Male Hormone Tests

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.

This panel provides smart bodybuilders with information that can help minimize potential short and long-term side effects and risks. This basic bodybuilder panel includes the following gold standard tests/panels: Cystatin C (The only accurate kidney function test for bodybuilders), hematocrit (blood viscosity factor), CMP (glucose, liver & kidney function, and electrolytes), total and free testosterone (LC/MS assay-no upper limit and no interference with anabolics), ultra-sensitive estradiol (The only accurate estradiol test for men), & lipid cholesterol panel. Fasting is required.

This is a simple bodybuilder test panel for those who do not require Cystatin-C or GGT tests.  The panel includes:

• Complete Blood Count (Immune Cells, Red Blood Cells, and Hematocrit)
• Complete Metabolic Panel (Blood sugar, electrolytes, kidney and liver function)
• Lipids (LDL, HDL, and Triglycerides)
• Testosterone, Total LC/MS and Free Testosterone by Equilibrium Dialysis
• Ultrasensitve Estradiol (Only Test Accurate in Men)

Bodybuilders using testosterone and anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) have to be smart about maximizing benefits and minimizing short- and long-term side effects while exercising and eating effectively for proper muscle gain, fat loss, and quality of life.  Harm reduction is key especially in the presence of barriers to care caused by stigma and judgement from medical practitioners. Here is a list of 14 carefully selected lab tests and panels that are essential in maintaining proper health while improving body composition and strength: Hematocrit, Lipid panel (LDL, HDL, triglycerides), Cystatin C kidney test, eGFR kidney test, GGT liver test, Total Testosterone (LC/MS), Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration), Ultrasensitive Estradiol, Prolactin, DHT test (LC/MS), IGF-1 test (LC/MS), and ferritin. Fasting is required.

The adrenal gland produces a hormone known as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). It is also made in the brain. DHEA leads to the production of androgens and estrogens (male and female sex hormones). DHEA levels in the body begin to decrease after age 30. Lower DHEA levels are found in people with hormonal disorders, HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer's disease, heart disease, depression, diabetes, inflammation, immune disorders, and osteoporosis. Corticosteroids, birth control taken by mouth, and agents that treat psychiatric disorders may reduce DHEA levels.

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.

ED Panel Includes Main Hormones Involved with Erectile Function: 

• Prolactin
• Total Testosterone (LC/MS)
• Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration)
• Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive
• DHT
• TSH
• Free T3
• Free T4

THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE AND ACCURATE ESTRADIOL TEST IN THE U.S. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that has been shown to more accurately measure estradiol in men and women than the old immunoassay-based test. 

Important note:  The blood sample is sent out to Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano, Caifornia.  Overnight delivery and testing is performed on Sunday and Friday.  Reports are available within 5-7 business days from the time the specimen is collected.

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.

This panel includes hormones that have been implicated in gynecomastia by several studies. Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the male breast resulting from a growth of the glandular tissue of the breast. Since it causes anxiety, psychosocial discomfort and fear of breast cancer, early diagnostic evaluation is important, and patients usually seek medical attention. Causes include hormone imbalance and genetic predisposition.

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 affordable male hormone panel includes the most accurate assays used as gold standard for measuring:

1. Total Testosterone (Liquid chromatography/MS-MS) 
2.  Free Testosterone (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration)
3.  Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
4.  Estradiol, Ultra Sensitive (LC/MS-MS) 
5.  DHT level  (LC/MS) 
6.  Prolactin
7.  Dehydroepiandrosterone sulphate (DHEA-S)

This PCT after cycle panel is designed to measure the health and recovery of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Testicular Axis (HPTA) after attempting to normalize it spontaneously or with the use of Post-Cycle Therapy (PCT) . PCT is prescribed by some physicians for men who stop testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) or other androgens. Fasting is required for CMP (glucose test).

