Everlywell Review: Is At-Home Testing Too Good to Be True?

Everlywell, established in 2015 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, is a health technology company that offers a variety of at-home lab testing kits.

The brand provides convenient and accessible testing options for various health concerns, including general wellness, sexual health, hormonal balance, and nutritional deficiencies.

Everlywell offers its test kit online, which is sent back to CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories for analysis.

In this exclusive Everlywell review, we will explore the kit options offered by Everlywell, the brand’s advantages and disadvantages, along its pros and cons. We have also shared some alternative options that may help you make an informed decision.

About The Brand

Everlywell provides scientifically backed at-home lab testing kits that allow you to monitor key health biomarkers using samples like blood, saliva, or urine. These samples are analyzed in CLIA-certified laboratories, ensuring accuracy and compliance with federal quality standards. The tests are based on established scientific methods, such as ELISA, for hormone and allergy detection.

Everlywell delivers data-driven insights into metabolic, hormonal, nutritional, and immune health by assessing levels of specific analytes (e.g., TSH for thyroid, IgG for food sensitivities, or vitamin D levels). The brand claims to create personalized health tracking with clinical-grade diagnostics, making evidence-based health monitoring more accessible.

Tests And Services At Everlywell

1. Food Sensitivity Comprehensive Test

   The Food Sensitivity Test from Everlywell could help identify foods that may be contributing to non-life-threatening but uncomfortable symptoms such as bloating, indigestion, headaches, or fatigue. This test analyzes your immune system’s response by measuring levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies against 204 different foods. IgG antibodies are the most abundant in the human bloodstream and are associated with delayed immune responses, which can manifest hours or even days after consuming a trigger food. While IgG responses are not indicative of true food allergies , those involve Immunoglobulin E (IgE) and can cause immediate and potentially severe reactions.

   The test requires a simple finger-prick blood sample that can be collected at home. Once the sample is mailed back to Everlywell’s CLIA-certified laboratory (CLIA stands for Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments, which ensures labs meet federal quality standards), results are reviewed by a board-certified physician licensed in your state. These results are typically delivered digitally within a few days and include a breakdown of reactivity levels for each food tested.

   Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity can be eligible for FSA/HSA reimbursement and comes with free shipping. While this test is not intended to diagnose food allergies, celiac disease, or other related sensitivities, it may work as a useful screening tool for people looking to explore potential dietary triggers and make more informed nutritional decisions.

2. Women’s Health Test

   The Everlywell Women’s Health Test provides detailed information about a woman’s reproductive and hormonal health by measuring 11 clinically relevant biomarkers. These biomarkers include key sex and thyroid hormones such as estradiol (a form of estrogen), progesterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S). These hormones help regulate the menstrual cycle, ovulation, mood, and fertility.

   Women’s Health Test by Everlywell also helps measure cortisol, the primary stress hormone involved in the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, as well as thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free T3, free T4, and thyroid peroxidase (TPO) antibodies, which are essential for evaluating thyroid function and potential autoimmune thyroid disorders like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis.

   To complete the test, you need to collect both a finger-prick blood sample and a saliva sample at home. Saliva testing is particularly useful for measuring diurnal variations in cortisol levels, which helps identify potential adrenal dysfunction.

   The test also includes personalized lifestyle insights based on your hormone levels, helping guide decisions about diet, stress management, sleep, exercise, and potential follow-up with a healthcare provider. It may help women understand their hormonal health by checking the snapshot provided with the test results.

3. Metabolism Test

   The Everlywell Metabolism Test offers a scientifically backed method for assessing the hormones that influence metabolism, providing valuable insights for people who experience unexplained changes in weight, energy, or sleep. This test measures three key hormones involved in metabolic processes such as cortisol, TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone), and either free testosterone or estrogen. To take the Metabolism Test by Everlywell, you need to collect a saliva sample and a finger-prick blood sample and mail them back using the prepaid shipping label. The samples are analyzed in CLIA-certified laboratories, ensuring high scientific and regulatory standards. Then, your results are reviewed by a board-certified physician and delivered digitally within a few days, along with personalized lifestyle guidance based on the findings to help improve metabolic health.

