Description
The Functional Health Panel (Male) is an advanced, full-spectrum lab testing package used in functional and integrative medicine to evaluate the physiological performance of multiple organ systems — not merely to detect disease, but to understand the underlying imbalances that lead to poor health.
This panel is designed for men of all ages, particularly those who are:
- Proactive about preventive health and longevity
- Managing chronic symptoms without a clear diagnosis
- Focused on athletic performance, biohacking, or optimal aging
- Seeking personalized interventions based on deep biomarker insight
Biomarker Categories & Clinical Relevance
Hormonal & Endocrine Function
These biomarkers evaluate the body’s hormone production, regulation, and balance — essential for energy, libido, mood, metabolism, and muscle mass.
- Testosterone (Total & Free) – Assesses androgen status; low levels may result in fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, or depression.
- Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) – Affects testosterone availability; high SHBG can reduce free testosterone.
- Free PSA & % Free PSA – Screens for prostate health and distinguishes between benign and malignant causes of elevated PSA.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) & Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) – Evaluate pituitary function and regulation of testosterone and sperm production.
- Estradiol (E2) – Essential in men for bone health, libido, and fat regulation; imbalance can cause gynecomastia or mood changes.
- Prolactin – Elevated levels may inhibit testosterone and signal pituitary dysfunction.
- Cortisol (AM) – A key stress hormone; high or low levels indicate adrenal dysregulation or HPA axis fatigue.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) – A precursor to sex hormones; low levels may correlate with aging, stress, and poor resilience.
Thyroid Health
Thyroid function influences metabolism, energy, mood, and weight regulation.
- TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – Primary screening tool for thyroid function.
- Free T3 (fT3) & Free T4 (fT4) – Measure active thyroid hormones. Low levels can result in fatigue, cold intolerance, or depression.
- Anti-TPO & Anti-Tg – Detect autoimmune thyroid disease (e.g., Hashimoto’s or Graves’).
Advanced Cardiovascular & Lipid Profile
Goes beyond basic cholesterol testing to assess atherogenic risk, inflammation, and particle size.
- Apo B – Measures atherogenic particles; superior to LDL-C in predicting cardiovascular risk.
- Lipoprotein(a) [Lp(a)] – A genetic risk factor for heart disease not affected by diet or exercise.
- LDL-P, LDL Size – Particle number and size indicate plaque-forming potential.
- HDL-P, HDL Size – Assess the number and quality of protective HDL particles.
- Large HDL-P, Large VLDL-P, Small LDL-P – Detail lipoprotein subclass profile.
- LP-IR Score – An insulin resistance score based on lipid particle data.
- Homocysteine – Elevated levels may contribute to arterial damage and stroke risk.
- High-Sensitivity CRP (hs-CRP) – A sensitive marker of systemic inflammation and cardiovascular risk.
- Ferritin – Reflects iron storage and is also an acute-phase reactant in inflammation.
Essential Fatty Acid & Omega Profile
Evaluates the balance of pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory fatty acids for cellular health and inflammation control.
- EPA, DHA, DPA – Omega-3 fatty acids with anti-inflammatory and cardiovascular benefits.
- AA (Arachidonic Acid), LA (Linoleic Acid) – Omega-6 fatty acids; excessive levels may contribute to chronic inflammation.
- Total Omega-3 & Omega-6 – Overall balance affects cardiovascular, cognitive, and immune health.
- AA/EPA Ratio – A key indicator of inflammatory status.
- Omega-6/Omega-3 Ratio – Optimal balance supports cellular function and reduces chronic disease risk.
- EPA+DPA+DHA – Combined Omega-3 index used in cardiometabolic assessment.
Nutrient & Mineral Status
Identifies common nutritional imbalances that affect metabolism, energy, immune function, and detoxification.
- Vitamin D (25-OH) – Essential for immune health, bone strength, and hormone production.
- Zinc – Supports immune function, testosterone production, and wound healing.
- Magnesium – Vital for muscle contraction, nerve conduction, and energy metabolism.
- MMA (Methylmalonic Acid) – Functional marker for Vitamin B12 deficiency.
- Iron, TIBC, UIBC, Transferrin Saturation – Complete iron panel to assess for deficiency or overload.
- Uric Acid – Marker for gout risk and metabolic health.
Liver, Kidney & Digestive Function
Assesses detoxification capacity and organ health under physical, environmental, or metabolic stress.
- GGT, ALT, AST, ALP, Bilirubin – Liver enzymes to detect liver stress, NAFLD, or damage.
- Amylase, Lipase – Pancreatic enzymes relevant to digestion and pancreatic function.
- Microalbumin, Creatinine, Microalbumin/Creatinine Ratio – Detect early kidney damage or vascular issues.
🔹 Autoimmune & Immune Markers
Screens for hidden autoimmune activity or immune dysregulation.
- ANA (Antinuclear Antibody) – Common screening test for autoimmune disorders.
- Rheumatoid Factor (RF IgM) – Used in the assessment of joint and systemic inflammation.
Toxic Metals & Environmental Exposure
Monitors heavy metal burden which may interfere with endocrine and neurological function.
- Lead – Associated with cognitive dysfunction, hypertension, and kidney damage.
- Mercury – Can impair detox pathways and affect neurological function.
🔹 Additional Biomarkers
- Leptin – A hormone involved in appetite regulation and metabolic signaling.
- ABO Group & Rh Type – Blood typing for transfusion, pregnancy planning, or immunologic considerations.
- CBC (Complete Blood Count) – Baseline measure of blood health, oxygenation, and immune status.
Fasting Guidelines
- Fasting recommended for 8–12 hours
- Only water allowed; avoid supplements, alcohol, and vigorous exercise beforehand
✅ Ideal For:
- Men with chronic, unexplained symptoms
- Patients interested in longevity, performance, or bio-optimization
- Individuals with family history of cardiovascular, autoimmune, or metabolic disease
- Athletes, executives, and high performers seeking personalized health insights
- Those pursuing root-cause analysis in a functional medicine setting
Clinical Applications
- Guide customized nutrition, supplementation, and lifestyle protocols
- Identify hormonal dysfunctions (low T, thyroid imbalances)
- Assess inflammatory and cardiometabolic risk before disease onset
- Monitor detox and nutrient sufficiency for prevention and recovery
- Support care for men with fatigue, brain fog, mood changes, or low libido