Discounted Hormone Tests
- THYROID Stimulating Hormone-TSH$18.74
The thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is produced and secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates the thyroid to produce T3 and T4. When TSH is elevated, low thyroid function may be indicated. If TSH is low it is indicative of high thyroid function. A study found that TSH was suppressed in all subjects after food, so fasting may be suggested although it is not reqired by Quest. Free T4 and Free T4 values did not change significantly after eating.
Learn More - Parathyroid Hormone PTH Blood Test$48.25
The PTH test is used to help identify hyperparathyroidism, to find the cause of abnormal calcium levels, or to check the status of chronic kidney disease. PTH controls calcium and phosphorus levels in the blood.
Learn More - ACTH Plasma$78.42
Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, also known as adrenocorticotropin and corticotropin) is a hormone produced in the anterior pituitary gland that stimulates the adrenal glands to release cortisol, dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and aldosterone. The ACTH plasma test quantifies the blood's level of ACTH. A patient's blood is drawn for the test and then sent to a lab for examination. The test findings enable the diagnosis of ailments such as Addison's disease, Cushing's syndrome, and adrenal tumors
Learn More - Insulin-like Growth Factor-binding Protein 3 (IGFBP-3)$54.41
Approximately 95% of IGF-1 and IGF-II are bound to IGFBP-3, which makes this protein the major carrier of the insulin-like growth factors in circulation. The function of the binding protein is to extend the half-life of the growth factors in the circulation.
Learn More - 17 Hydroxyprogesterone : HCG + TRT Efficacy Predictor$82.95
To find out if sperm count is normalized in men using hCG plus TRT, several studies have found that 17OH-P blood level is correlated to intratesticular testosterone (ITT) required for the testicles to make sperm, so testing for this hormone could not only save time while optimizing HCG dose/frequency but also eliminate the need to perform testicular aspirations, a very difficult procedure to do. Sperm count does not stabilize until 6-8 weeks after starting hCG plus TRT, so knowing your 17OH-progesterone blood level can give you a quick way to determine if your hCG dose and frequency is adequate before your first follow-up semen analysis after 8 weeks.
Learn More - Cortisol Blood Test$26.25
Cortisol (hydrocortisone) is the most prominent glucocorticosteroid, and it is essential for the maintenance of several body functions. The most important physiological effects of cortisol are that it raises blood sugar levels (enhances gluconeogenesis, or breaks down glucose) and lowers inflammation and the immune system.
Learn More - Growth Hormone Blood Test$64.82
A single fasting growth hormone (GH) level is of limited value. The secretion of GH is episodic and pulsatile. GH has a half-life of 20 to 25 minutes. Testing for growth hormone deficiency or excess is best done as part of a dynamic test involving specific stimuli (see the online Endocrine Appendices: Growth Hormone Stimulation and Growth Hormone Suppression). Insulin-like growth factor-1 can also be useful in assessing growth hormone status.
Learn More - Prolactin$38.71
A prolactin blood test is used by doctors to evaluate sexual dysfunction or very low testosterone blood levels of unknown causes in both men and women.
Learn More - DHT - Dihydrotestosterone$77.44
This test measures the amount of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the blood. Low DHT has been associated with low libido and high DHT has been linked to acne, hair loss and benign prostatic inflammation in a minority of men.
Learn More - Fasting Insulin$23.10
The fasting insulin test is a blood test that measures the level of insulin in your blood after you have fasted (not eaten or drunk anything except water) for at least 8 hours. Insulin is a hormone produced by the pancreas that helps regulate blood sugar levels. The fasting insulin test is often used to help diagnose conditions such as insulin resistance, prediabetes, and type 2 diabetes. It may also be ordered to monitor the effectiveness of treatment for these conditions. The test is usually done in the morning, after an overnight fast. The test results will be reported in units of insulin per liter of blood (U/L). It is important to note that the interpretation of a fasting insulin test may vary depending on the individual's medical history and other factors. A healthcare provider should be consulted to interpret the test results correctly.
Learn More - Testosterone, Total and Free (NO Upper Limit) plus Hematocrit$89.33
This is a very economical panel that includes: 1- Hematocrit: Portion of total blood volume made up of red blood cells. Testosterone replacement therapy can increase hematocrit. Hematocrit over 52 may increase blood thickness and cardiovascular risks. 2- Total (LC/MS- No upper Limit) and Free Testosterone by Equilibrium Analysis.
Learn More - Sex Hormone Binding Globulin - SHBG$45.17
SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) binds to testosterone and estradiol. High SHBG may decrease free testosterone and free estradiol.
Learn More - LH + FSH$46.35
FSH and LH are produced by the pituitary gland to control the production of sex hormones including testosterone and estrogen, and sperm and egg cells. They are both important in diagnosing primary or secondary hypogonadism, infertility, or potential pituitary adenomas.
Learn More - Estrone$93.58
Estrone (E1) is one of the three estrogens, which also include estriol and estradiol. Estrone is the least abundant of the three and is relevant to health and disease because it is considered the stronger acting estrogen.
