Hormone Tests for Men

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.  

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.

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.

ED Panel Includes Main Hormones Involved with Erectile Function: Prolactin, Total and Free Testosterone, Sensitive Estradiol, DHT, TSH, Free T3 and Free T4.

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.

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 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)

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.

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 blood test panel includes: CBC, CMP, Lipids, Testosterone (T & F), Ultra Sensitive Estradiol, TSH, Free T3, PSA, and SHBG

This panel is popular among men who are on testosterone therapy since it offers substantial savings over ordering each of these tests separately : Complete Blood Count (CBC) ,Comprehensive Metabolic Profile ( includes eGFR ), Estradiol UltraSensitive, Testosterone, Total and Free ( Accurate for all testosterone levels, uncapped), Prolactin, Lipids, and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG). FASTING IS REQUIRED.

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 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.

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).

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

This test panel includes most tests needed to more deeply explore the possibility of hypothyroidism and/or Hashimoto's disease diagnosis. It includes: TSH, Free T3, Free T4, Reverse T3, Thyroglobulin Antibody and Thyroid Peroxidase Antibody (Anti-TPO). If you are taking biotin, please stop it 72 hours before the blood draw since it may interfere with hormone blood tests. 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.

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 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.