Hormone Panel (Male)

Our panel measures free, bioavailable, and total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), albumin, estradiol, DHEA, hCG, and prolactin levels in the blood. During puberty, male hormones play a crucial role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice, and development of the penis and testes. In addition to these changes, male hormones also have other important functions in the body such as promoting muscle strength and mass, regulating red blood cell production, maintaining healthy bone density, and supporting a healthy sex drive.

Signs and symptoms of a hormone imbalance:

Low testosterone in men can include:

• Decrease in sex drive
• Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
• Decrease in muscle mass
• Bone weakness
• Breast tissue development
• Hair loss
• Difficulty sleeping
• Difficulty with memory and concentration
• Decrease in testicle size
• Decrease in semen production that can lead to fertility problems

High testosterone in men can include:

• Elevated blood pressure
• Heart or liver problems
• Headaches
• Aggressive behavior
• Excessive body hair growth
• Acne
• Prostate enlargement
• Decrease in sperm production
• Insomnia

Preparation:

Because testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to have your sample collected early in the day. Overnight fasting is required for this panel (10-12 hours without food).