Testosterone Test at Home: Just a Stick, Your Phone, and Spit
▼ Summary
– Eli Health has expanded its at-home Hormometer saliva test from cortisol to now include testosterone and progesterone, all on the same platform.
– The test works by using a saliva-collection wand and a smartphone app for analysis, offering a process that is less messy and more convenient than typical blood or urine tests.
– The company claims over 90% accuracy for progesterone and cortisol against lab standards, and the device is FDA-registered as a low-risk Class I product.
– It is important to note that saliva tests measure only biologically available hormone levels, not total levels, and the device is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
– Preorders are open for progesterone tests, with testosterone tests expected to ship in early 2026, and individual tests are anticipated to start at $8.25.
Keeping track of key hormones like testosterone and progesterone is becoming easier and more accessible than ever. A new at-home testing device, requiring just a saliva sample and a smartphone, is expanding its capabilities to include these vital biomarkers. This innovation promises a convenient and affordable way for individuals to monitor their hormonal health from the comfort of their own homes.
The device, called the Hormometer, operates on a simple principle. Users place a small, wand-like cartridge in their mouth for roughly sixty seconds to collect a saliva sample. After collection, they use a dedicated smartphone app. The app utilizes the phone’s camera to analyze the sample, delivering results in approximately twenty minutes. The company behind it, Eli Health, first launched a version for cortisol testing and is now adding testosterone and progesterone tests to the same platform. A major selling point is the cost, with individual tests expected to start around eight dollars and twenty-five cents. Compared to traditional at-home blood or urine tests, this saliva-based method is promoted as being less messy, faster, and far more convenient for regular use.
Testosterone is widely recognized as a crucial male sex hormone, but it also plays significant roles in muscle mass, bone strength, and energy levels for everyone. Progesterone is often discussed in the context of menstrual cycles and pregnancy, though it also influences sperm production in men. Eli Health states that its tests for progesterone and cortisol have demonstrated over ninety percent accuracy when measured against standard laboratory methods. It’s important to understand that the device is FDA-registered, which classifies it as a low-risk product. This registration is not the same as an FDA clearance or approval, meaning it has not undergone the agency’s rigorous review process for medical claims. Furthermore, saliva tests measure only the “free” or biologically active hormone in the body, unlike blood tests which typically report total hormone levels.
Interest in hormone optimization, including treatments for low testosterone, has surged as a popular wellness topic on social media. This trend is likely fueling increased demand for personal monitoring tools. However, medical experts frequently caution that online discussions often oversimplify complex hormonal issues. While a product like the Hormometer can be a useful tool for tracking known conditions, it is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis or advice. The company plans to begin shipping the testosterone tests in early 2026 and is currently accepting pre-orders for the progesterone version.
(Source: The Verge)
