Description
With testosterone replacement it is helpful to monitor testosterone levels as well as monitor for possible complications from treatment. Frequently testosterone replacement can cause an elevation of the hemoglobin/hematocrit called polycythemia and cause adverse effects on the cholesterol/triglyceride. Monitoring these values can prevent complications from testosterone replacement and be sure the proper level is achieved.
This panel includes the following test:
Complete Blood Count (CBC)
Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP)
Estradiol
Lipid Panel
Testosterone BIO With Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) Blood Test
Fasting not required.
Additional information about each test is listed below:
A complete blood count (CBC) is a blood test that monitors cell counts, including red blood cells, during testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). Testosterone therapy can cause irregular cell counts, especially red blood cells.
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a blood test that measures a variety of blood components, including electrolytes, blood sugar, and liver and kidney function. It can be used to monitor liver health during testosterone replacement therapy (TRT).
Estradiol is a form of estrogen that can be affected by testosterone replacement therapy. Estradiol levels can increase with testosterone replacement therapy, which can lead to side effects like breast enlargement. However, estradiol levels can also be reduced with aromatase inhibitors (AIs) or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs).
Testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) can improve lipid profiles in men with hypogonadism, and may have beneficial effects on lipid metabolism. TRT can decrease total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol, but may not significantly decrease HDL-cholesterol.
A testosterone and sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) blood test can help determine how much testosterone is available in your body to use. This information can be useful for bodybuilders and others who want to understand their testosterone levels
