Mens Hormone Test Results: How To Interpret Yours
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Article at a Glance
- Optimizing your hormone levels increases productivity and helps maintain good health, but first you need to know your current hormone levels.
- Testosterone is the most well-known male hormone, but many other hormones can affect men’s health.
- Any treatment to optimize your hormones should only proceed under the watchful eye of a hormone optimization expert.
Getting your hormones tested is a great way to optimize your daily performance, but it can become anxiety-inducing when you dont understand whats being tested and whether your results are good or bad. Mens hormone test results can be confusing to decode. To help make this easier to understand, lets look into some common hormones that are tested and what their values mean.
Can A Hormone Blood Test In Bebington Show If I Have A Hormone Imbalance
A blood test is the only reliable way to determine your hormone levels since the symptoms and causes of hormonal imbalances vary so widely. You can therefore take a blood test to detect if you have a hormonal imbalance.
Testing the thyroid, oestrogen, testosterone, and cortisol hormone levels in the blood is commonly done. Diagnoses of endocrine disorders can also be made using urine tests, saliva tests, and imaging tests. As soon as your pharmacist collects a sample, they will send it to a lab for testing.
Tests for hormonal imbalances should be conducted if youre experiencing symptoms that are persistent and unusual. In the case of hormonal imbalances or endocrine disorders, your pharmacist may refer you to an endocrinologist.
Functional Hormone Imbalance Tests
Hormone levels are continuously changing throughout the day thus blood may not always be the perfect reflection of whats going on.
You may be able to relate to this by being told everything is normal and youre good to go from your doctor, yet you still feel like junk!
Its no fun leaving the doctors office confused, discouraged, and unheard because youve been told your lab work is all normal despite feeling the complete opposite.
This is where specialized functional lab testing can be useful.
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Hormone 1 Baseline Blood Test Panel Men
The Hormone 1 Baseline Blood Test Panel, Men panel contains 5 tests with 8 biomarkers.
The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.
1 Biomarkers – Specimen Type: Serum – Average Process Time*: 2 to 3 days
Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA SO4, DHEA Sulfate Immunoassay, DHEAS, Transdehydroandrosterone
1
DHEA SULFATE
2 Biomarkers – Average Process Time*: 1 to 2 days
Also known as: Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone , Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone
1 Biomarkers – Specimen Type: Serum – Average Process Time*: 2 to 3 days
Also known as: Insulin
1
Insulin
2 Biomarkers – Specimen Type: Serum – Average Process Time*: 4 to 5 days
Also known as: Testosterone Free Dialysis and Total LCMSMS
2
Free Testosterone
TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,
Changes In Male Hormones
Testosterone levels decrease normally with age. This may cause men to have erectile problems or to lose interest in sex. Testosterone replacement therapy may improve sex drive, sexual performance, energy, and mood. It is also said to help build bone and muscle mass. TRT is available as pills, patches, gels, creams, shots, or it can be implanted under the skin.TRT may not be right for you if you have high cholesterol, heart disease, or are at risk for prostate cancer. TRT may enlarge the prostate or increase your risk for prostate cancer. Take testosterone only if your health care provider approves. Men taking testosterone should be examined for signs of a tender or enlarged prostate. If you have a family history of prostate cancer, you may want to have a PSA test.
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Get A Clear Picture Of Your Health
Your results might be based on hard science, but that doesnt mean you have to be a scientist to understand them. Our health dashboard gives you easy, secure and confidential access to your own results.
Science made simple
See at a glance if your results fall outside the normal range, and compare your results to others.
Personalised expert advice
Get personalised and practical advice from our team of medical experts so you know what steps you need to take to improve.
Know your health inside out
Find out the impact each health marker has on your health with our bite-sized information. We also provide deep dives for those who want to know more
- Results within 2 working days
What Is Being Tested
Testosterone is the main sex hormone produced in men. It helps make sperm, and it influences men’s sex drive. It also helps create facial and body hair, and plays a part in the development of muscles. Men make testosterone mainly in their testes, but also in their adrenal glands.
Women make a much smaller amount of testosterone in their ovaries, adrenal glands and other body tissues. Some of this breaks down to form a type of oestrogen called oestradiol.
Some testosterone is found in the blood both of men and women. A blood test for testosterone will show how much is in your body.
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Testosterone Total And Free
Testosterone is a hormone that causes male characteristics. Blood level is used by men to investigate abnormal sexual development and sexual dysfunction. Small amounts are produced in women’s ovaries and these levels are tested to evaluate virilization. The concentration of free testosterone is very low, typically < 2% of total testosterone concentration. In most men and women, > 50% of total circulating testosterone is bound to sex hormone-binding globulin, SHBG, and most of the other is bound to albumin.1 Routinely available assay methods used to measure total testosterone aren’t sensitive enough to accurately quantitate the free testosterone fraction directly. Free testosterone is estimated in this test by a direct, analogue radioimmunoassay method. This test uses a labeled testosterone analogue that has a low binding affinity for both SHBG and albumin but is bound by antitestosterone antibody used in the assay. Since the analogue is unbound in the plasma, it competes with free testosterone for binding sites on an antitestosterone antibody that is immobilized on the surface of the polypropylene tube.
