Quick Facts
- Sample: Saliva (4 collections) + Dried blood spot (finger prick)
- Fasting: No fasting required
- Turn-around Time: 7-8 business days once the lab receives the specimen. May take longer based on weather, holiday or lab delays.
Benefits
- Complete hormonal picture - assess adrenal, sex, and thyroid hormones plus prostate health in one comprehensive panel
- Convenient at-home collection - no doctor visits or lab appointments needed for sample collection
- Accurate cortisol rhythm tracking - four daily saliva samples reveal your natural stress hormone patterns
- Therapy-friendly testing - no need to stop hormone supplements thanks to adjusted reference ranges
- Fast, confidential results - receive detailed findings in 7-8 business days with optional physician review
- Proactive health monitoring - identify imbalances before they become significant health issues
Who Is This Test For?
- Men experiencing fatigue, low energy, or unexplained tiredness
- Those with decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, or fertility concerns
- Individuals managing stress, anxiety, or mood changes
- Men considering or currently using hormone replacement therapy
- Those with sleep disturbances or cognitive issues
- Anyone wanting comprehensive male hormone health screening
- Men over 45 seeking proactive health monitoring
How It Works - Just 3 Steps
- Collect samples at home - gather four saliva samples throughout one day and one finger-prick blood spot sample following the included instructions
- Ship to the lab - use the prepaid shipping materials to send your samples to ZRT Laboratory for analysis
- Review your results - access your comprehensive hormone report online within 7-8 business days.
FAQ
What hormones does this test measure? Cortisol (4x daily), progesterone, testosterone, estradiol, DHEA-S, SHBG, PSA, TSH, free T3, free T4, and thyroid antibodies (TPO).
Do I need to fast before collecting samples? No fasting is required. Simply avoid eating, drinking (except water), or brushing teeth for 2 hours before saliva collection.
Can I take this test if I'm on hormone therapy? Yes, ZRT adjusts reference ranges for hormone supplementation, so you don't need to stop your therapy before testing.
How accurate are saliva and blood spot tests? ZRT uses LC-MS and extraction methods providing clinical-grade accuracy comparable to traditional blood draws.
When is the best time to collect samples? Follow the kit's timing instructions for cortisol collection throughout the day. Blood spot collection can be done anytime.
Will my results be confidential? Yes, all results are completely confidential and accessible only through your secure online portal.
More Details
What is the purpose of this test?
This comprehensive panel evaluates male hormonal balance by measuring key markers across three critical systems: adrenal function (cortisol rhythm), reproductive health (testosterone, estradiol, SHBG), and thyroid function (TSH, T3, T4, antibodies). The test also includes prostate-specific antigen (PSA) screening and DHEA-S assessment. By testing multiple hormone pathways simultaneously, it provides a complete picture of your endocrine health, helping identify imbalances that could affect energy, mood, sexual function, metabolism, and overall well-being (Endocrine Society 2021).
Who would benefit from this test?
Men experiencing symptoms of hormonal imbalance benefit most from this comprehensive assessment. This includes those with unexplained fatigue, low libido, mood swings, weight changes, sleep disturbances, or cognitive issues. The test is particularly valuable for men over 45, as testosterone deficiency affects approximately 38% of men in this age group (Endocrine Society 2021). It's also ideal for monitoring hormone replacement therapy effectiveness, assessing adrenal and thyroid function, and providing preventive health insights for proactive individuals seeking to optimize their hormonal health.
When should I order the Male Comprehensive Profile II?
Order this test when you're experiencing symptoms that suggest hormonal imbalance, such as persistent fatigue, decreased motivation, changes in body composition, or sexual dysfunction. It's also appropriate for monitoring existing hormone therapy, investigating unexplained mood changes, or conducting routine health screening. Since cortisol dysregulation is linked to chronic stress and metabolic disorders, this test is valuable during periods of high stress or lifestyle changes (Johns Hopkins Medicine 2022). Consider testing if you're planning to start hormone therapy or want baseline measurements for future comparison.
How do I interpret the results?
Your results compare your hormone levels to age-appropriate reference ranges, with adjustments made for any hormone supplementation you're taking. Values outside the normal range may indicate imbalances requiring clinical evaluation.
Hormone Category: Cortisol Rhythm
- Normal Range Indication: Healthy diurnal pattern with morning peak
- Typical Action: Maintain current lifestyle and stress management
Hormone Category: Low Testosterone
- Normal Range Indication: Below age-adjusted reference range
- Typical Action: Consult physician about hormone replacement options
Hormone Category: Thyroid Dysfunction
- Normal Range Indication: TSH, T3, or T4 outside normal ranges
- Typical Action: Thyroid medication adjustment or initiation
Hormone Category: Elevated PSA
- Normal Range Indication: Above 4.0 ng/mL or rapid increase
- Typical Action: Urological evaluation for prostate health
Hormone Category: Adrenal Fatigue Pattern
- Normal Range Indication: Flattened cortisol curve throughout the day
- Typical Action: Stress reduction and adrenal support protocols
Early detection of hormone imbalances can reduce healthcare costs by preventing complications and optimizing therapy (Mayo Clinic 2023).
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. Avoid anti-aging facial creams for 3 days before saliva collection, as they may contain hormones that could affect results. Don't eat, drink anything except water, or brush your teeth for 2 hours before collecting saliva samples. If you're taking hormone supplements, continue your normal routine – ZRT's adjusted reference ranges account for supplementation. Collect samples on a typical day that represents your normal routine and stress levels for the most accurate cortisol rhythm assessment.
How often should I get tested?
Circumstance: Initial Hormone Assessment
- Suggested Interval: Baseline, then every 3–6 months
Circumstance: Monitoring Hormone Therapy
- Suggested Interval: Every 3–4 months initially, then every 6 months
Circumstance: Thyroid Medication Management
- Suggested Interval: Every 6–8 weeks until stable, then annually
Circumstance: General Health Maintenance
- Suggested Interval: Annually or when symptoms develop
Circumstance: Addressing Specific Symptoms
- Suggested Interval: Every 3–6 months until resolved
Circumstance: PSA Monitoring (Men Over 50)
- Suggested Interval: Annually or as recommended by physician
Why early detection matters
Hormonal imbalances often develop gradually, with symptoms that can be mistaken for normal aging or stress. Early detection allows for timely intervention before complications develop. Testosterone deficiency, when left untreated, can lead to decreased bone density, muscle mass loss, and cardiovascular issues. Thyroid disorders affect about 12% of the U.S. population and often go undiagnosed, yet early treatment prevents metabolic complications (CDC 2024). Prostate cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death in men, making PSA screening crucial for early detection and improved outcomes (American Urological Association 2023). Identifying cortisol imbalances early helps prevent chronic stress-related health problems and metabolic disorders.
Related tests you may consider
Male Blood Spot Profile I - ZRT Test Kit - Checks important hormones like testosterone and estradiol to help you and your doctor understand and balance your 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.
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.