4. Thyroid Test

   Everlywell’s Thyroid Test can help you assess thyroid function by measuring four key biomarkers such as TSH, Free T3, Free T4, and TPO Ab. These markers can provide valuable insights into whether thyroid dysfunction is contributing to common symptoms like fatigue, weight changes, hair loss, and other related issues.

   Elevated TSH levels in your test results might signal hypothyroidism, which is an underactive thyroid, while low levels could suggest hyperthyroidism or an overactive thyroid. Low Free T3 levels can lead to fatigue and weight gain, while high levels may be linked to anxiety and weight loss. If your thyroid test result shows Free T4 imbalances, it can also suggest thyroid dysfunction, with high or low levels indicating either hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. TPO Ab (Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies) is used to detect autoimmune thyroid disorders. Elevated TPO Ab levels suggest that the immune system is attacking the thyroid, leading to inflammation and potential dysfunction.

   To make the process simple, the makers provide a Gauze, a Collection Card, a Biohazard Bag, a Prepaid Return Shipping Label, a Lancet, an alcohol pad, and a bandage with their thyroid kit, allowing you to collect your sample and return it for analysis easily.

5. Chlamydia & Gonorrhea Test

   The Chlamydia & Gonorrhea test offered by Everlywell allows you to check for two common sexually transmitted infections (STIs) from the comfort of your home. Chlamydia, which is caused by Chlamydia trachomatis, and gonorrhea, caused by Neisseria gonorrhoeae, can infect areas like the cervix, urethra, rectum, and throat, often without noticeable symptoms. If left untreated, both might cause serious complications like pelvic inflammatory disease (PID) and infertility. The test includes collecting a urine sample, which is an effective method for detecting these bacteria, as they can be flushed out from the urethra during urination. Your sample will then be processed in a CLIA-certified laboratory, which ensures that the lab adheres to strict accuracy, reliability, and quality standards set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. If the results are positive, Everlywell provides you access to a network of independent physicians who can provide consultations and potential treatments.

6. OraQuick® At-Home HIV Test Kit

   As per the official website, Everlywell’s OraQuick® At-Home HIV Test Kit works by detecting HIV-related antibodies and antigens in oral fluid. When HIV enters your body, the immune system produces antibodies to fight the virus, and the test detects these antibodies. It also helps detect the p24 antigen, a protein on the surface of the virus, which is helpful in identifying HIV during the early stages, even before your body has produced detectable antibodies. The test uses an oral swab, which is simpler and less invasive than blood tests.

   To use the OraQuick® At-Home HIV Test Kit, you need to collect oral fluid by swabbing the upper and lower gums, which contain antibodies and antigens that may indicate the presence of HIV. Once the sample is collected, it is placed into a solution that causes the fluid to travel up the test strip, and a positive result might indicate the presence of these antibodies or antigens. However, the test can only provide preliminary results, and confirmatory testing through a blood test is needed if the result is positive.

   OraQuick® At-Home HIV Test Kit available through Everlywell is FDA-approved and available over the counter, making it an accessible option for private, at-home testing. The results are available in just 20 minutes because of the efficient immunoassay method used, which detects the interaction between HIV-related antibodies and antigens on the test strip.

7. STD Screening Panel – Expanded

   Everlywell’s STD Screening Panel-Expanded offers in-person testing for seven common sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including chlamydia, syphilis, HIV (1 and 2), gonorrhea, hepatitis C, hepatitis B, and trichomoniasis.

   After purchasing the test online, you can visit a Quest® location for sample collection, where trained healthcare professionals will assist you. Depending on your needs, the collection may involve blood, urine, and vaginal samples.

   As per the official website, appointments at Quest® locations are scheduled every 10 minutes, and test results are typically available within 1–2 days. If any results are positive, a clinician from their network will reach out to provide follow-up guidance. The cost for Everlywell’s STD Screening Panel- Expanded service is $189.

8. Women’s Fertility Test

   Everlywell’s Women’s Fertility Test measures hormones such as estradiol, luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and total testosterone, all of which play critical roles in reproductive health. These hormones regulate key processes like ovulation, menstruation, and the body’s response to pregnancy, and by assessing their levels, the test helps identify potential issues with fertility.