Male Hormones Fertility And Sex Drive
Male hormones are involved in many body functions that are essential for a healthy sex drive and fertility. The hormones LH and FSH are crucial for the production of sperm and making testosterone in the body. Testosterone is involved in the growth of the male sex organs and also helps to control erectile function. Testosterone even has effects in the brain, so it can influence your desire to have sex .
A change in levels of male hormones in your body can negatively affect your sex life. For example, you may lose the ability to get or maintain an erection or have lower-quality sperm and, therefore, a lower ability to conceive naturally. If you have low testosterone levels, you could lose your desire to have sex entirely .
The good news is that hormone replacement therapy can help with these problems. The type of treatment you receive will depend on whether you want to start a family, so you should discuss this with your doctor.
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How Much Does A Testosterone Test Cost
Testosterone test costs can vary. If you go to your doctor, the test cost may vary depending on your insurance coverage.
If you opt for an at-home test, a singular testosterone test may cost between $50 and $70.
Some companies like LetsGetChecked and Everlywell offer full hormone tests that measure testosterone, as well as other hormones like cortisol and DHEA. But these tests are more expensive and can range from $130 to $200.
Types Of Hormone Tests For Men
General hormone testing can help diagnose medical issues such as diabetes and thyroid disorders. We also offer specific hormone tests for men as part of our comprehensive selection of mens health tests. These blood tests measure testosterone levels for men who are struggling with infertility, considering testosterone replacement therapy, or wanting to increase muscle for bodybuilding or other vigorous workouts.
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Getting A Hormone Test
Hormone tests are typically ordered by your doctor in response to a suspected imbalance. Your doctor may ask you several questions about current symptoms, family history, outside stressors, or any medications you may be on which could explain the imbalance. Hormone tests for men and women also vary depending on symptoms.
While hormone testing is usually performed in a medical setting, such as at a hospital or a clinic, you can also get testing done at for-profit labs or even use an online service to get tested.
Should Women Take A Testosterone Test
If you are a female experiencing high or low testosterone symptoms, you may consider taking a testosterone test.
Abnormal testosterone levels in females can indicate larger health issues such as PCOS, abnormal or nonexistent menstrual periods, or infertility issues.
In some cases, low testosterone in females may also be caused by low estrogen or menopause as there is some overlap in the symptoms. A testosterone test and other hormone tests can help doctors determine a diagnosis.
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Testosterone Deficiency In Men
Testosterone deficiency is also called hypogonadism. Low levels of testosterone can significantly disrupt your health and compromise your wellbeing, sexuality, and fertility.
Some men will experience a natural decline in testosterone levels with ageing. Some people call this the male menopause, but in men, it is a much more gradual process than female menopause, which occurs more rapidly.
A more severe and sudden drop in testosterone levels can sometimes occur in men, but this is uncommon. Some men are born with this type of deficiency, but some men can develop it in later life.
Symptoms of testosterone deficiency in men can include:
- Loss in muscle mass
What Is Hormonal Imbalance In Men
The most common hormonal imbalances in men are related to testosterone levels. Men may experience low levels of testosterone due to disorders, like hypogonadism for example when the testes cannot produce an adequate supply of testosterone. More commonly, aging is the underlying cause, with testosterone production gradually diminishing over time, beginning around age 40. For some men, levels fall so low that the bodys basic needs for the hormone cannot be fulfilled, which can lead to many of the symptoms listed above. Other factors that can contribute to low testosterone levels include excessive stress, poor diet, obesity and regular excessive alcohol use.
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When Should Male Hormones Be Tested
You should check your hormone levels as soon as possible if you have a family history of hormone-related disorders. Testosterone levels typically start to decrease in middle age, so you may want to start monitoring them with male hormone testing as you get older, or if you experience symptoms of low testosterone levels such as:
Treatment For A Hormonal Imbalance
There are many different treatment options for hormonal imbalances. The treatment you ultimately be given will depend on which hormone exactly is unbalance as well as the underlying cause of the imbalance. Sometimes, a life event might cause such a fluctuation in your hormones, such as menopause. In that case, your treatment would be short term one. However, if you have a genetic disorder that causes a lifelong hormonal imbalance, you will need to pursue a more prolonged course of medications.
Hormone therapy is a common treatment for hormonal imbalances. Women who are witnessing uncomfortable menopausal symptoms may choose estrogen therapy. Testosterone therapy is a common choice for men with low testosterone levels or adolescents facing delayed puberty. Taking thyroid hormones can help individuals with hypothyroidism. Such hormone replacement therapies may come in the form of pills, patches, or even injections. Your doctor will help you choose the appropriate dosage by checking your hormone levels test results. This is how he will determine the right amount of supplemented hormone you will need to recreate the balance.
