Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood (Morning collection 7am-10am)
- Fasting: Fast for 12 hours and stop biotin 72 hours before collection. Complete testing before a Schilling test, transfusion, or B12 therapy and avoid testing during or after heparin use. Obtain the required specimen container from the lab. For PSA testing, avoid ejaculation and strenuous exercise for 72 hours and wait six weeks after a prostate biopsy.
- Turnaround: 4-7 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
What's Included
Sex Hormone and Reproductive Health Markers
- Testosterone (Total and Free): Testosterone supports male reproductive tissue development, muscle mass, bone density, and body hair. This panel measures it two ways.
Lab-specific note (LabCorp only): Any Testosterone Free (Direct) or Total Testosterone result exceeding 1500 will be reported as ">1500."
- Estradiol: A hormone men also produce that helps regulate bone density, cognitive function, and libido.
- Progesterone: Helps regulate other hormones like testosterone and estrogen and supports brain, immune, and cardiovascular function.
- Prolactin: Involved in immune, metabolic, and reproductive function; elevated levels may relate to lower testosterone.
- Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA): A protein produced by the prostate gland, commonly used as a prostate screening marker.
Adrenal Hormones
- Cortisol: Produced by the adrenal glands in response to stress and involved in metabolism, immune response, and blood pressure regulation.
- DHEA Sulfate (DHEAS): An adrenal hormone and precursor to testosterone and estrogen that plays a role in maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and energy levels.
Thyroid Function
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone): Produced by the pituitary gland to stimulate thyroid hormone production, which affects metabolism and energy levels.
- Free T4 (Thyroxine, Free Direct): Reflects active thyroid hormone available to the body and is used to help evaluate thyroid function.
Growth and Metabolic Hormones
- Human Growth Hormone (HGH): Produced by the pituitary gland; supports body composition, muscle and bone growth, and metabolism.
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor I (IGF-1): Involved in cell growth and division and works alongside testosterone to support muscle and bone health.
- Insulin Fasting: Produced by the pancreas to help regulate blood sugar and also interacts with the balance of other hormones like testosterone and cortisol.
Additional Biomarkers
- Hemoglobin A1C: Calculates the average blood glucose levels over 2-3 months, making it an ideal diagnostic tool for diabetes management.
- Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy: A key nutrient involved in bone health, immune function, and hormone regulation, including testosterone.
Benefits
- Offers a broad view of male hormone health in one panel.
- Helps identify imbalances tied to energy, mood, or libido changes.
- Assesses adrenal function through cortisol and DHEA sulfate markers.
- Evaluates thyroid function using TSH and free T4.
- Checks insulin and growth hormone markers linked to metabolism.
- Convenient online ordering with no prior doctor visit required.
Who Is This Test For?
- Men who want a comprehensive snapshot of their hormone health.
- Individuals noticing changes in energy, mood, or sex drive.
- Men interested in monitoring adrenal, thyroid, and metabolic hormone markers.
- Those tracking hormone levels over time alongside a healthcare provider.
- Men who prefer convenient, walk-in lab testing without an office visit first.
How It Works
- Order Your Test Online
- Visit a Local Lab
- Get Results Online
FAQ
1. What is the purpose of this test?
This panel gives you a detailed look at hormone health across several systems. It includes sex hormone and reproductive markers (such as total and free testosterone, estradiol, progesterone, prolactin, and PSA), adrenal markers (cortisol and DHEA sulfate), thyroid markers (TSH and free T4), and growth and metabolic markers (HGH, IGF-1, and insulin), along with hemoglobin A1c and vitamin D. Together, these results can help paint a fuller picture of how your hormones may be working together.
2. Who would benefit from this test?
Men who want a broad view of their hormone health, including reproductive, adrenal, thyroid, and metabolic markers, may find this panel useful. It can also be helpful for men who want to keep an eye on hormone-related markers over time in partnership with a healthcare provider.
3. When should I order this panel?
You might consider this panel as a general screening snapshot of your hormone health, or to monitor markers you and your healthcare provider are already following. It can also be used as a follow-up after previous testing. This panel on its own does not diagnose any condition.
4. Do I need to fast before this test?
Yes. Fasting for at least 12 hours is required before your blood draw.
5. How quickly will I get results?
Results are typically available in 4-7 days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
6. How do I interpret the results?
Individual hormone values matter, but patterns across multiple biomarkers are often more meaningful than any single result on its own. Your healthcare provider is best positioned to review your full set of results together and explain what they mean for you.
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.
7. What should I do if my results are abnormal?
If any of your results fall outside the expected range, share them with your healthcare provider. They can help you understand what the results mean in the context of your health history and determine whether any next steps are needed.
8. How often should I get tested?
There is no set retesting schedule for this panel. How often you test again should be determined as directed by your healthcare provider, based on your individual health needs.
9. Why early detection matters
Keeping track of your hormone levels over time can support earlier awareness of changes that may otherwise go unnoticed. Regular monitoring, guided by your healthcare provider, may help you stay informed about your ongoing hormone health.
Pre-test preparation
Fast for 12 hours and stop taking biotin at least 72 hours before collection. Complete testing before starting a Schilling test, transfusion, or B12 therapy, and avoid testing during or after heparin administration. Obtain the required specimen container from the lab using your lab order. For PSA testing, avoid ejaculation and strenuous exercise for 72 hours before testing and wait at least six weeks after a prostate biopsy.