This hormone panel can be used to diagnose primary or secondary hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency), prostate health and potential thyroid dysfunction prior to initiating testosterone replacement therapy. This hormone panel contains over 20 tests that can be used to diagnose primary or secondary hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency), prostate health and potential thyroid dysfunction prior to initiating testosterone replacement therapy. It also includes information about hematocrit , and liver and kidney function. Panel includes: LH and FSH (Pituitary hormones that stimulate testicular cells that can help diagnose primary (testicular) or secondary hypogonadism), Total and free testosterone (LC/MS assay. No upper limit restriction), Prostatic specific antigen (PSA) (TRT is contraindicated for PSA equal or above 4.0), Estradiol (sensitive. LC/MS assay), Lipids (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides), Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) (Glucose, electrolytes, liver/kidney functions), Comprehensive Blood Count (CBC) (Immune cells, red blood cells, hemoglobin, hematocrit) 

 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.

This panel contains testosterone and its downstream metabolites: Estradiol and DHT. All three hormones are measured using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS), the most accurate assay for hormones. No interactions with supplements like biotin are present.

The most economical lab test panel with 4 tests for men on TRT:

1. Total Testosterone, Liquid Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry
2. Free Testosterone, Equilibrium Dialysis
3. Ultrasensitive Estradiol, Liquid Chromatography/ Mass Spectrometry
4. Hematocrit

THIS IS THE MOST AFFORDABLE TESTOSTERONE TEST IN THE U.S. This panel includes total testosterone measured by the most accurate method  and gold standard test (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry), free testosterone percent by equilibrium dialysis, and free testosterone calculated from percent free T. This test is good more accurate for low and high testosterone blood levels (men who expect high testosterone blood levels over 1,500 ng/dL , women and children who usually have low T levels). It has no interferences with supplements or anabolics. Note: Results may take 5-7 business days. For a faster turnaround, choose this test instead: Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total (With Lower & Upper Limit) plus SHBG

This is the most cost effective testosterone test panel that takes the least amount of time to perform and that includes 5 important tests: 1- Total testosterone, 2- Calculated free testosterone, 3- Bioavailable (unbound) testosterone, 4- Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), and albumin. Testosterone upper limit under 1,500 ng/dL (ECLIA, immunoassay). It is accurate for most men using or not using TRT . For men expecting very high testosterone blood levels over 1,500 ng/dL or low total T below 250 ng/dL, the LC/MS testosterone test is more appropiate but it takes a few more days to perform.

This economical lab test panel includes: Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable and Total, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin -SHBG, Males, Immunoassay (Total Testosterone Lower Limit: 250 ng/dL & Upper Limit 1,500 ng/dL ), Complete Blood Count (CBC panel) Including hematocrit, PSA and Ultrasensitive Estradiol

This Testosterone Panel Includes 5 Tests:

• Testosterone, Total, LC/MS (most accurate testosterone test for men with high testosterone and women, no upper or lower limit)
• Testosterone, Free. Free testosterone is best calculated based on the LC/MS/MS-derived total testosterone and equilibrium dialysis-derived percent free levels. 
• Testosterone, Bioavailable. Biovailable testosterone is calculated based on the LC/MS/MS-derived total testosterone, equilibrium dialysis-derived percent free testosterone levels, albumin and SHBG.
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
• Albumin

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.

This panel includes comprehensive testing of the thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in addition to free thyroxine (T4) and free triiodothyronine (T3).

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 to father a child. Some studies show that adding human chorionic gonadotropin (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. 

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 Ultrafiltration

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

This popular and cost-effective panel includes main blood test variables monitored by many clinics that treat men with low testosterone. This panel is for men who are already on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and who want to monitor their main blood tests. You save substantial amounts of money by ordering these tests together rather than one at a time. The panel includes: Total and free testosterone (LC/MS assay. No upper limit restriction), Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), Estradiol (sensitive- LC/MS assay), CBC (includes glucose, hematocrit and immune cells), CMP (includes liver and kidney function, eGFR), Lipids (LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) You can add PSA, DHEA-S, DHT and free T4 and free T3 from our menu for a fuller view at your response to TRT.

This ultimate lab test panel offers the best savings for men and women to determine their immune health, liver and kidney function, electrolytes, blood sugar, cholesterol, thyroid function, inflammatory markers involved in heart disease, testosterone total and free, urinalysis to determine UTIs and kidney function, estradiol, DHEA-S, vitamins D and B12, and iron/ferritin to determine anemia or increased risk of iron overload.