Quick Facts
- Sample: Blood spot from finger prick
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around: 5-7 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive hormone assessment - Measures 10 key biomarkers including testosterone, thyroid, and adrenal hormones
- Convenient at-home collection - No needles, phlebotomist, or clinic visits required
- Optimized for hormone therapy users - Adjusted reference ranges for men on supplementation
- Early detection capability - Identifies imbalances before symptoms worsen
- Personalized treatment guidance - Results help create targeted intervention plans
- Prostate health monitoring - Includes PSA screening for comprehensive men's health
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing low energy, mood changes, or muscle weakness
- Those considering or currently using hormone replacement therapy
- Men with thyroid symptoms like fatigue or temperature sensitivity
- Anyone wanting prostate health screening with PSA testing
- Men seeking comprehensive hormonal health assessment without clinic visits
- Those monitoring chronic conditions affecting hormone balance
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Collect - Prick your finger and place blood drops on the provided filter card
- Ship - Mail your sample using the prepaid envelope included in your kit
- Results - Receive comprehensive results with reference ranges in 5-7 business days
FAQ
Is this test accurate compared to traditional blood draws? Yes, blood spot testing shows excellent correlation with serum testing for hormones, offering reliable results with greater convenience (ZRT Lab 2023).
Can I use this test if I'm on hormone therapy? Absolutely. ZRT adjusts reference ranges for hormone supplementation, making it ideal for monitoring therapy effectiveness.
Do I need to fast before collecting my sample? No fasting is required. However, avoid anti-aging face creams for 3 days before testing.
What hormones does this test measure? It measures testosterone, estradiol, DHEA-S, cortisol, SHBG, PSA, TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies.
When should I collect my sample? Collect your blood spot within an hour of waking for most accurate results.
How do I interpret abnormal results? Abnormal results should be reviewed with a healthcare provider for personalized interpretation and treatment planning.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
The Male Blood Spot Profile II evaluates key hormones affecting men's energy, mood, muscle strength, and overall well-being. This comprehensive panel measures sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol), adrenal hormones (cortisol, DHEA-S), thyroid function (TSH, free T3, free T4), and prostate health (PSA). The test uses dried blood spot technology to provide accurate hormone assessment from a convenient finger prick sample, enabling healthcare providers to identify imbalances and create personalized treatment plans (Endocrine Society 2021).
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance benefit most from this comprehensive assessment. This includes those with low energy, mood changes, muscle weakness, or unexplained weight changes. The test is particularly valuable for men considering hormone replacement therapy or those already on treatment who need monitoring. Additionally, men with family history of thyroid disorders or prostate issues can use this test for preventive screening and early detection (Mayo Clinic 2024).
When should I order the Male Blood Spot Profile II?
Order this test when experiencing symptoms suggesting hormone imbalance, such as persistent fatigue, mood changes, or decreased muscle mass. It's ideal for baseline assessment before starting hormone therapy or for ongoing monitoring during treatment. Men over 45 should consider this test annually, as testosterone deficiency affects approximately 38% of men in this age group (Endocrine Society 2021). The test is also recommended when thyroid symptoms occur or for routine prostate health screening.
How do I interpret the results?
Results show your hormone and biomarker levels compared to age-adjusted reference ranges. ZRT provides specialized ranges for men using hormone supplementation, ensuring accurate interpretation during therapy.
Testosterone
- Normal Range: Age-adjusted reference
- Typical Action: Lifestyle changes or hormone therapy
TSH
- Normal Range: 0.5–4.0 mIU/L
- Typical Action: Thyroid medication if abnormal
PSA
- Normal Range: Age-specific ranges
- Typical Action: Urological evaluation if elevated
Cortisol
- Normal Range: Morning reference range
- Typical Action: Stress management or adrenal support
Early detection of hormone imbalances can reduce morbidity and improve quality of life, with hormone replacement therapy improving symptoms in 60-80% of cases.
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
No fasting is required for this test. However, avoid anti-aging or anti-wrinkle face creams for 3 days before testing, as these may contain hormones that could affect results. If you're using hormone therapies (topical, oral, patches, or pellets), time your test appropriately - typically midway between doses. Avoid 7-Keto DHEA supplements before testing, and collect your sample within an hour of waking for optimal accuracy.
How often should I get tested?
- Hormone therapy monitoring: Every 3–6 months
- Annual wellness screening: Yearly for men over 45
- Thyroid disorder monitoring: Every 6–12 months
- Symptom investigation: As recommended by provider
Why early detection matters
Early identification of hormone imbalances prevents progression to more serious health issues. Testosterone deficiency, affecting 38% of men over 45, can lead to decreased bone density, muscle mass loss, and cardiovascular risks if untreated. Thyroid disorders impact about 12% of the U.S. population and can cause significant metabolic disruption (American Thyroid Association 2023). Prostate cancer screening with PSA testing can reduce mortality by 20% when combined with clinical evaluation (CDC 2022).
Related tests you may consider
Cardio Metabolic Profile, Blood Spot - ZRT Test Kit checks important markers like cholesterol and blood sugar to help you and your doctor understand your heart health and risk for diabetes.
Female/Male Saliva Profile II - ZRT Test Kitmeasures key hormones, including an extra evening cortisol test, to help doctors find and fix hormone imbalances that can cause problems like tiredness, weight changes, and mood swings.
Toxic & Essential Elements Blood Spot Profile - ZRT Test Kit detects toxic heavy metals and measures specific essential elements to evaluate potential toxic exposure and nutritional status in the bloodstream.