   Fluctuations in estradiol levels can offer insights into ovarian function and fertility potential, and a spike in LH levels around mid-cycle indicates when ovulation occurs, making it a key marker for fertility. Similarly, High FSH levels can indicate issues such as diminished ovarian reserve or irregular ovulation, and elevated TSH levels can signal hypothyroidism, which might cause irregular periods and decreased fertility, while low TSH levels could indicate hyperthyroidism, which can also affect the menstrual cycle.

9. STD Test – 5 Panel

   STD Test – 5 Panel By Everlywell screens for chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis C (HCV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis using a combination of blood and urine samples. The test helps detect Chlamydia’s DNA or RNA and also helps detect antibodies or the virus itself through a blood sample. As per the official website, the process for the STD Test – 5 Panel involves registering your test, collecting samples via a finger prick and urine sample, and mailing them back using a prepaid shipping label. Once received, the samples are analyzed using nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs) for bacterial infections and PCR (polymerase chain reaction) for viral infections.

10. Men’s Health Test

    The Everlywell Men’s Health Test measures male hormones that play crucial roles in muscle mass, fat distribution, energy, and mood. This test allows you to check your testosterone levels, which naturally decline with age, often leading to changes in body composition. Men’s Health test kit by Everlywell also allows you to check your cortisol levels, DHEA, and Estradiol. The test uses a saliva sample, which is non-invasive and scientifically supported for hormone testing. Saliva primarily measures the free, unbound fraction of steroid hormones, which is biologically active and capable of affecting cells directly.

11. Heart Health Test

    The Heart Health Test by Everlywell provides key indicators that are vital for assessing your cardiovascular health. It measures Total Cholesterol, which includes LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein), HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein), Triglycerides, and HbA1c (Glycated Hemoglobin). Each of these markers plays a significant role in heart health.

    LDL, often called “bad cholesterol,” could build up in the walls of your arteries, causing excess plaque formation and increasing the chances of atherosclerosis, heart disease, and stroke. On the other hand, HDL, known as “good cholesterol,” helps remove LDL from the bloodstream, reducing the risk of cardiovascular issues. High triglycerides are also linked with metabolic syndrome, which might raise the risk of heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. You could be able to detect potential issues early, allowing for preventive measures such as diet changes, exercise, or medications to manage cholesterol levels, blood sugar, and triglycerides by understanding these biomarkers through the Heart Health Test.

12. HbA1c Test

    The Everlywell HbA1c Test lets you measure your hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, which reflect your average blood glucose levels that are calculated for the past three months. Priced at $49, the test requires only a small blood sample collected through a finger prick. Once you’ve registered the test using the QR code, you send the sample back to the laboratory using the prepaid shipping label. The lab analyzes the sample, and your results are usually available digitally within a few days.

    The HbA1c test can help measure the percentage of hemoglobin in your blood that has been coated with glucose, known as glycated hemoglobin. An increase in your blood sugar levels for more than 3 months can give higher HbA1c levels. This test could be a reliable marker for long-term blood glucose control and is often used for diagnosing and monitoring diabetes.

13. Testosterone Test

    A testosterone test available through the Everlywell platform measures the amount of testosterone in your blood, which is an essential hormone for both men and women, though it plays a more prominent role in men’s health. This test could be useful for diagnosing low testosterone, which may cause symptoms like fatigue, reduced libido, and mood changes, commonly linked to a condition called hypogonadism. In women, high testosterone levels might cause excessive hair growth, acne, and irregular periods, often associated with conditions like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). This testosterone test by Everlywell helps you measure both bound and free testosterone in the blood, with most testosterone being bound to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin, and only a small fraction of testosterone is free and biologically active.

Everlywell Advantages

1. Convenient At-Home Testing

   Everlywell offers the convenience of collecting health samples at home, such as through finger pricks, saliva, or urine tests. This eliminates the need for clinic visits, which could be suitable for people with busy schedules or who want to have easy access to healthcare facilities. This convenience makes health testing more accessible and reduces the burden of seeking in-person appointments.

2. CLIA-Certified Labs

   As per the official website, Everlywell ensures that all of its tests are processed in CLIA-certified laboratories, which adhere to strict federal standards for accuracy and reliability. This certification provides reassurance to people that their test results are processed under stringent quality controls, which may ensure the accuracy and trustworthiness of the results they receive.

