are likely to decline faster as a man ages than his total testosterone levels." — Centre for Men's Health (summarising research findings), UK medical clinic specialising in men's health and hormone therapy
Testosterone goes far beyond being just the "male hormone." This essential androgen works throughout your body, supporting everything from muscle strength to mental clarity—and understanding its role becomes crucial after age 60.
What testosterone does in the male body
Think of testosterone as your body's maintenance hormone. It keeps muscle mass strong and bones dense [2], while ensuring you produce enough red blood cells—which explains why men typically have higher blood counts than women [2].
The hormone's influence extends well beyond physical strength. Testosterone drives libido, supports healthy erections, and contributes to that general sense of vitality many men notice declining with age [2]. It remains essential for sperm production throughout life, making it vital for male fertility [9].
But testosterone also works behind the scenes in ways you might not expect. It helps regulate where your body stores fat, influences cholesterol levels, and even affects cognitive function [10]. Men with healthy testosterone levels typically experience better mood stability and sharper mental performance compared to those with deficiencies [11].
How levels change after age 60
Your testosterone peaked during your teens and twenties. Since around age 40, it's been declining steadily at 1-2% each year [1] [11] [1]—quite different from women's dramatic menopausal shift.
By 60, this gradual decline adds up. Research shows approximately 20% of men over 60 have total testosterone levels below normal range [2]. That figure jumps to 50% for men over 80 [2].
What causes this drop? Your testicles produce less testosterone while your pituitary gland sends weaker signals to trigger production [11]. Meanwhile, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels increase, binding up more of your available testosterone [11].
Here's what makes this particularly challenging for men over 60: you might have "normal" total testosterone readings yet still feel the effects of deficiency. Only free and albumin-bound testosterone—known as bioavailable testosterone—can actually reach your body tissues and do the work [11].
Link to andropause and hormonal shifts
Late-onset hypogonadism, commonly called "andropause" or "male menopause," describes the gradual hormonal changes affecting older men. Unlike female menopause, andropause in men over 60 develops slowly over decades [1].
This isn't just about falling testosterone—it's a complex shift affecting multiple hormones. The decline triggers various physical and psychological changes [1]. Men often notice dropping energy levels, shrinking muscle mass, mood swings, and reduced sexual function [6].
Many men experiencing these changes start with private testosterone test options for faster answers. The symptoms tend to intensify as men reach 70, making low testosterone in men over 70 a more urgent medical concern.
While the NHS provides testosterone testing when medically necessary, many men choose home testosterone test UK options for convenience and privacy. Understanding your hormone status becomes particularly important given the connections between low testosterone and serious conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, and heart disease [2].
Some men explore natural remedies for male andropause alongside medical treatments. However, discuss any approach with healthcare providers—testosterone replacement therapy might be necessary for significant deficiencies.
Types of Testosterone Tests Available in the UK
Confused about which testosterone test you need? Three main types exist, each designed to measure different aspects of your hormone levels—and knowing the difference can help you get the right answers.
Total testosterone
Total testosterone measures all the testosterone in your bloodstream, both bound and free-floating [8]. This test serves as the standard starting point for hormone assessment. UK laboratories report results in nanomoles per litre (nmol/L), with normal ranges for adult males typically between 6-27 nmol/L [8].
Your doctor will need a blood sample collected before 9am to get accurate results—testosterone levels naturally fluctuate throughout the day [8]. Think of total testosterone as the foundation test that reveals whether your overall hormone production falls within expected ranges [2].
Free testosterone
Here's what most men don't know: only 2-5% of your testosterone actually circulates freely in your bloodstream [2] [4]. The rest gets bound to proteins, making it less available to your body's tissues. Free testosterone tests measure this unbound, biologically active portion—the testosterone that can actually get to work [3].
This test becomes particularly valuable when you're experiencing symptoms but your total testosterone appears normal [1]. Free testosterone often provides the missing piece of the puzzle for men whose symptoms don't match their total testosterone numbers.
Bioavailable testosterone
Bioavailable testosterone includes both free testosterone and testosterone bound to albumin—a protein that releases testosterone easily when your body needs it [2]. This measurement shows you how much testosterone is readily available to act on your tissues [2] [9].
Bioavailable testosterone offers a more complete picture than free testosterone alone [10]. This test proves especially useful when other health conditions might affect how proteins bind to testosterone [11]—common issues include liver problems, obesity, or thyroid conditions.
When each test is recommended
Most doctors start with total testosterone when you report symptoms like low energy, reduced sex drive, or difficulty maintaining erections [1]. This initial screening determines whether your overall hormone levels need attention [2].
