This hormone panel for men on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) contains upstream and downstream hormones to testosterone.  TRT has been shown to decrease upstream hormones like pregnenolone and progesterone, and slightly decrease DHEA. Downstream hormone metabolites like ultrasensitive estradiol and DHT are also included.  Lastly, prolactin is added since high prolactin can decrease sexual function.  No LH and FSH were included since TRT shuts them down.

This TRT basic lab test panel includes essential tests (CBC, CMP, ultrasensitive estradiol, and total & free testosterone) to monitor treatment in men on that have been testosterone replacement therapy for a few months. Test included:

• CBC (White and red blood cells, hematocrit, etc)
• CMP (glucose, liver & kidney function, etc)
• Estradiol Ultra Sensitive
• Total Testosterone (LC/MS)
• Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Dialysis)

Fasting is required for proper glucose testing as part of CMP.

This panel is the most inclusive of all offered on the site for men who want a wide picture of their health or who are considering starting testosterone replacement therapy.  It provides a baseline overview of your sex hormones, thyroid gland, adrenal function, metabolic function, cholesterol, prostate, and overall health.  Tests included: 

• CBC
• CMP
• Lipid Panel
• Testosterone
• Total (LC/MS) Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive
• DHEA-s
• TSH
• Free T3
• PSA
• LH
• FSH

This panel includes: Testosterone, Total, LC/MS and Free (Equilibrium Dialysis), and 17-OH-progesterone, a metabolite that has been correlated with sperm production.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT) shuts down upstream hormones like LH and FSH required for sperm production, so men on TRT generally have a difficult time fathering a child. Some studies show that adding hCG to a TRT protocol may improve sperm production since hCG is an analog of LH that could stimulate sperm production. But optimizing hCG dose and frequency based on sperm count can be a time consuming process since it takes at least 8 weeks to see changes in sperm tests. Fortunately, there is an easier way by measuring 17-OH-progesterone to predict the efficacy of the hCG+TRT protocol without having to wait for 8 weeks between hCG dose/frequency changes. 

The most complete of all blood test panels for men that include: Total and Free Testosterone, Ultra Sensitive Estradiol, IGF-1, Prolactin, DHT, DHEA-S, PSA, SHBG, Lipids, CBC, CMP, and Thyroid Function (TSH, Free T3, Free T4).