Testosterone Testing in Kenya: Where, When, and How

Getting your testosterone levels tested is the first step in diagnosing and treating low testosterone. This guide covers everything about testing in Kenya.

## When to Get Tested

### Age Guidelines
- Baseline at 30 if symptoms
- Regular screening after 40
- Annual testing after 50
- Earlier with risk factors

### Symptom Indicators
- Persistent fatigue
- Low sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Depression/mood changes
- Muscle loss
- Weight gain

### Medical Indications
- Diabetes diagnosis
- Osteoporosis
- Infertility evaluation
- Pituitary problems
- Chronic illness

## Types of Tests

### Total Testosterone
- Standard initial test
- Measures all testosterone
- Cost: KES 3,000-4,000
- Most widely available
- Morning sample required

### Free Testosterone
- Measures active hormone
- More accurate in some cases
- Cost: KES 4,000-5,000
- Limited availability
- Calculated or direct method

### Bioavailable Testosterone
- Free plus albumin-bound
- Rarely ordered
- Cost: KES 5,000-6,000
- Specialized labs only

### Additional Tests

**LH and FSH**
- Determine cause
- Primary vs secondary
- Cost: KES 3,000 each

**Prolactin**
- Pituitary function
- Elevated can lower testosterone
- Cost: KES 3,000

**SHBG**
- Binding protein
- Affects free testosterone
- Cost: KES 3,500

## Testing Locations in Kenya

### Nairobi

**Major Hospitals**
- Aga Khan Hospital
- Nairobi Hospital
- MP Shah Hospital
- Kenyatta National Hospital

**Private Labs**
- Lancet Laboratories
- PathCare Kenya
- Meditest Diagnostics
- Phillips Diagnostics

### Other Cities

**Mombasa**
- Pandya Hospital
- Premier Hospital
- Coast General Hospital

**Kisumu**
- Aga Khan Hospital
- Kisumu Specialists
- JOOTRH

**Eldoret**
- Mediheal Hospital
- MTRH
- St. Luke's Hospital

## Testing Protocol

### Preparation
- Fast overnight (optional)
- Good night's sleep
- Avoid exercise morning of
- No biotin supplements 72 hours
- Inform about medications

### Timing
- 8-10 AM crucial
- Testosterone peaks morning
- Afternoon levels 30% lower
- Consistency important

### Sample Collection
- Simple blood draw
- 5-10ml blood needed
- Results in 1-3 days
- Some offer same-day

## Understanding Results

### Reference Ranges

**Normal Range**
- Total: 300-1,000 ng/dL
- Free: 9-30 ng/dL
- Age-adjusted ranges exist

**Low Testosterone**
- Below 300 ng/dL total
- Symptoms present
- Confirmed with repeat test

**Borderline**
- 300-400 ng/dL
- Consider symptoms
- Check free testosterone
- Monitor trends

### Factors Affecting Results

**Can Lower Levels**
- Illness or infection
- Poor sleep
- Stress
- Obesity
- Certain medications
- Alcohol

**Can Raise Levels**
- Recent exercise
- Supplements
- Fasting
- Some medications

## Interpretation Guidelines

### Single Test Limitations
- 30% daily variation
- Need 2-3 tests
- Different days
- Average values

### Age Considerations
- Natural decline 1% yearly after 30
- Compare to age-matched ranges
- Symptoms matter most
- Individual baseline varies

## Cost Comparison

### Basic Panel
- Total testosterone: KES 3,500
- Complete panel: KES 10,000-15,000
- With consultation: KES 15,000-20,000

### Insurance Coverage
- Some plans cover with symptoms
- Prior authorization needed
- Documentation required
- Appeal if denied

## Home Testing Options

### Available Services
- Limited in Kenya
- Saliva tests unreliable
- Finger-prick options emerging
- Lab testing preferred

## Follow-up Testing

### If Low Testosterone
1. Repeat test in 2-4 weeks
2. Add free testosterone
3. Check LH/FSH
4. Rule out other causes
5. Consider MRI if indicated

### During Treatment
- 6 weeks after starting
- Every 3 months first year
- Every 6 months thereafter
- Annual comprehensive panel

## Questions for Your Doctor

- Should I test free testosterone?
- What time should I test?
- How many tests needed?
- What's my age-adjusted range?
- Should we test other hormones?
- How often to retest?

## Red Flags

**Seek Immediate Testing If:**
- Sudden onset symptoms
- Testicular pain/swelling
- Visual changes
- Severe headaches
- Breast development

## Making Testing Affordable

- Compare lab prices
- Ask about packages
- Group tests together
- Use insurance when possible
- Consider payment plans
- Check for promotions