Quick Facts
- Sample: Saliva and dried blood spot
- Fasting: None required
- Turn-around: 7-8 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday, or lab delays.
Benefits
- Comprehensive hormone assessment - Evaluates sex, adrenal, and thyroid hormones plus prostate health
- Convenient at-home collection - No clinic visits or fasting required
- Advanced LC-MS technology - Provides highly accurate bioavailable hormone measurements
- Monitor therapy progress - Track hormone replacement therapy without stopping supplements
- Early detection support - Identify imbalances before symptoms worsen
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing fatigue, low libido, or muscle weakness
- Those considering or monitoring hormone replacement therapy
- Men with mood changes or sleep disturbances
- Individuals seeking preventive health screening
- Those with family history of prostate or thyroid conditions
- Men over 45 wanting baseline hormone assessment
How It Works – Just 3 Steps
- Collect samples at home - Provide saliva upon waking and finger-prick blood spot
- Mail samples securely - Use provided kit with prepaid shipping label
- Get results - Receive comprehensive report within 7-8 business days.
FAQ
What hormones does this test measure? Testosterone, estradiol, DHEA-S, cortisol (4 times daily), PSA, TSH, free T3, free T4, and TPO antibodies.
Can I take this test while on hormone supplements? Yes, ZRT adjusts reference ranges for supplementation, allowing accurate monitoring without stopping therapy.
How accurate is saliva testing compared to blood? Saliva testing with LC-MS technology reliably measures bioavailable hormones, often more clinically relevant than total blood levels.
When should I collect my samples? Collect saliva upon waking before eating or drinking. Blood spot can be collected anytime during the day.
Do I need a doctor's order? No, this is a direct-access test.
How long are results valid? Results reflect current hormone status and are typically valid for 3-6 months depending on individual circumstances.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive hormone panel assesses male hormonal health through saliva and dried blood spot samples. It measures key sex hormones (testosterone, estradiol), adrenal hormones (DHEA-S, cortisol), thyroid hormones (TSH, free T3, free T4, TPO antibodies), and prostate-specific antigen (PSA). The test provides a complete picture of hormonal balance, energy regulation, metabolic function, and prostate health using convenient, non-invasive sample collection methods.
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance benefit most from this comprehensive assessment. This includes those with fatigue, decreased libido, muscle weakness, mood swings, or sleep disturbances. It's particularly valuable for men starting or monitoring hormone replacement therapy, those over 45 seeking preventive screening, and individuals with family history of prostate or thyroid conditions. The test supports proactive health management and personalized treatment planning.
When should I order Male Comprehensive Profile I?
Order this test when seeking baseline hormone assessment before starting hormone replacement therapy, monitoring therapy effectiveness, or investigating symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. It's recommended for men experiencing unexplained fatigue, mood changes, or decreased physical performance. Consider testing if you have concerns about prostate health or thyroid function, or as part of preventive health screening after age 45.
How do I interpret the results?
Results compare your hormone levels to established reference ranges, with abnormal values indicating potential imbalances.
Testosterone
- Low levels may indicate: Hypogonadism, fatigue, low libido
- High levels may indicate: Rarely problematic in men
Estradiol
- Low levels may indicate: Rare in men
- High levels may indicate: Estrogen dominance, weight gain
Cortisol
- Low levels may indicate: Adrenal insufficiency, chronic fatigue
- High levels may indicate: Chronic stress, Cushing's syndrome
TSH
- Low levels may indicate: Hyperthyroidism
- High levels may indicate: Hypothyroidism
PSA
- Low levels may indicate: Normal prostate function
- High levels may indicate: Prostate inflammation or cancer risk
Saliva testing measures bioavailable hormones, providing more clinically relevant results than total blood hormone levels.
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
Avoid eating, drinking anything except water, or brushing teeth for at least 2 hours before saliva collection. Collect the saliva sample immediately upon waking for most accurate cortisol measurements. No fasting is required for the blood spot sample. If you cannot mail samples within 24 hours, freeze the saliva sample according to kit instructions.
How often should I get tested?
Testing frequency depends on your health status and treatment goals. Regular monitoring ensures optimal hormone balance and early detection of changes.
- Baseline screening: Every 1–2 years
- Hormone replacement therapy: Every 3–6 months
- Monitoring treatment changes: 6–12 weeks after adjustment
- Symptom investigation: As recommended by healthcare provider
- Preventive screening (age >45): Annually
Why early detection matters
Early identification of hormone imbalances allows for timely intervention before symptoms significantly impact quality of life. According to the Endocrine Society (2020), approximately 30% of men over 45 experience low testosterone symptoms affecting energy and muscle mass. Early PSA screening can reduce prostate cancer mortality by up to 20% in men aged 55-69 (American Urological Association, 2023). Thyroid disorders affect about 12% of the population during their lifetime (CDC, 2022), making regular screening essential for maintaining optimal health.
Related tests you may consider
Male Comprehensive Profile II Saliva and Blood - ZRT Test Kit - Tests cortisol 4 times throughout the day in saliva, and the sex and thyroid hormones are all tested in dried blood spot. Comprehensive testing allows for the treatment to restore balance and achieve overall wellness.
Essential Thyroid Blood Spot Profile - ZRT Test Kit - Checks important thyroid hormones from a small blood sample to help doctors find and treat thyroid problems that can affect your energy and health.
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.