Free testosterone becomes essential in specific situations: • Total testosterone results appear borderline or low • Symptoms persist despite normal total testosterone readings
• You have conditions affecting hormone-binding proteins • You're monitoring testosterone replacement therapy response [1]
Bioavailable testosterone testing works best when SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) levels appear abnormal [6]. SHBG irregularities commonly occur with liver disease, obesity, thyroid problems, or certain medications [6].
For men over 60 experiencing andropause symptoms, comprehensive testing including both total and free testosterone provides the clearest picture. The NHS offers testosterone testing when medically justified [6], though many men choose private options for faster access and more detailed hormone panels. Some men with low testosterone over 70 explore natural remedies for male andropause alongside medical treatments.
NHS vs Private Testosterone Testing Options
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Wondering which testing route works best for your situation? The UK offers several pathways to check your testosterone levels, each with distinct advantages and trade-offs.
How to request NHS testosterone testing
Start by booking an appointment with your GP to discuss symptoms like fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, depression, or reduced muscle mass [5]. Your doctor will evaluate whether these issues might stem from low testosterone or other conditions. Blood samples should be collected before 9am due to natural daily variations in testosterone levels [8].
The NHS testing process follows these steps:
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Initial blood test measuring total testosterone
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Repeat blood test to confirm results if levels appear low
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Referral to an NHS endocrinologist when testosterone deficiency is indicated
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Ongoing assessment and monitoring by specialists
Limitations of NHS testing
NHS testosterone testing comes with notable restrictions. The service typically requires testosterone levels below 8nmol/L before considering treatment [12]—a threshold many private clinics consider too restrictive. NHS tests usually measure only total testosterone rather than calculated free testosterone (cFT) [12], potentially missing men with normal total levels but low bioavailable testosterone.
Waiting times present another challenge. Many patients face months-long delays for specialist appointments after initial testing [5]. For men experiencing symptoms that affect daily life, these delays can feel frustrating and unnecessary.
Private testosterone test options
Private clinics take a different approach, offering expanded testing panels that measure free testosterone, SHBG, oestradiol, and other relevant markers [5]. Many, like Optimale, provide remote consultations that eliminate GP visit requirements [12].
Private services often consider symptoms even when test results fall within technically "normal" ranges [5]. This proves particularly valuable for men whose symptoms suggest hormonal issues but don't meet strict NHS criteria for treatment.
Home testosterone test UK: pros and cons
Home testing has grown popular for good reason—convenience and privacy. These kits cost between £39.67 and £62.74 [7] and typically use finger-prick blood samples or saliva collection [13].
The benefits include:
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Complete privacy and convenience
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No appointments necessary
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Results within 2-5 days
However, home tests have clear limitations. Research shows saliva tests may not track hormone changes as accurately as blood tests [13]. More importantly, home tests can't diagnose underlying causes of low testosterone, making them best suited as initial screening tools before professional consultation.
How to Read and Understand Your Test Results
"Total testosterone had its limits as a diagnostic test and that men's symptoms were the most important thing." — International group of experts (US, Italy, Germany), Authors of Journal of Sexual Medicine consensus statement
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"Total testosterone had its limits as a diagnostic test and that men's symptoms were the most important thing." — International group of experts (US, Italy, Germany), Authors of Journal of Sexual Medicine consensus statement
Most people don't realise that understanding your testosterone results goes far beyond just looking at the numbers. The key lies in connecting those figures to how you actually feel—and what you can do about it.
Normal testosterone ranges for men over 60
Reference ranges for total testosterone typically fall between 6-27 nmol/L (nanomoles per litre) for adult males [8]. But here's what matters more: this standard range doesn't account for the natural decline that happens with age. What's considered "normal" for a 40-year-old man differs significantly from what a 70-year-old should expect.
For men aged 50+, reference ranges typically span 6.7-25.7 nmol/L [14]. Yet these numbers tell only part of your story—your symptoms and quality of life matter just as much, if not more.
What low levels may indicate
Readings below 8 nmol/L alongside persistent symptoms often warrant consideration for testosterone replacement therapy [15]. Low measurements could point toward several underlying issues:
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Primary hypogonadism—problems with the testicles themselves [3]
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Secondary hypogonadism—issues with the pituitary gland or hypothalamus [3]
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Age-related decline, also known as late-onset hypogonadism [16]
The American Urology Association considers testosterone below 300 ng/dL (approximately 10.4 nmol/L) as low [16], whilst many UK clinicians use 8 nmol/L as their threshold for treatment consideration [15].
