Testosterone Blood Test
Total testosterone, free testosterone, and the binding protein — three markers, the number that actually matters.
What Testosterone measures
Testosterone is the primary androgen — important for energy, muscle, mood, libido and bone health in everyone, not just men. The total testosterone number includes both bound and free hormone. SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) determines how much of that total is actually available to your tissues. The free testosterone fraction is the hormone that's biologically active. This is why two people with an identical total testosterone can feel very different: if one has high SHBG, more of their hormone is locked up and unavailable. Measuring total, free and SHBG together — rather than total alone — gives a far more useful read on your androgen status. Levels also follow a daily rhythm and shift with age, sleep, illness, body composition and training, so a single number is best interpreted in context. Discuss your results with your doctor, who can read them alongside your symptoms and history.
Who should consider checking Testosterone
Have you noticed any of these:
- low energy, motivation or libido
- trouble building or maintaining muscle
- poor recovery from training
- considering or already on TRT
- wanting a baseline before age 40
- tracking the impact of sleep, training or supplementation
How the test works
Single blood draw, ideally between 7–10am when testosterone naturally peaks. No fasting required. Results back same day.
What "normal" can look like
Reference ranges vary significantly by age and sex. The 'normal' range is wide; many people feel symptomatic at the lower end of normal. Free testosterone (or the calculated free index) often tells a more useful story than total alone, especially when SHBG is high or low. Always interpret with your doctor.
Where to get a Testosterone test
Testosterone is included in these panels:
- Testosterone Test — Total testosterone, free testosterone, and the binding protein — three markers, the number that actually matters. A$65
- Men's Hormone Check — A complete picture of male hormonal health — testosterone, the stress and recovery markers, and the brain signals that drive them. A$169
- Growth Hormone & Vitality Panel — Three markers behind energy, recovery and ageing — IGF-1, the adrenal androgen, and testosterone. A$189
- Core Health Panel — The full check — 42 biomarkers across 8 health areas, in one blood test. Our most comprehensive panel. A$329
Frequently asked questions
Why three markers and not just total testosterone?
Total alone misses a lot. SHBG can shift how much testosterone is actually available — that's what free testosterone captures.
I'm on TRT — should I still test?
Yes. Test before your morning dose for consistency, and talk to your prescribing doctor about meaningful timing.
How often should I test?
Twice a year is a reasonable cadence. More often if you're actively making changes (training, sleep, supplements, medication).
Why morning?
Testosterone follows a daily rhythm — it's highest in the morning. Consistent timing helps you compare results over time.
What's the difference between total and free testosterone?
Total testosterone is everything in your blood, including the portion bound to SHBG and albumin. Free testosterone is the small unbound fraction your cells can actually use. When SHBG is high or low, total can look normal while free tells a different story — which is why they're best read together. Your doctor can interpret what the numbers mean for you.
Related biomarkers
Guides
- How Much Does a Testosterone Blood Test Cost in Australia? (2026) — Compare private testosterone blood test prices across Australian providers ($65–$105), what's included in each, and how Medicare item 66695 fits in.
- Can You Get a Blood Test in Australia Without a GP Referral? (2026) — Yes — most common blood tests can be self-ordered in Australia. How direct-to-consumer pathology works, what's available, and when you should still see a GP first.