Best At-Home Metabolism Tests in 2024

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Metabolism tests look at a person’s hormone levels or carbon dioxide and oxygen output. They may indicate a hormone imbalance or help people with weight goals. Several companies offer metabolic tests at home.
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A quick look at the best metabolism tests
Best for membership discounts: Everlywell Metabolism Test | Skip to review
Everlywell Metabolism Test
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Best for fast results: myLAB Box At-Home Metabolism Test | Skip to review
myLAB Box At-Home Metabolism Test
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Best for medical support : LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test | Skip to review
LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test
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Best for weight management: Thorne Weight Management Test | Skip to review
Thorne Weight Management Test
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What is a metabolism test?
A metabolism test measures the rate at which the body uses oxygen or burns calories. It can estimate how many calories a person burns at rest or during activity, which can help them with their fitness and weight goals.
Metabolism refers to the body’s process of converting food into energy. The body uses this energy for everyday tasks, including keeping warm, movement, and other activities.
Learn more about metabolism.
Learn more about metabolism.
An individual can receive metabolic testing at some healthcare facilities and fitness centers. In addition, several companies offer home tests to help people determine their metabolic rate.
How we chose
MNT chooses at-home tests that meet the following criteria:
Laboratories: Where possible, MNTwill choose companies that process test samples in CLIA-certified labs. This means they follow state and federal regulations.
CLIA-certified
Budget: MNTselects at-home tests that suit a wide range of budgets.
Privacy: MNT includes companies that offer robust and transparent privacy measures, such as data protection and discreet packaging.
Test result speed: MNTselects companies that inform customers when they will receive their test results and whether they will receive them via email, app, or phone.
Further support: MNTwill indicate whether a company offers further support, such as a follow-up phone consultation with a doctor to discuss test results.
Medical News Todayfollows a strict product selection and vetting process. Learn more here.
Learn more here.
How can a metabolism test help with weight loss?
A metabolism test can help people identify how many calories they burn daily. This may help a person make appropriate lifestyle changes to diet and exercise to improve overall fitness, which can lead to weight loss.
At-home tests tend to focus simply on hormones that affect metabolic rate, including cortisol and thyroid levels. Knowing these hormone levels can help people determine their metabolic rate and understand whether they need to make any lifestyle changes.
Best metabolism tests
Below are some of the best metabolism tests available, vetted.
Everlywell Metabolism Test

Collection method: finger prick, saliva sample
Results in: a few days
Follow-up guidance: a recorded educational session, customer care team support
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
$99.00 AT EVERLYWELL
*Price may vary.
The Everlywell Metabolism Test provides information on cortisol, testosterone, and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels.
cortisol
testosterone
thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Learn more about the Everlywell Metabolism Test.
Everlywell Metabolism Test
Once a person receives their test kit, they must register it on the Everlywell website. Then, they must use the included lancet and equipment to collect blood and saliva samples. Finally, people must place the samples in a prepaid envelope and send them to the lab for analysis.
Results are available within 5 days. Everlywell uploads the results to a person’s secure online portal, which customers can view on the website or with the iOS-only Everlywell app.
Everlywell app
The company provides a recorded educational session about metabolism. However, if a person wishes to talk with anyone to discuss the results, they must make an appointment with a healthcare professional, as Everlywell does not provide any professional guidance.
However, the benefit that makes this test stand out is its membership savings. With an Everlywell+ membership, a person receives a monthly credit, which they can use to purchase an at-home health test. The cost for this membership is:
Everlywell+ membership
Monthly plan: $39 per month
Annual plan: $37 per month

Additional benefits of the Everlywell+ membership include discounts on additional tests and 20% off telehealth visits.
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off.
Learn more about Everlywell.
Learn more about Everlywell.
membership options can provide significant savings for regular customers
offers free shipping
has discreet packaging
accepts payments through flexible savings account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA)
is expensive without the subscription options
the app is only available on iOS devices
requires using a needle, which some people may find uncomfortable
membership options can provide significant savings for regular customers
offers free shipping
has discreet packaging
accepts payments through flexible savings account (FSA) and health savings account (HSA)
is expensive without the subscription options
the app is only available on iOS devices
requires using a needle, which some people may find uncomfortable
Tests for: free testosterone, cortisol, TSH levels
Insurance coverage: accepts HSA/FSA
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Tests for: free testosterone, cortisol, TSH levels
Insurance coverage: accepts HSA/FSA
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
myLAB Box At-Home Metabolism Test

