The foundations for masculinity and fertility
It’s not always obvious what could be causing symptoms such as a lack of energy, mood swings or low sex drive. We often put these issues down to diet, lack of sleep or stress but there could be other underlying issues. This comprehensive panel of hormone tests can be used to identify a hormonal imbalance, provide insight into the onset of andropause (male menopause), or investigate conditions that can lead to male infertility.
Testosterone production declines at the rate of approx. 1% each year after the age of 30, but in some men this decline is more rapid. It is quite common for men entering their 40s to experience a loss of sex drive, impotence and depression due to a natural reduction in testosterone production. For men of any age difficulty controlling body weight and the inability to build muscle may indicate a hormone imbalance.
This hormone test can be combined with a Semen Check to provide a comprehensive picture of male fertility.
What we test
Male Hormone Panel
This hormone blood test measures levels of the key hormones and androgens that play an important role in governing masculinity and fertility. Please contact us if you need a sensitive oestradiol assay performed.
Testosterone is an anabolic hormone responsible for bone and muscle strength, as well as mood, energy and sexual function.
Most testosterone is strongly bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This test measures the proportion of unbound testosterone which is available to the body's tissues.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds tightly to testosterone and oestradiol. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of hormone that is available to be used by the body's tissues.
The principle active form of oestrogen in the body which has roles in gynecomastia, water/fat retention and hormone balance.
Levels of follicle stimulating hormone in men rise with age, but can also indicate testicular damage and reduced sperm production. Low levels of FSH are detected when men are not producing sperm.
Luteinising hormone is responsible for stimulating testosterone production and sperm generation. Raised LH can signal that the testes are not producing enough testosterone and is relevant when evaluating hypogonadism.
Progesterone has two major effects in men - it promotes testosterone production, and also modulates the effects of excessive oestrogen.
A hormone which is produced in the pituitary gland and plays a role in reproductive health. Raised levels in men can cause reduced sex drive, lack of energy, erectile dysfunction and fertility problems.
Adrenocortex Function (serum)
Two of the most important hormones that impact athletic performance are cortisol and DHEA-S, the long-lasting stress hormones produced by the adrenal glands. Cortisol has a catabolic effect which mobilises the body’s nutritional resources for fuel. DHEA-S has an opposing anabolic effect and converts food into living tissue. In order to achieve your fitness goals cortisol and DHEA-S must be in proper balance.
The cortisol test measures 'the stress hormone' cortisol which mobilises the body’s nutritional resources in stressful situations. Prolonged elevation of cortisol can cause fatigue, immune dysfunction, and impact sex hormones.
A long-acting adrenal hormone which regulates energy production, the immune system, brain chemistry, bone formation, muscle tone and libido. DHEA-S is converted by the body into testosterone and other sex hormones.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)
IGF-1 mirrors GH excesses and deficiencies but its level is stable throughout the day, making an IGF-1 test a useful indicator of average GH levels.
Also known as Somatomedin C. IGF-1 is an indirect measure of the average amount of GH being produced by the body.
Test instructions
Visit the collection centre within one hour of waking for the most accurate hormone test measurements.
Download and print your pathology form from your i-screen dashboard.
Take your form to one of our affiliated collection centres to have your sample taken.
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