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.

Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH, also adrenocorticotropin, 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

Discounted Labs’ basic adrenal insufficiency panel includes cortisol, ACTH, and DHEA as a starting point. Depending on lab test results from this panel, physicians may choose to do an ACTH stimulation test, renin, potassium, and sodium. Imaging studies like a CT scan of the adrenal glands may also be considered to check for adrenal growths. In order to check for Addison's Disease, the auto-immune type of primary adrenal insufficiency, labs should be drawn to check 21-hydroxylase 

Aldosterone (ALD) is one of a group of connected hormones. They form the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system; this system is activated when there is a decrease in blood flow to your kidneys following a drop in blood volume or blood pressure

Amenorrhea is the absence or abnormal cessation of the menses (menstruation periods). The initial useful laboratory tests are FSH, TSH, and prolactin.

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.

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.

Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone produced by the adrenal gland. 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.

This ultrasensitive estradiol test is recommended for men. The commonly used estradiol test may overestimate estradiol in men. That test uses immunoassay technology that cannot differentiate C-Reactive Protein (involved in inflammation) from estradiol, so it reads the combination of the two as estradiol. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that does not have that limitation. 

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.

This test measures the free (unbound to SHBG or albumin) estradiol and total sensitive estradiol in blood. The test is performed using liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS). NOTE: This test is a send out test to Quest's Nichols Institute San Juan Capistrano.  Testing schedule is Mon and Wed.  Reports are available within 4-14 days from the time the specimen is received at the send out testing lab. Test results may take up to 16 business days.

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.

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.

This PCOS lab test panel includes: Lipid Panel, CBC, CMP, Prolactin, C-Peptide,TSH, Free T3, Fee T4, Sex Hormone binding Globulin, DHEA Sulfate, Estrogen, FSH,Insulin Fasting, A1c, LH, Progesterone, 17-OH Progesterone,Testosterone, Total (LC/MS) and Free (EquilibriumvDialysis), and Vitamin D.

Polycystic literally means "many cysts." In medical terms, it usually refers to a condition called polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). PCOS is a hormonal disorder commonly seen in women of childbearing age. The condition is characterized by the presence of multiple fluid-filled cysts in the ovaries. PCOS can cause symptoms like irregular periods, weight gain, acne, and excessive hair growth. Women with PCOS may also experience infertility, diabetes, and heart disease later in life. The exact cause of PCOS is not known, but genetics and insulin resistance are considered contributing factors. PCOS is diagnosed based on symptoms, physical examination, and blood tests. 

This hormone panel can be used to diagnose primary or secondary hypogonadism (testosterone deficiency), prostate health prior to initiating testosterone replacement therapy. It also includes information about cholesterol, hematocrit (red blood cell volume), liver, and kidney function. Fasting is required for CMP.

Pregnenolone is known as the mother hormone. All other steroids including testosterone and estrogen are derived from this important hormone. For this reason, optimal blood levels of pregnenolone are critical for a healthy hormone balance.  This test uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, the most accurate assay for hormones.

 Progesterone is a female hormone important for the regulation of ovulation and menstruation. It is also present in men in smaller concentrations. Progesterone is a steroid hormone that plays numerous roles within the human body. It is crucial to the production of sex hormones and corticosteroids, as well as playing a role as a neuro-steroid (brain function). 

 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.

SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin) binds to testosterone and estradiol. High SHBG may decrease free testosterone and free estradiol.

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.

This discounted lab test panel for men includes total testosterone by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (the most accurate testosterone test), free testosterone, hematocrit, ultrasensitive estradiol test and prolactin hormone. 

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 panel includes: Total and Free Testosterone (LC/MS), Luteinizing Hormone (LH), and Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) at substantial savings that buying each test separately.

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 Testosterone Panel Includes 5 Tests: Total Testosterone (LC/MS most accurate assay), Free Testosterone, Bioavailable Testosterone (Free T plus albumin-bound T), Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), and Albumin. Good for men who expect high T levels and for women (panel is also accurate for lower T levels).

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

Ordering these 5 hormone tests as a panel saves you over $20 when comparing it to buying tests separately.

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 test includes total testosterone performed by liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, the most accurate testosterone test and one without an upper limit. It does not include free testosterone.   

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 test measures thyroglobulin antibodies commonly present in patients with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Antibodies against the protein thyroglobulin can result in the destruction of thyroid cells. This destruction can lead to hypothyroidism.

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. 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 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. Fasting is required for CMP.

This complete lab test panel for women includes tests and panels that show your status on immune function, electrolytes, liver and kidney function, cholesterol, testosterone, estradiol, DHEA, thyroid function, blood sugar control, inflammation, vitamin deficiencies, anemia/fatigue, progesterone, and LH & FSH hormones.

This cost effective discounted lab panel will provide a baseline overview of your sex hormones, thyroid gland, adrenal function, metabolic function, and overall health. Includes: CBC (includes immune and red blood cells and platelets), CMP (Includes kidney and liver function, glucose and electrolytes), Lipid Panel (LDL, HDL, Triglycerides), Testosterone free and total, Estradiol, DHEA-sulfate, TSH, Progesterone, and LH & FSH.

This hormone panel for women contains all basic hormones (except for LH and FSH, which you can add to your cart separately): DHEA-S, Estradiol (CLIA assay), Progesterone, Total Testosterone, LC/MS, Free Testosterone by Equilibrium Ultrafiltration, TSH,Free T3 and Free T4