Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood draw (venipuncture)
- Fasting: 8–12 hours required
- Turn-around: 3-4 business days. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Identify hormone imbalances affecting energy, mood, and sexual function
- Monitor testosterone therapy effectiveness with precise LC-MS/MS testing
- Detect age-related changes before symptoms become severe
- Comprehensive evaluation of several key hormones in one panel
- Direct access without physician referral or scheduling delays
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing fatigue, low energy, or reduced stamina
- Those with decreased libido or erectile dysfunction symptoms
- Individuals with unexplained weight gain or muscle loss
- Men over 40 monitoring age-related hormonal changes
- Anyone considering or currently on hormone replacement therapy
- Those with mood changes, irritability, or sleep disturbances
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Order online and visit any of 2,000+ collection sites nationwide
- Fast 8-12 hours and schedule morning collection (7-10 AM optimal)
- Get results in 3-4 days through secure, HIPAA-compliant portal
FAQ
What hormones are included in this panel? Testosterone (total and free), estradiol, DHEA-S, cortisol, prolactin, thyroid hormones (TSH, T3, T4), LH, FSH, SHBG, and IGF-1.
Do I need a doctor's order? No physician referral required. Order directly online and visit any participating lab location.
When is the best time to test? Schedule between 7-10 AM when testosterone peaks, after fasting 8-12 hours for optimal accuracy.
How accurate are the results? Uses LC-MS/MS technology with results within 1 ng/dL of CDC reference standards—far superior to standard immunoassays.
What if my results are abnormal? Abnormal results warrant consultation with healthcare providers, preferably endocrinologists or urologists specializing in hormones.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel evaluates multiple hormones essential for male health and vitality. The test addresses a critical health gap, as 38.7% of men aged 45 and older have hypogonadism, yet many cases go undiagnosed in traditional healthcare settings (Mayo Clinic 2024). By measuring testosterone, thyroid function, stress hormones, and reproductive markers, it identifies imbalances causing fatigue, low libido, mood changes, or other concerning symptoms.
The panel uses advanced laboratory methods, including liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) for superior accuracy in hormone measurement compared to traditional immunoassays (PMC 2023). Results provide a comprehensive view of hormonal balance affecting energy, mood, sexual function, muscle mass, and overall well-being.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms like decreased energy, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, mood swings, unexplained weight gain, muscle loss, or sleep disturbances would benefit significantly. The test is particularly valuable for those over 40 monitoring age-related hormonal changes, as testosterone levels naturally decline by approximately 1% annually after age 30 (American Urological Association 2018).
Additional candidates include men investigating fertility concerns, as 44.6% of men with decreased sperm counts have testosterone levels below 300 ng/dL (Male Infertility Guide). The panel also aids in detecting conditions like thyroid dysfunction, adrenal disorders, and pituitary abnormalities for comprehensive hormonal assessment.
When should I order a Hormone Clinic Profile for Men?
Ideal timing is early morning (7-10 AM) when testosterone peaks, after fasting for 8-12 hours for optimal accuracy (Mayo Clinic 2024). Avoid strenuous exercise, stress, and alcohol 24 hours before testing as these can affect cortisol and other hormone levels.
Consider testing if experiencing symptoms or annually after age 40 for preventive monitoring. Continue regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider, and avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours as they can interfere with certain hormone assays.
How do I interpret the results?
Results should be evaluated by healthcare providers considering symptoms, age, and reference ranges. The following table provides general guidance for key markers:
Total Testosterone (264–916 ng/dL, ages 19–39)
- Low levels may indicate: Hypogonadism, fatigue, low libido
- Free Testosterone (Age-dependent ranges)
Low levels may indicate: Bioavailable hormone deficiency
- TSH (0.4–4.0 mIU/L)
- High levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism
Low levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism
- Free T4 (0.8–1.8 ng/dL)
- What it indicates: Thyroid hormone production
Estradiol (10–40 pg/mL, men)
- High levels may indicate: May suppress testosterone
Testosterone below 300 ng/dL may indicate hypogonadism requiring further evaluation and potential treatment.
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 8-12 hours before blood collection for optimal accuracy. Schedule testing between 7-10 AM when testosterone levels peak. Avoid strenuous exercise, stress, and alcohol 24 hours before testing as these can affect cortisol and other hormone levels.
Continue regular medications unless specifically instructed otherwise by your healthcare provider. Avoid biotin supplements for 72 hours as they can interfere with certain hormone assays. Arrive well-hydrated to facilitate blood collection.
How often should I get tested?
- Baseline/Preventive (over 40): Annually
- Symptomatic men: Every 6–12 months
- Hormone replacement therapy: Every 3–6 months
- Follow-up for abnormal results: As directed by physician
- Fertility evaluation: As needed during treatment
Why early detection matters
Early identification of hormone imbalances can prevent costly long-term complications. Untreated hypogonadism increases risks for cardiovascular disease, osteoporosis, and metabolic dysfunction requiring expensive ongoing treatment. Meta-analysis shows testosterone replacement therapy significantly improves quality of life scores and increases lean body mass in hypogonadal men (PMC 2016).
Comprehensive hormone testing costs $100-500 but can prevent thousands in future healthcare expenses while improving quality of life, energy levels, and overall well-being through timely intervention.
Related tests you may consider
Cardio Plus Blood Test Panel – checks cholesterol and triglyceride levels, how well your liver and kidneys are working, and your blood cells to see how healthy your heart is and find any other health issues.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) – Essential for men over 40 or those considering testosterone therapy for prostate health monitoring (Cancer.gov)
Complete Blood Count (CBC) – Monitors for potential hormone therapy side effects including elevated red blood cell count (Lab Corp)