Bioidentical hormones can be produced by pharmaceutical companies using different doses. Examples include bi-estrogen which is 50 to 80 percent estriol combined with estradiol, or tri-estrogen which is 10 percent estrone, 10 percent estradiol, and 80 percent estriol.
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Typical Testosterone Levels In Men
Its important to speak with your doctor after receiving your results to better understand what they mean for you and your health. If your doctor has any concerns, they may consider a full diagnosis and treatment plan.
Levels between 300 and 800 nanograms per deciliter are the most common levels.
According to the American Urology Association, in men, levels below 300 ng/dL should be classified as low T or hypogonadism.
Testosterone levels typically decrease with age, so its not unusual to have lower levels at an older age. In fact, 50% of men over age 80 may have low T levels.
Ask your doctor about testosterone tests if you suspect you have below-standard hormone levels or if you notice developmental issues in your children. A wide range of treatments are available.
Some treatments include testosterone pellet implants and an oral testosterone supplement approved by the Food and Drug Administration .
The most common treatment for low testosterone is testosterone replacement therapy . TRT is given as an injection, a skin patch, or a topical gel containing testosterone that replaces the testosterone missing from your body.
Though this treatment is common, TRT is known to have some risks and side effects, including:
What Do The Results Mean
Your test results will mean different things depending on:
- The reasons for having the test
- The type of estrogen that was measured
- The results of other tests you may have had
Talk with your provider to find out what your results mean for your health. Because estrogen levels often change, you may need to be tested more than once to look for a trend in your estrogen levels over time.
Learn more about laboratory tests, reference ranges, and understanding results.
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The Role Of Male Hormone Tests
Every human needs hormones to function, whether its metabolizing food for energy, regulating blood pressure, or stabilizing mood. These hormones are produced by the bodys endocrine system, a complex network that encompasses glands, organs, and the brains hypothalamus region.
Mens health also relies on the sex hormone testosterone. Its responsible for building muscle and bone mass, producing red blood cells, and distributing fat throughout the body. Testosterone also plays a key role in fertility and libido. Hormone testing for men is a valuable tool for measuring all of these hormones to spot potential imbalances that may require treatment.
Hormone Tests For Men
Hormone balance is essential for strength and energy. Check your levels with fast, accurate hormone tests for men from Personalabs.
Also Known As: Thyroid Function Panel The Purpose of the Thyroid Panel With TSH Test The thyroid blood test with a TSH
Also Known As Thyroid-stimulating Hormone, TSH, Thyrotropin, Thyrotropic Hormone The Purpose of the TSH Blood Test The thyroid-stimulating hormone
Purpose of Testosterone Blood Test The testosterone blood test tells you how much of the hormone testosterone you have in
This profile is designed to test for low testosterone. It uses the latest technology to determine whether those symptoms
This test is used to evaluate growth disorders, identify growth hormone deficiency as a follow-up to abnormal results
Also Known As Follicle-stimulating hormone, follitropin, luteinizing hormone, lutropin, interstitial cell-stimulating hormone Purpose of the FSH and LH Blood Test
SHBG and testosterone levels may be ordered for an adult male to help determine the cause of infertility, a
Also Known As Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA, DHEA Blood Test, DHEA-S, DHEA-SO4 The Purpose of a DHEA Test This test helps evaluate the function
This test is used to find out the cause of calcium imbalances and to evaluate parathyroid function. This test
Evaluate for ovarian estrogen producing tumor in the premenarcheal and postmenopausal female evaluate estrogen excess in males. Estrogen analysis
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What Treatment Options Do I Have For Abnormal Testosterone Levels
Artificial testosterone can be administered through different routes:
- Intramuscular injection: there exist different types of synthetic testosterone that can be administered intramuscularly. Propionate remains for a reduced time period in the body, so it has to be administered every 2-3 days. Testosterone enanthate and cypionate can be injected every two weeks . Conversely, testosterone undecanoate can be administered every 12-15 weeks .
- Transfermal : it can be administered in the form of a gel or cream daily, in the form of patches or implant.
- Oral : this is the least common of all routes, since it is detrimental for the liver .
Even though artificial testosterone can have many benefits, like muscle development or secondary male characteristics, one should keep in mind that, as with any other medication, it can have some side effects. Always follow your doctor’s instructions before taking this type of medication.
Costs Of Hormone Testing
The cost of a hormone test will vary by location and test type. Some clinics, usually community or nonprofit clinics, may offer free or low-cost testing if you meet certain income guidelines. Labs, clinics, and at-home testing companies may accept insurance to cover or lower your cost of testing.
But self-paying is always an option, particularly if you want to get tested without a doctors prescription. Testing.com offers a wide range of hormone tests where you can order online for hormone testing.
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