Results in: 1 to 5 days
Collection method: finger prick, saliva sample
Follow-up guidance: if results are outside typical ranges, you can request a free physician consultation
$99.00 AT MYLAB BOX
*Price may vary.
This test checks a person’s cortisol, TSH, and testosterone levels.
People must perform a finger prick and take a saliva sample to use this test. They then send the samples to myLABBOX’s lab in a prepaid envelope.
According to the company, the labs are CAP and CLIA-certified. Additionally, myLab Box states that this test is CDC-listed.
Unlike other at-home tests, myLab Box offers no guidance beyond a comprehensive review of a person’s test results.
However, myLab Box offers results in as little as 24 hours after sending the samples to a lab. This makes the company an ideal choice for people who want their results back as soon as possible.
Learn more about myLABBOX.
Learn more about myLABBOX
accepts FSA and HSA payments
offers results as fast as 1 day after sending off the samples
uses CAP and CLIA-certified labs
currently unavailable to New York residents
does not offer any follow-up guidance
accepts FSA and HSA payments
offers results as fast as 1 day after sending off the samples
uses CAP and CLIA-certified labs
currently unavailable to New York residents
does not offer any follow-up guidance
Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only
Tests for: cortisol, testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Women-Founded
Accepts insurance: FSA/HSA only
Tests for: cortisol, testosterone, thyroid-stimulating hormone
Returns: no returns or refunds
Shipping: free shipping
Women-Founded
LetsGetChecked Cortisol Test

Results in: 5 days
Collection method: finger prick
Follow up guidance: upon abnormal lab results
Use code “HEALTHLINE25” for 25% off
$99.00 AT LETSGETCHECKED
*Price may vary.
LetsGetChecked’s cortisol test measures cortisol levels and requires a blood sample.
The company provides users with all the tools they need, such as lancets and tubes.
It recommends that people get tested if they have Cushing syndrome symptoms, Addison’s disease, or take testosterone.
Cushing syndrome
Addison’s disease
LetsGetChecked also states that it is best to take the test between 8 a.m. and 10 a.m. and return the sample to the lab on the same day.
Once the lab has the sample, the company will upload the results to a secure online portal within 2 to 5 days. Unlike many other companies, LetsGetChecked has a medical team that may call to explain the results and provide advice on any next steps.
LetsGetChecked also offers several subscription options, each offering savings:
save 15% on each test with automatic deliveries every 12 months
save 20% on each test with automatic deliveries every 6 months
save 30% on each test with automatic deliveries every 3 months

Learn more about LetsGetChecked.
Learn more about LetsGetChecked
offers consultations with medical professionals
has several subscription options for regular customers
accepts FSA and HSA payments
not a good option for persons with a fear of needles
extra charge for express shipping
offers consultations with medical professionals
has several subscription options for regular customers
accepts FSA and HSA payments
not a good option for persons with a fear of needles
extra charge for express shipping
How to use: activate test, then collect a finger-prick blood sample and return to the lab
Accepts insurance: HSA/FSA only, offers itemized receipt for reimbursement
Hormones tested: cortisol
Returns: refunds within 14 days
Shipping: free shipping
How to use: activate test, then collect a finger-prick blood sample and return to the lab
Accepts insurance: HSA/FSA only, offers itemized receipt for reimbursement
Hormones tested: cortisol
Returns: refunds within 14 days
Shipping: free shipping
Thorne Weight Management Test

Collection method: blood spot and saliva
Results in: 8 to 10 business days
Follow-up guidance: personalized health plan
subscribe and save 20%
$249.00 AT THORNE
*Price may vary.
This weight management kit measures biomarkers associated with a person’s weight management.
Orders include gauze pads, biohazard bags, a return envelope, and saliva collection tubes, among other tools that users may need for the test.
It requires a blood and saliva sample collection and measures the following:
reproductive hormones, such as estradiol, progesterone, and testosterone
adrenal hormones, such as cortisol
blood sugar levels
blood sugar levels
vitamin D
vitamin D
thyroid hormones

