The Advanced Male Hormone Blood Test is a comprehensive assessment that measures various hormones critical for male health, particularly those affecting reproductive health, metabolic function, and overall well-being. This test can provide a detailed picture of hormonal balance and help diagnose and manage conditions related to hormone imbalances.
Purpose of the Advanced Male Hormone Blood Test
- Diagnose Hormonal Imbalances
- Symptoms: Low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, mood changes, infertility, muscle loss, and weight gain.
- Use: Identifies hormonal deficiencies or excesses that could be causing these symptoms.
- Monitor Hormone Therapy
- Purpose: To track the effectiveness of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and adjust dosages as needed.
- Use: Ensures hormone levels are within the desired therapeutic range.
- Evaluate Puberty and Development in Boys
- Symptoms: Delayed or precocious puberty.
- Use: Assesses if hormone levels are appropriate for age and development.
- Assess Reproductive Health and Fertility
- Symptoms: Infertility or subfertility.
- Use: Part of an infertility workup to evaluate potential hormonal causes.
- Investigate Causes of Osteoporosis and Bone Health Issues
- Symptoms: Decreased bone density, increased fracture risk.
- Use: Identifies hormonal imbalances that could be contributing to bone health problems.
Key Hormones Measured in the Advanced Male Hormone Blood Test
- Total Testosterone
- Role: Primary male sex hormone responsible for reproductive and sexual health, muscle mass, and bone density.
- Normal Range: Typically 300-1000 ng/dL, but can vary by lab and age group.
- Free Testosterone
- Role: The unbound testosterone available to tissues.
- Normal Range: Approximately 1-3% of total testosterone; specific ranges vary by lab.
- Bioavailable Testosterone
- Role: The fraction of testosterone not bound to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and available to tissues.
- Normal Range: Varies based on total testosterone and SHBG levels.
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
- Role: A protein that binds to sex hormones, including testosterone and oestrogen, affecting their bioavailability.
- Normal Range: 10-57 nmol/L.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
- Role: Stimulates testosterone production in the testes.
- Normal Range: 1.8-8.6 IU/L.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
- Role: Important for spermatogenesis and overall reproductive health.
- Normal Range: 1.5-12.4 IU/L.
- Estradiol
- Role: A form of oestrogen; small amounts are necessary for bone health and regulating libido.
- Normal Range: 10-40 pg/mL (in men).
- Prolactin
- Role: Influences reproductive health and can affect testosterone production.
- Normal Range: 2-18 ng/mL.
- DHEA-S (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate)
- Role: A precursor to sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen.
- Normal Range: 80-560 µg/dL (varies by age).
- Cortisol
- Role: The stress hormone; affects energy levels, metabolism, and overall hormonal balance.
- Normal Range: 6-23 µg/dL in the morning (levels vary throughout the day).
Preparation and Procedure
- Preparation: Fasting may be required; follow specific instructions from the healthcare provider. Morning samples are preferred due to natural daily fluctuations in hormone levels.
- Procedure: A blood sample is drawn from a vein, typically in the arm.
Factors Affecting Hormone Levels
- Age: Hormone levels naturally fluctuate with age.
- Time of Day: Hormone levels, particularly cortisol and testosterone, vary throughout the day.
- Health Conditions: Chronic diseases, obesity, and certain medications can affect hormone levels.
- Lifestyle Factors: Stress, physical activity, diet, and sleep patterns can influence hormone levels.
Follow-Up
- Consultation: Discuss results with a healthcare provider to understand implications and next steps.
- Additional Testing: Further tests may be recommended based on initial results to confirm diagnoses or monitor conditions.
- Treatment: Based on results, treatment options may include lifestyle changes, medication, hormone therapy, or addressing underlying health conditions.
Conclusion
The Advanced Male Hormone Blood Test is a vital tool for assessing hormonal health in men, diagnosing conditions related to hormone imbalances, and guiding appropriate treatments. Regular monitoring and consultation with a healthcare provider ensure optimal management of hormone-related health issues and overall well-being.
Results – 4hrs from Laboratory receiving sample