Symptom → lab tests
Which blood tests check for causes of low libido?
Short answer
Low sex drive is often hormonal and often testable: total and free testosterone (in men and women), SHBG, estradiol, prolactin and thyroid function are the standard set. A high prolactin or an underactive thyroid can suppress libido on its own, and low free testosterone is the most common finding in men.
Medically reviewed by Youmna DiStefano, MD · Last reviewed September 2026
When should you see a clinician instead of ordering a test?
- Low libido with headaches and vision changes, or milky nipple discharge — see a clinician (pituitary evaluation)
- New erectile dysfunction with chest pain or leg pain when walking — cardiovascular evaluation
Why these tests for low libido?
Testosterone drives libido in both sexes; free testosterone matters more than total because SHBG binds most of it. Prolactin excess suppresses sex hormones and is easy to miss without testing. Thyroid dysfunction, depression, medications (notably antidepressants) and relationship factors are the other common contributors.
Which conditions do these tests help evaluate?
- Low Libido — Sex hormones, thyroid and metabolic markers that influence sex drive.
- Low Testosterone — Total + free testosterone, SHBG and related hormones for men's hormonal health.
- Perimenopause — Estradiol, FSH, LH and thyroid to make sense of changing cycles and symptoms.
Which tests, and what do they cost?
Prices are cash-pay; every order adds one $6 lab processing fee. Physician authorization is included; no insurance or referral needed.
| Test or panel | Type | Price | Fasting | Results |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men's Hormone PanelSaves $63.94 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 7 tests | $199.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| Women's Hormone PanelSaves $129.90 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 11 tests | $239.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| Erectile Dysfunction PanelSaves $124.94 vs ordering the tests separately | Panel · 7 tests | $114.99 | Yes | 2–5 business days |
| Testosterone, Free & Total | Test · 2 biomarkers | $54.99 | No | 3–5 business days |
| SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) | Test | $34.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| Estradiol (E2) | Test | $35.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| Prolactin | Test | $39.99 | No | 2–4 business days |
| TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) | Test | $26.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
| DHEA-Sulfate | Test | $32.99 | No | 1–3 business days |
Common questions
When should testosterone be drawn?
Between 7 and 10 a.m., when levels peak. A single low value is usually confirmed with a second morning draw before any diagnosis.
Do women need testosterone tested for low libido?
It's part of the workup. Women's levels are much lower than men's, so the test should be run by a method sensitive at low concentrations, as TestWell's is.
Educational content, not a diagnosis. Lab results are one input; a clinician interprets them with your history and exam.