When to consider retesting
A single low reading doesn't confirm testosterone deficiency. Research shows up to 30% of men with initially low levels show normal results when retested [15]—which is why at least two separate morning tests are recommended [17].
The timing matters too. Collect samples before 9am [8] to account for natural daily fluctuations, though this daily variation becomes less pronounced after age 45 [18]. If your first test suggests low testosterone but you're experiencing symptoms, don't give up—retesting often provides clearer answers.
Symptoms vs numbers: what matters more
Here's what many men don't expect: your symptoms often matter more than strict laboratory values. Research reveals that different symptoms emerge at various testosterone thresholds [14]:
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Below 15 nmol/L: reduced energy levels
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Below 12 nmol/L: weight gain
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Below 10 nmol/L: low mood
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Below 8 nmol/L: erectile dysfunction
For men experiencing andropause men over 60, quality of life improvements may justify treatment even when numbers fall within technical "normal" ranges [19]. This approach proves particularly relevant for low testosterone men over 70 who might benefit from natural remedies for male andropause alongside medical interventions.
The bottom line? If you're experiencing symptoms that affect your daily life, those symptoms deserve attention—regardless of whether your numbers hit a specific threshold.
Top Private Testosterone Testing Services in the UK
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Private testosterone testing in the UK gives you faster access to results and more detailed hormone analysis. Here are the leading options for men seeking professional hormone assessment.
Best-rated clinics and labs
Optimale leads the UK market as the top-rated TRT clinic, with full CQC registration and regulation [20]. The Men's Health Clinic offers globally recognised services with patient-centred approaches to testosterone deficiency [21]. For those preferring face-to-face consultations, Loughview Health provides experienced doctor-led services through their three-step diagnostic pathway [22].
Online and home test providers
Home testing has become increasingly popular for its convenience and privacy. Medichecks and London Health Company provide comprehensive finger-prick blood collection kits complete with lancets, alcohol wipes, collection tubes, and prepaid return envelopes [23]. Superdrug's Online Doctor delivers next-day with results ready within 72 hours [24]. LetGetChecked offers a 2-5 day turnaround with added nurse support [25].
What to expect during the process
Most home testosterone tests analyse total testosterone, free testosterone, SHBG and albumin levels [26]. Your lab report will include actual figures plus specific notes for any results outside normal ranges [23]. Many services now offer follow-up consultations, particularly valuable for men experiencing andropause men over 60.
Cost comparison and turnaround times
Testing costs vary significantly—from £33 for basic testosterone analysis at Optimale [26] to £75 at Walkin Clinic [27]. More detailed hormone panels cost around £250 at Loughview Health [22]. Results typically arrive within 1-3 days from London Health Company [23], though free testosterone tests may take up to one week [27]. Several clinics now offer natural remedies for male andropause alongside medical treatments for men dealing with low testosterone men over 70.
Conclusion
Getting tested for testosterone doesn't have to be complicated. Whether you choose NHS services, private clinics, or home testing kits, the most important step is taking action when symptoms affect your daily life.
Your options are clear: NHS testing offers a cost-effective route, though waiting times and stricter thresholds may apply. Private clinics provide faster access with more detailed hormone panels. Home testing kits give you privacy and convenience—perfect for initial screening before seeing a healthcare professional.
Remember, your symptoms matter more than strict numbers on a lab report. Medical experts increasingly recognise that quality of life improvements can justify treatment even when results fall within "normal" ranges. Men dealing with andropause men over 60 should treat testing as essential health maintenance, especially when fatigue, reduced libido, or mood changes persist.
For those concerned about low testosterone men over 70, understanding both testing options and treatment approaches becomes crucial. Solutions range from lifestyle changes to hormone replacement therapy, depending on your specific situation and health profile.
Many men successfully combine natural remedies for male andropause with medical treatments. Whatever path you choose, accurate testing provides the foundation for monitoring progress and adjusting your approach as needed.
Don't let hormonal changes diminish your quality of life. Regular monitoring—every 3-6 months initially, then annually once stabilised—helps healthcare providers fine-tune your treatment. Take control of your hormonal health today and discover what's possible for your energy, mood, and overall wellbeing in the years ahead.
Key Takeaways
Understanding testosterone testing options empowers men over 60 to make informed decisions about their hormonal health and quality of life.
• Testosterone naturally declines 1-2% annually after age 30, with 20% of men over 60 having below-normal levels requiring assessment.
• Three main test types exist: total testosterone (screening), free testosterone (bioactive hormone), and bioavailable testosterone (functionally accessible).
• NHS testing requires levels below 8nmol/L for treatment, whilst private clinics offer faster access and more comprehensive hormone panels.
