Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood specimen
- Fasting: 12 hours required; discontinue biotin 72 hours prior
- Turn-around: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive hormone analysis - 23 biomarkers across 16 tests for complete health picture
- Advanced LC-MS/MS testing - Superior accuracy for testosterone and steroid hormone measurement
- No doctor visit required - Direct access testing with 80% cost savings
Fast results delivery - Secure online results in 3-4 days - Nationwide accessibility - Available at 2,300+ lab locations across 47 states
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing low energy, fatigue, or decreased stamina
- Those with reduced libido or erectile dysfunction symptoms
- Men noticing mood changes, irritability, or depression
- Individuals with unexplained weight gain or muscle loss
- Men considering or currently on hormone replacement therapy
- Health-conscious men seeking preventive hormonal health screening
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online - Purchase your test 24/7 and receive instant lab order
- Visit lab - No appointment needed at any participating location nationwide
- Get results - Secure online delivery within 3-4 business days
FAQ
What hormones does this panel test? Total and free testosterone, estradiol, cortisol, DHEA-S, thyroid hormones (TSH and free T4), insulin, growth hormone, prolactin, PSA, and vitamin D.
Do I need to fast for this test? Yes, fast for 12 hours and stop biotin supplements 72 hours before testing for accurate results.
Can I use insurance for this test? No insurance needed - direct-pay pricing offers significant savings over traditional lab costs.
When is the best time to collect my sample? Schedule morning collection (6:00-10:00 AM) for optimal testosterone assessment accuracy.
How do I interpret my results? Results include reference ranges, but consultation with a healthcare provider is recommended for personalized interpretation and treatment planning.
What if my results show hormone imbalances? Abnormal results warrant discussion with a healthcare provider who can recommend appropriate treatment options including lifestyle changes or hormone therapy.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel evaluates multiple hormones to identify imbalances contributing to symptoms such as low libido, fatigue, mood changes, and metabolic dysfunction. The test provides insights into reproductive health, adrenal function, thyroid function, and insulin sensitivity using advanced LC-MS/MS methodology for superior accuracy (Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism 2024).
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance including low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood swings, decreased muscle mass, weight gain, hair loss, or sleep issues would benefit from this comprehensive assessment. The test is also valuable for monitoring hormone therapy and establishing baseline values before treatment (Endocrine Society 2018).
When should I order this test?
Consider ordering if experiencing persistent symptoms of hormonal imbalance, for baseline assessment before starting hormone therapy, or for routine monitoring during treatment. Morning collection is optimal for testosterone assessment, and symptoms should be present for several weeks to warrant testing.
How do I interpret the results?
Results should be evaluated in context of symptoms and compared to age-appropriate reference ranges. Testosterone deficiency affects 10-40% of adult males, with significant age-related variations (NHANES 2019).
Low testosterone (<300 ng/dL):
- What it means: Possible hypogonadism
- Typical action: Evaluate symptoms, consider therapy
Borderline testosterone (300-400 ng/dL):
- What it means: Age-dependent assessment needed
- Typical action: Repeat testing, symptom evaluation
Normal testosterone (>400 ng/dL):
- What it means: Adequate levels for age
- Typical action: Monitor if symptomatic
Elevated estradiol:
- What it means: Possible aromatase excess
- Typical action: Evaluate testosterone ratio
Low DHEA-S:
- What it means: Adrenal insufficiency
- Typical action: Consider supplementation
Abnormal thyroid markers:
- What it means: Thyroid dysfunction
- Typical action: Thyroid-specific evaluation
Testosterone levels can vary significantly between measurements, so repeat testing may be necessary for borderline results.
Disclaimer: Reference ranges may vary by laboratory. Listed ranges are general guidelines and may differ from those used by the performing lab. Always consult your healthcare provider for interpretation.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for at least 12 hours before blood collection and discontinue biotin supplements 72 hours prior to testing. Schedule morning collection (6:00-10:00 AM) for optimal testosterone assessment. Avoid collection during or after heparin administration. Present your lab order at any participating laboratory location - no appointment necessary.
How often should I get tested?
- Initial screening: Baseline, then annually
- Symptomatic men: Every 6-12 months
- Hormone therapy monitoring: Every 3-6 months initially
- Stable hormone therapy: Every 6-12 months
- Post-therapy assessment: 3-4 weeks after changes
Why early detection matters
The economic burden of hypogonadism is substantial, with estimated 20-year costs ranging from $190-525 billion for US men aged 45-74 (Urology Research and Practice). Early detection through accessible testing enables proactive management before symptoms progress to serious health complications, potentially preventing cardiovascular disease, metabolic dysfunction, and decreased quality of life.
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