TRT + hCG Lab Test Panel
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 panel includes:
Testosterone, Total, LC/MS and Free (Equilibrium Dialysis)
This panel includes total testosterone measured by the most accurate method (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry), free testosterone percent by equilibrium dialysis, and free testosterone calculated from percent free T. This test is good for men who expect high testosterone blood levels over 1,500 ng/dL or women who expect low T levels.
and
17 - OH Progesterone
The 17-OH Progesterone Test and Fertility
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 to predict the efficacy of the hCG+TRT protocol without having to wait for 8 weeks between hCG dose/frequency changes.
To find out if sperm count is normalized in men using hCG plus TRT, several studies have found that the 17-OH-Progesterone 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 8 weeks after starting hCG plus TRT, so knowing your 17-OH-progesterone blood level can give you a quick way to determine if your hCG dose and frequency is adequate.
This test uses liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) the most accurate method for hormone testing.
For more information read: HCG Use in Men on Testosterone: How to Determine the Right Dose
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Go to the "Find a Location" page to find the closest lab location. No need to make an appointment since walk-ins are welcomed. Once you have identified your closest location, go to step 2.
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Go to "Choose a Test" and add your selection (s) in the shopping cart. If you prefer to save money on bundled tests, we have created "Lab Test Panels" that can help you decide what to order.
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Print lab request form that you downloaded.
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Take that form to the closest location. Get your blood drawn.
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