• Symptoms often matter more than strict numbers—quality of life improvements may justify treatment even within "normal" ranges.
• Home testing kits (£33-75) provide convenient screening, but professional consultation remains essential for proper diagnosis and treatment planning.
Regular monitoring becomes crucial after age 60, as gradual hormonal changes can significantly impact energy, mood, sexual function, and overall wellbeing when left unaddressed.
FAQs
Q1. How much does testosterone testing typically cost in the UK? Testosterone testing costs in the UK vary depending on the provider and type of test. Basic tests start from around £33 at private clinics, while more comprehensive hormone panels can cost up to £250. Home testing kits generally range between £39 and £75.
Q2. Can men over 60 request testosterone testing through the NHS? Yes, men over 60 can request testosterone testing through the NHS. However, you'll need to discuss your symptoms with your GP first. The NHS typically requires testosterone levels to fall below 8 nmol/L for further investigation or treatment consideration.
Q3. What are the advantages of private testosterone testing over NHS testing? Private testosterone testing often offers faster access, more comprehensive hormone panels, and considers treatment at higher testosterone thresholds. Private clinics may also provide more detailed analysis of free and bioavailable testosterone, which can be particularly relevant for older men.
Q4. How often should men over 60 have their testosterone levels checked? For men over 60 experiencing symptoms of low testosterone, annual testing is generally recommended. However, if you're undergoing treatment, more frequent testing (every 3-6 months) may be necessary initially, followed by annual check-ups once levels stabilise.
Q5. Are home testosterone test kits reliable for men over 60? Home testosterone test kits can be a convenient screening tool for men over 60, but they shouldn't be used for definitive diagnosis. While they offer privacy and quick results, it's important to follow up with a healthcare professional to interpret the results accurately and discuss any necessary treatment options.
References
[1] - https://www.medichecks.com/blogs/testosterone/what-is-a-normal-testosterone-level-for-your-age?srsltid=AfmBOopEYl2QZMeBBv33-a-mKXX7NKTb1cBJBQZdTM3kgkaHPd35c_sE
[2] - https://legerclinic.co.uk/blogs/testosterone-health-hub/what-s-an-ideal-testosterone-level-on-trt
[3] - https://www.bupa.co.uk/newsroom/ourviews/low-testosterone-men
[4] - https://bloodtest.co.uk/testosterone-blood-test-in-filton-your-guide/
[5] - https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK526128/
[6] - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/24101-testosterone
[7] - https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/sexual-health/in-depth/testosterone-therapy/art-20045728
[8] - https://www.health.harvard.edu/staying-healthy/testosterone--what-it-does-and-doesnt-do
[9] - https://www.health.harvard.edu/newsletter_article/testosterone_aging_and_the_mind
[10] - https://atlanticurologyclinics.com/blog/testosterone-levels-by-age/
[11] - https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC2544367/
[12] - https://www.topdoctors.co.uk/medical-articles/unveiling-andropause-understanding-men-s-midlife-hormonal-changes/
[13] - https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/male-menopause/
[14] - https://www.nbt.nhs.uk/severn-pathology/requesting/test-information/testosterone
[15] - https://www.medichecks.com/blogs/testosterone/what-s-the-difference-between-total-and-free-testosterone?srsltid=AfmBOopAEiS_MFx-yIGGn5aU2YkkVrVoaI0WucALhbu5xIncd7FHZiGm
[16] - https://www.selph.co.uk/learn/general-health/what-is-testosterone-and-testosterone-levels
[17] - https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24215-testosterone-test
[18] - https://www.ondemand.labcorp.com/blog/total-testosterone-vs-free-testosterone?srsltid=AfmBOorr8yV74310Xh8aRjvgUy8Uzo7tqRzVFMBM-JRs-84_xI2FurBX
[19] - https://www.medichecks.com/blogs/testosterone/what-s-the-difference-between-total-and-free-testosterone?srsltid=AfmBOopd8_jvBefLJKi_1bAJ77LWxobcTGd4gPZ1BAisUSsfj5WXLP16
[20] - https://www.theonlineclinic.co.uk/total-testosterone-test.asp
[21] - https://www.theonlineclinic.co.uk/free-testosterone-test.asp
[22] - https://labtestsonline.org.uk/tests/testosterone-test
[23] - https://omniya.co.uk/nhs-vs-private-trt-whats-the-difference/
[24] - https://www.optimale.co.uk/trt-uk/trt-on-the-nhs-vs-private/
[25] - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/home-testosterone-test
[26] - https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/testosterone-test
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