3. Discreet And Secure

   Everlywell emphasizes privacy by shipping tests in discreet packaging, and results are delivered digitally. This allows you to keep your health matters confidential and easily access your results online, ensuring a secure and private experience. The platform is made with security in mind, safeguarding sensitive health data for you.

4. Actionable Results With Physician Support

   The results provided by Everlywell come with detailed explanations and actionable insights. If you have concerns about your results, you can access a free consultation with a board-certified physician. This support helps you understand your results better and guides potential next steps for addressing any health issues that arise.

5. Flexible Payment Options

   Everlywell offers flexible payment options, including the ability to utilize Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to pay for tests. This flexibility allows you to take advantage of pre-tax dollars to cover the costs of health testing, making it a more affordable option for people who are looking to manage their health proactively while reducing the financial burden.

Disadvantages Of Everlywell

1. Questionable Accuracy Of Food Sensitivity Tests

   Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity Test measures IgG antibodies to assess food sensitivities. However, IgG testing is not widely accepted by medical professionals as a reliable method for identifying food allergies. It could lead to false positives, causing you to avoid foods that are not problematic for your health unnecessarily.

2. Limited Availability In Certain U.S. States

   Due to state regulations, Everlywell does not ship its test kits to residents in New York. This restriction limits the availability of the service for people living in these states, potentially preventing some users from accessing Everlywell’s products.

3. Inconvenient Sample Collection For Some Users

   Some of Everlywell’s tests rely on blood samples collected via finger pricks. While this method is generally simple, it can still be a hurdle for users who are uncomfortable with needles or from seeing blood. For individuals with trypanophobia (a fear of needles), the process can trigger anxiety, dizziness, or even avoidance altogether. This may lead to improper sample collection or reluctance to complete the test, making it a less accessible option for those users.

4. Limited Customer Support Options

   Everlywell primarily relies on email for customer support, which can lead to delays in getting help. There’s no live chat or phone support available, so if you run into an urgent issue, like trouble activating your kit, unclear test instructions, or concerns about your results, you’ll have to wait for a reply rather than getting immediate assistance. For people who are anxious about their health, this lack of real-time support can be especially frustrating and inconvenient.

Brand Alternatives

1. myLab Box

   myLAB Box and Everlywell are two leading digital health companies offering at-home testing kits across a variety of health categories. While both brands provide convenience, privacy, and certified lab processing, they differ significantly in scope, specialties, and support services.

   myLAB Box, founded in 2013 and headquartered in Los Angeles, initially focused on sexually transmitted disease (STD) testing but has since expanded its range to include over 100 tests across wellness, fertility, nutrition, and toxicology. It’s particularly known for its STD panels like the 8-panel “Uber Box” and 14-panel “Total Box.” MyLAB Box also offers services such as drug and toxicology screenings, which aren’t commonly available through other platforms.

   On the other hand, Everlywell offers around 30 tests with a strong focus on general wellness, hormone balance, food sensitivities, and vitamin levels. The brand features Everlywell 360, which screens for 83 biomarkers in one kit.

   MyLAB Box’s tests accept FSA and HSA cards, though it doesn’t work directly with insurance. Everlywell also accepts FSA and HSA cards for eligible products, but it isn’t contracted with insurance providers either. Both companies offer free shipping on their kits.

   myLAB Box claims to deliver results within 1 to 5 business days, depending on the test and includes free telemedicine consultations if a positive result is returned. Everlywell also delivers results in about 5 days but does not routinely include medical consultations as part of the service.

   Both brands use CLIA-certified laboratories and are HIPAA-compliant. MyLAB Box also highlights additional accreditations and listings, including CAP-accredited labs, FDA registration, and inclusion in CDC databases. Both services offer discreet packaging to ensure user privacy throughout the testing process.

2. LetsGetChecked

   LetsGetChecked is a global healthcare company founded in 2015 and headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. It provides a platform that combines at-home health testing, virtual consultations, and medication delivery. The company’s services include over 30 different tests that include men’s and women’s health, heart health, digestive issues, STIs, cancer screenings, and wellness measures, along with genetic insights and hormonal tests.

