Hearing some awkward whispers about “low T” can feel like you’re in the middle of the Bourne Identity. When a doctor orders a testosterone test it’s like opening the hood of your car to see what’s going on under there. Big process, right? Like taking a snapshot of your energy flow. Also don’t worry it doesn’t involve much in the way of needles–as bad as it seems, I promise Learn more.

Oh ya, don’t let the guys fool you, you’re on your way too since they’re not the only ones who need testing for testosterone. It’s ladies-such as yourself-along for the ride as well. This hormone does many things for everybody. Boys, it’s about building muscle and growing hair. For women, it’s crucial to keep feelings and energies lively.

Imagine testosterone levels as a finicky cat bobbing up and down. While the levels go off for a joyride they can always be reeled back in with the blood test. Picture it as your blueprint for settling back to homeostasis.

It’s a pretty straightforward and painless process, akin to struggling with a stubborn jar lid. Zip in and you’re through with it. Missing the unwrapping of this present, after the pinprick, is also quite fascinating. This test splits off the free agents-those that aren’t tied up with proteins-from the total testosterone. They are passed on your blood stream.

Key tip: it’s all about timing. As in knowing the right time to get in the car, so as to avoid getting caught in traffic. Testosterone creeps up in the morning and tends to dwindle over the day making it easier for you to crash.

Now why get these levels checked in the first place? It can literally solve problems that those down days of inexplicable fatigue or chronic muscle soreness, or personal weather chart of mood swings. Think of it as your own personal detective sans noir cliches. Sometimes the responses can point to things like polycystic ovarian syndrome in women or low T in men.

As for when you take the data, try not to let stats cloud your best judgement. Equivalent of reading your biochemical front page. Just knowing is the big step. Most corrections towards balance-if needed-usually entail lifestyle changes and interventions along the lines of exercise, dietary shifts, and even medications.

Your unique approach which usually feels right should be foreshadowed by your doctor acting as the tour guide to this journey. It may look like a struggle, but remember, testing is a chapter, not the end of your story