Learn More - IGF-1 (Insulin-like Growth Factor 1)$68.13
Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, also known as IGF-1, is used as a biomarker for blood levels of human growth hormone. It is a hormone produced by the liver and other tissues which affects growth-promoting activities and glucose metabolism. The blood level of IGF-1 appears to fluctuate over 24 hours and is found to be related to growth hormone secretion.
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The hormones in your body are responsible for keeping you alive, well, and healthy. They work automatically to make your organs release certain substances or make you feel in a certain way. More than 50 known hormones circulate through the human body every second.
Table of Contents
Hormone blood tests look specifically at different types of hormones such as thyroid hormones, sex hormones, etc. Whenever you don't feel well or have abnormal symptoms, chances are that there is a hormonal imbalance in your body.
Keep reading to learn more about hormones and how hormone panel tests can help you. Discovering what hormone is causing you symptoms will help your doctor come up with hormone treatments to improve your health.
What Substances Are Checked by a Hormone Panel?
As mentioned earlier, there are more than 50 individual hormones in the human body. Hormone lab tests look at these substances separately or you can order a hormone test panel that looks at multiple hormones at the same time. Let's take a look at some of the most popular hormone panels on DiscountedLabs.com
Male Hormone Panels
These tests are specifically designed for male hormones. For example, you can find several tests for testosterone levels. Some of these tests are made for regular people who have testosterone levels under 1,500 ng/dL. A more advanced test is done for bodybuilders and this test can measure testosterone levels higher than 1,500 ng/dL.
Apart from testosterone, this category also includes gynecomastia tests. Gynecomastia (also known as "male boobs") can develop if the estrogen levels in a man are too high while testosterone is low. Other tests included here are cortisol tests and PCT tests. Post Cycle Therapy (PCT) is done by bodybuilders to restore their normal hormonal levels after taking androgens.
Hormone Blood Tests for Women
Many hormone lab tests are aimed at women and they help detect hormonal imbalances. For example, you can order estrogen and progesterone tests, a sensitive estradiol test, DHEA and SHBG tests, etc. You can get some of those tests separately or as a part of a "Wellness Panel for Women" complex of tests.
You might be happy to find out that large hormone panels also include thyroid and blood tests. These panels will look at your blood count, red blood cells, hematocrit, platelet levels, etc. They will also check the thyroid and other hormones including progesterone, estradiol, DHEA, testosterone, LH and FSH.
Comprehensive Hormone Panels for Men and Women
Some test panels have been specifically designed for those who want a complete snapshot of their hormonal health. These are called comprehensive panels or the ultimate hormone test panels. They are suitable for both men and women and help you find out everything you need to know about your body.
Here are some of the substances tested by such a complex panel:
- Complete metabolic panel- it looks at the levels of sodium, potassium, calcium, glucose, and other substances
- Complete Blood Count- it checks red blood cells, white blood cells, hematocrit, platelets, ferritin, and others
- Thyroid panel - it looks at all thyroid hormones like TSG, free T3 and free T4 tests.
- Sex hormones - testosterone, estrogen, and other sex hormones for men and women. Both free and total levels are measured
- Inflammation markers - substances such as homocysteine, CRP, Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH test) let you know the level of inflammation in your body
- Lipid panel - it looks at your LDL and HDL cholesterol, and triglycerides
As you can probably see, such a comprehensive panel leaves nothing to doubt when it comes to your health. It's suitable for men and women of all ages, regardless of whether you experience symptoms or not.
Individual Hormone Blood Tests
Some tests are tailored for specific substances or hormones such as DHEA-S, cortisol, or progesterone. They can tell you a lot about specific health issues and some of them might be required to confirm a diagnosis.
Some of the most popular individual hormone tests include estradiol test, prolactin, fasting insulin, DHT, LH + FSH to determine fertility issues, etc. You can order these tests separately, especially if you have certain symptoms.
What Are the Symptoms of Hormonal Imbalances?
The human body is very complex and there might be a plethora of hormonal imbalances that cause symptoms. We will take a look at a few general symptoms that should prompt you to order a direct-to-consumer lab test. Here are a few signs of hormone problems:
- Unexplained fatigue - if you feel constantly tired, even after a good night's sleep, chances are that your adrenal glands produce too much cortisol at night that may be keeping you awake or too little cortisol in the morning, so you don’t feel refreshed when you wake up. You might also have low testosterone and low thyroid function.
- Reduced sex drive - this can also be caused by low testosterone levels in men and women.
- Decreased muscle mass – as a result of low testosterone.
- Breast tissue development - this could be a sign of gynecomastia. It happens when the body converts too much testosterone into estrogen in men with low testosterone.
Pick Your Hormone Panel Today!
As you can see, there are many tests that look at all kinds of hormones in your body. It's probably difficult to pick one but take a look at your symptoms. A testosterone test is recommended for men who feel fatigued and with a low sex drive.
If you're a woman and you experience vaginal dryness, low sex drive, and fatigue, a Wellness Panel test might be suitable for you. The results of the test will be mailed back to you in a few business days and you can ask your doctor to help you interpret them.
Most importantly, certain hormone lab tests might help you discover key problems before they get too severe. Men and women of all ages should try a hormone test at least once a year. Pick yours from the numerous tests above.