Individuals mail their samples to the company’s lab. Physicians review the results, which are available after 8 to 10 business days.
each result comes with personalized recommendations
offers subscription options
tests for multiple markers for a bigger picture
longer turnaround time than other options
more expensive than other options
does not ship to P.O. boxes
each result comes with personalized recommendations
offers subscription options
tests for multiple markers for a bigger picture
longer turnaround time than other options
more expensive than other options
does not ship to P.O. boxes
Tests for: reproductive hormones, adrenal hormones, blood sugar metabolism, vitamin D, thyroid hormones
Accepts insurance: no
Returns: 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Shipping: free ground shipping in the US (except Hawaii and Alaska)
Tests for: reproductive hormones, adrenal hormones, blood sugar metabolism, vitamin D, thyroid hormones
Accepts insurance: no
Returns: 60-day satisfaction guarantee
Shipping: free ground shipping in the US (except Hawaii and Alaska)
Comparing the best metabolism tests
The chart below shows how these metabolism tests differ:
Everlywell
myLab Box
LetsGetChecked
Thorne
How to choose
Several online brands stock at-home metabolism tests. Below are some factors that people can consider before purchasing:
Sample collection: Most test kits require both a blood and saliva sample. Those uncomfortable using needles may prefer a product that only requires saliva samples.
Cost: At-home tests can be expensive, especially if individuals buy them for one-time use. Regular users may prefer a company that offers regular subscriptions at a reduced cost.
Consultations: Some companies offer free consultations so customers can discuss their results with doctors or nurses.
Results: Product pages list the number of days that the laboratory takes to publish results. Most of the time, people receive them within a few days, and they can access them via email or through an online portal.
What hormones can they test?
It is important to note that no home test can diagnose a health condition, so people should interpret their results with the help of a doctor.
Some metabolism tests look at key hormone levels that can affect a person’s metabolism. These test results could indicate a hormone issue that may be affecting an individual’s weight and other aspects of health. For example, many hormone metabolism tests look at cortisol levels, TSH, and free testosterone.
A hormone metabolism test may indicate whether a person has too much or too little cortisol. This hormone plays a role in regulating metabolism, the immune system, and how the body responds to stress.
plays a role
Having too much cortisol for an extended time can lead to low libido. People who have periods may have irregular cycles, or they may stop altogether, which doctors call amenorrhea.
low libido
irregular cycles
amenorrhea
Having too much cortisol can also lead to Cushing syndrome. This condition can cause many symptoms, including:
Cushing syndrome
high blood pressure
high blood pressure
mood swings
mood swings
rapid weight gain around the face, chest, and abdomen
In contrast, having too little cortisol may also be a sign of Addison’s disease, which can be life threatening without treatment. Some symptoms may include dizziness, fatigue, and unintentional weight loss.
Addison’s disease
fatigue
A hormone metabolism test may indicate whether a person has too much or too little TSH. This hormone plays a role in maintaining metabolism, muscle control, brain development, and heart and digestion functions.
plays a role
Having too much TSH may indicate hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid). Some symptoms include feeling cold, fatigue, and experiencing unintentional weight gain.
hypothyroidism
In contrast, having too little TSH may indicate hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). Some symptoms include unintentional weight loss, feeling hot, and anxiety symptoms.
hyperthyroidism
)
anxiety
Learn more about TSH levels.
Learn more about TSH levels.
Testosterone is a hormone that is present in both females and males.
Testosterone
In females with too much testosterone, it can indicate polycystic ovary syndrome. Some symptoms of this condition include:
polycystic ovary syndrome
acne
acne
more body and facial hair
more body and facial hair
a deeper voice
Males with too little testosterone may experience increased body fat, sleep disturbances, and erectile dysfunction.
erectile dysfunction
Learn more about testosterone.
Learn more about testosterone.
What types of metabolism tests are there?
There are four types of metabolic tests. Metabolic hormone tests are the most common home test for screening certain possible health conditions.
Home metabolic testing often looks at hormone levels in the blood or saliva. In addition to screening for hormone levels that may suggest an underlying condition, these tests may also indicate causes of weight gain.
The following hormones may play a role in weight gain and loss:
Cortisol: One of the symptoms of high cortisol levels includes weight gain.
One of the symptoms
TSH: It is not completely clear how much of a role the thyroid and the TSH have on weight loss. However, a 2019 study found that the normalization of thyroid levels caused a significant change in participants’ weight.
2019 study
Free testosterone: Research indicates that testosterone therapy may help with the reduction of weight, waist circumference, and body mass index. The researchers go on to suggest that long-term testosterone therapy may be a good weight loss treatment for overweight and obese hypogonadal males.
Research
However, people should always interpret their metabolic test results with the help of a doctor. If a person receives a test result that indicates hormone levels that are too low or too high, they should contact a healthcare professional for further tests.
When to contact a doctor
At-home metabolism tests are not substitutes for medical advice. People should always contact a doctor to discuss their results.
An individual can speak with a doctor if they receive a metabolism test result that shows their hormone levels are too low or too high. Although the test cannot diagnose what is causing these uncharacteristic levels, a doctor can.
A person interested in using the home metabolic test for weight loss or maintenance should speak with a doctor, nutritionist, or fitness professional who can help design a diet and exercise program that meets their requirements.
Frequently asked questions about at-home metabolism tests
At-home metabolism tests check hormone levels that may influence a person’s metabolic rate. By checking these levels, tests can estimate whether a person’s metabolism is average for their age.
At-home metabolism tests check hormone levels that may influence a person’s metabolic rate. By checking these levels, tests can estimate whether a person’s metabolism is average for their age.
A metabolic test estimates how fast a person burns calories while not exercising. Metabolism tests can estimate whether a person’s metabolic rate is average or outside typical ranges.
A metabolic test estimates how fast a person burns calories while not exercising. Metabolism tests can estimate whether a person’s metabolic rate is average or outside typical ranges.
A metabolism test, in itself, cannot help people lose weight. It can give people a more in-depth view into how fast their body burns calories, which people can then use to tailor diet and exercise regimes.
A metabolism test, in itself, cannot help people lose weight. It can give people a more in-depth view into how fast their body burns calories, which people can then use to tailor diet and exercise regimes.

Metabolism is a reaction that provides the body with energy. Food and drink provide energy, which the body metabolizes to keep it healthy. The body uses this fuel for movement, growth, reproduction, and development.
Metabolism

The rate at which a person metabolizes food and drink depends on several factors, including:
age
sex
race
exercise
diet

Summary
Home metabolic tests can indicate whether a person’s hormone levels are too high or too low. Hormone levels that are too high or too low can lead to symptoms such as fatigue, mood swings, and unintentional weight loss or gain.
Once they receive their test results, people should contact a doctor to determine the cause of these uncharacteristic hormone levels.

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