Description
A male hormone panel measures hormone levels to help identify medical conditions and hormonal imbalances that affect men's health.
Biomarkers:
Cortisol
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
Estradiol
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH)
Free T3
Free T4
Growth Hormone
Hemoglobin A1C
Insulin
Insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1)
Prolactin
Progesterone
Testosterone Free/Total with Sex binding globulin (SHBG)
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
Fasting not required.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
Cortisol is a hormone that helps men manage stress and other bodily functions. It's also known as the "stress hormone".
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone that men produce in their adrenal glands, brain, and testes. It's a precursor to other sex hormones, like testosterone and estrogen.
Estradiol is a form of estrogen that plays a vital role in male sexual function. It's essential for regulating libido, erectile function, and sperm production.
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and luteinizing hormone (LH) are hormones that regulate the male reproductive system. FSH stimulates sperm production, while LH stimulates testosterone production.
"Free T3" refers to the active form of the thyroid hormone triiodothyronine (T3), and its primary purpose in males (and females) is to regulate the body's metabolism, impacting functions like heart rate, energy usage, muscle control, brain function, and body temperature by controlling how quickly cells use energy; a "free T3" test measures the amount of readily available T3 in the bloodstream, which helps diagnose thyroid disorders like hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism.
"Free T4" refers to the active form of the thyroid hormone thyroxine (T4), which plays a crucial role in regulating the body's metabolism by influencing how efficiently cells use energy; essentially, it controls how quickly your body burns calories, impacting functions like heart rate, body temperature, muscle function, and brain development, making it vital for overall health in males and females alike.
The roles of growth hormone include influencing our height, and helping build our bones and muscles. Natural levels of growth hormone fluctuate during the day, seemingly influenced by physical activity. For example, levels rise when we exercise. Growth hormone levels increase during childhood and peak during puberty.
A male hormone, specifically testosterone, can potentially influence hemoglobin A1c (HbA1c) levels, with studies suggesting that low testosterone levels may be associated with higher HbA1c levels, indicating a potential link between low testosterone and increased risk of diabetes due to impaired insulin sensitivity; therefore, maintaining healthy testosterone levels in men could contribute to better blood sugar control and lower HbA1c values.
Insulin and testosterone are hormones that interact with each other in the body. Insulin can regulate testosterone production, while testosterone can affect insulin sensitivity.
Insulin-like growth factor (IGF) I has been shown to be synthesized by androgen-responsive tissues and to stimulate locally regulated growth. In addition to their growth-promoting actions, both androgens and IGF-I have metabolic actions in gonadal cells.
Progesterone is important for men because it's a precursor to testosterone and plays a role in regulating other hormone levels. It also contributes to bone health, mood, and sexual function.
Prolactin is a hormone that helps regulate testosterone production and sperm health in men. While prolactin levels are generally lower in men than in women, they are still important for male health.
Checking total and free testosterone levels, along with Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG), is important in men to assess their hormone status and identify potential issues related to testosterone deficiency or excess. Total testosterone measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood, while free testosterone represents the unbound, biologically active fraction of testosterone. SHBG is a protein that binds to testosterone, reducing its bioavailability. By evaluating all three, doctors can better understand how testosterone is working in the body and identify potential problems like low testosterone or conditions affecting its binding.
Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) is a hormone that signals the thyroid gland to produce and release thyroid hormones. These hormones are essential for maintaining the body's metabolic rate, heart and digestive functions, muscle control, brain development, and bone activity.
