Testosterone Hormone Test



Why Test Testosterone Hormones?

The Male Hormone Profiles can be utilized for early detection of undiagnosed hormone imbalances linked to increased risks for prostate disease, low sex drive, rapid aging and poor quality of life. Bloodspot screening to detect the extent to which specific hormones are out of range can inform treatment to relieve symptoms, restore hormone balance and prevent diseases of aging in men. The Male Hormone Profile is an easy way to check and monitor overall male hormone health. Begining in the fourth decade of life, declining androgens (male hormones) and imbalances of related hormones bring on the symptoms of aging in males referred to as "andropause", the equivalent of menopause in women.The Male Hormone Profiles can be utilized for early detection of undiagnosed hormone imbalances linked to increased risks for prostate disease, low sex drive, rapid aging and poor quality of life.

Male Hormones to be Tested

  • Testosterone
  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
  • Free Testosterone Index
  • PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen)

Clinical Utility of the Male Hormone Profiles:

  • Detection of undiagnosed hormone imbalances related to symptoms of male andropause, rapid aging, low vitality, sexual dysfunction and prostate health.
  • Early detection of hormone imbalance aids treatment to restore balance, healthy aging and prostate disease prevention
  • Identification of hormonal excesses and deficiencies.
  • Interprets hormone levels in concert with symptoms to provide more diagnostic clues.
  • Monitors and gauges prescribed hormonal therapy.
  • Facilitates safe, appropriate prescribing and adjustment of hormone therapy.

Testosterone is important for:

  • Detection of undiagnosed hormone imbalances related to symptoms of male andropause, rapid aging, low vitality, sexual dysfunction and prostate health.
  • energy production (ATP)
  • preventing mental and physical fatigue
  • maintaining sex drive
  • Monitors and gauges prescribed hormonal therapy.
  • building and maintaining healthy skin, bone and muscles

Testosterone Deficiency can cause:

  • loss of bone density (osteoporosis)
  • night sweats mental burnout
  • insulin resistance
  • decreased muscle mass
  • erectile dysfunction
  • low physical stamina
  • low sex drive
  • depression
  • cardiovascular disease
  • immune dysfunction

SHBG is important for:

  • It is used as a relative index of your overall exposure to all forms of estrogens: those produced by your body (endogenous) and those consumed (phytoestrogens, xenoestrogens)
  • It is an indirect index of estrogen interaction with the liver.
  • It is the protein that binds tightly to total testosterone in the circulation and limits the amount of testosterone bioavailable to tissues.
  • High levels indicate excess exposure to estrogens and lower availability of testosterone to tissue

SHBG outside the expected range indicates:

  • An imbalance between testosterone to estrogen.
  • High = overall estrogen burden
    Low = low estrogen, more bio-available testosterone
  • Andropause onset and/or rapid aging in men
  • Increased risk of prostate disease.
  • Building and maintaining healthy skin, bone and muscles

References:

  • Gambineri A.,and Pasquali R. Testosterone therapy in men: Clinical and pharmacological perspectives. J Endocrinol. Invest. 23: 196-214, 2000.
  • Bjorntorp P. The regulation of adipose tissue distribution in humans. International Journal of Obesity 20:291-302, 1996.
  • Marin P./Effects of androgens in men with the metabolic syndrome. The Aging Male 1 (1998) 129-136.