   The brand claims to offer virtual consultations with licensed healthcare professionals and integrates medication delivery services. The platform also ensures data privacy with HIPAA-compliant handling and encryption.

   In contrast, Everlywell offers over 30 at-home test kits focused on wellness and lifestyle, with tests for food sensitivities, thyroid function, metabolism, and vitamins. Everlywell also provides testing for STIs and women’s and men’s health, but it doesn’t extend to the same level of chronic care management or medication delivery that LetsGetChecked does.

   Everlywell partners with independent, CLIA-certified labs to process test samples, and results are reviewed by licensed physicians. The brand also offers telehealth consultations for certain tests, like STI results, but lacks the complete care that LetsGetChecked offers, such as prescription services or chronic condition management programs.

How Did We Evaluate

1. Brand Reputation

   To evaluate Everlywell, we considered its background, customer reviews, and third-party ratings. The brand launched in 2015 and has since built a recognizable presence in the at-home health testing space. It works with CLIA-certified labs and offers a wide range of test kits, focusing on convenience and direct access to health insights. On Trustpilot, Everlywell holds a 3.6 out of 5 rating from 450+ reviews, pointing to a mixed customer experience. While some people report reliable service and ease of use, others mention delays or difficulties with support. In contrast, the brand has an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, which reflects a strong commitment to resolving customer complaints through formal channels.

2. Consumer Reviews and Feedback

   We looked closely at recent customer reviews on Trustpilot to understand how real users experience Everlywell. Many users appreciated the simplicity of Everlywell’s process, clear instructions, well-packaged kits, and the convenience of testing from home. Several reviews also highlight how the brand helped users identify health issues that traditional doctors had previously overlooked.

   However, a closer look revealed a pattern of serious concerns. Some users reported inaccurate results, with values that didn’t match follow-up lab tests done by medical professionals. Others experienced long processing times or never received their kits at all. These issues were often made worse by the company’s limited customer support options, especially when users couldn’t speak to a representative directly or get timely help.

3. Value for Money

   Everlywell’s Food Sensitivity Test is priced at $199, placing it on the higher end of the spectrum. While the brand is well-known for its reliability and the quality of its services, the cost may feel steep for people looking for more budget-friendly options.

   We compared Everlywell to Mylab Box’s Food Sensitivity Test, which is priced at $149. The lower cost makes it a suitable alternative, though it may not offer the same customer support as Everlywell.

   We also looked at LetsGetChecked’s Cholesterol Test, which costs $89, making it one of the most budget-friendly options available. For the price, it offers a good balance between affordability and accuracy, providing good results for specific health concerns.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What types of at-home tests does Everlywell offer?
   Everlywell provides over 30 at-home test kits covering various health areas, including general wellness (e.g., cholesterol, thyroid), sexual health (e.g., STDs), nutritional health (e.g., vitamin D, food sensitivity), women’s health (e.g., fertility, menopause), and men’s health (e.g., testosterone levels).
2. Are Everlywell’s test results reliable?
   Everlywell’s tests are processed in CLIA-certified laboratories and reviewed by independent board-certified physicians, ensuring a high standard of accuracy. However, some tests, like the food sensitivity test, may face scrutiny regarding their scientific validity.
3. Does Everlywell accept insurance for payment?
   Everlywell does not accept private insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid. However, they do accept payments through Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs).
4. How secure is my personal data with Everlywell?
   Everlywell employs state-of-the-art, bank-grade encryption (AES-256) to protect your data. All personal health information is stored on HIPAA-compliant servers, ensuring confidentiality and security.

Final Words

Everlywell provides at-home health testing covering a variety of health markers such as food sensitivities, hormone levels, and general wellness.

The brand’s convenience, range of tests, and secure results make it a suitable option for people looking to monitor their health at home. However, there are some limitations to consider. Some people may find the cost of testing higher compared to traditional lab tests, and many services are not covered by insurance. Users have also experienced a lack of customer support in responsiveness.

While Everlywell claims to offer a convenient and accessible way to monitor your health at home, it’s essential to remember that at-home tests cannot replace professional medical advice. If you are experiencing persistent symptoms or ongoing health concerns, it’s always best to seek guidance from a doctor who can provide a more comprehensive evaluation and ensure you receive appropriate care.