Lab Testing for Men's Health

Measures all testosterone in your blood—both free and bound to proteins. The primary indicator for diagnosing low testosterone (hypogonadism). Should be drawn in the morning (7-10 AM) when levels are highest.

The 2-3% of testosterone that's not bound to proteins and is immediately available for your body to use. Often more clinically relevant than total testosterone, especially if SHBG is abnormal.

A protein that binds to testosterone, making it inactive. High SHBG means less free testosterone available. Low SHBG can inflate total testosterone readings. Critical for interpreting your testosterone results accurately.

The primary estrogen in men, converted from testosterone via aromatase enzyme. Too high causes water retention, gynecomastia, and mood issues. Too low causes joint pain and low libido. Critical to monitor on TRT.

LH (Luteinizing Hormone) stimulates testosterone production in the testes. FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone) supports sperm production. Low LH with low T indicates secondary hypogonadism. These will be suppressed while on TRT.

A precursor hormone produced by the adrenal glands that converts to testosterone and estrogen. Declines with age. Low levels associated with fatigue, low libido, and reduced stress tolerance.

Percentage of blood volume made up of red blood cells. TRT stimulates red blood cell production, which can thicken blood and increase cardiovascular risk. Critical to monitor—may require blood donation or dose adjustment if too high.

The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen. Elevated hemoglobin often accompanies elevated hematocrit on TRT. Low hemoglobin indicates anemia. Monitored alongside hematocrit for blood viscosity assessment.

Comprehensive analysis of all blood cell types: red cells, white cells, and platelets. Evaluates overall blood health, immune function, and clotting ability. Essential baseline and monitoring test.

Ferritin is your iron storage protein. Low ferritin causes fatigue even with normal hemoglobin. High ferritin can indicate inflammation or iron overload. Important for energy and red blood cell production.

Measures total cholesterol, LDL ("bad"), HDL ("good"), and triglycerides. TRT can affect cholesterol levels. Cardiovascular health assessment essential for men, especially on hormone therapy.

Measures average blood sugar over 2-3 months. Better than single glucose test for diabetes screening. Low testosterone is linked to insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes risk.

14-test panel measuring glucose, electrolytes, kidney function (BUN, creatinine), and liver enzymes (AST, ALT). Essential baseline to ensure safe TRT prescription and organ health monitoring.

Measures systemic inflammation, a key risk factor for heart disease. Chronic inflammation linked to low testosterone, obesity, and metabolic syndrome. Lower levels indicate better cardiovascular health.

Primary screening test for thyroid function. High TSH indicates underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism), which causes fatigue, weight gain, and depression—symptoms that mimic low testosterone.

T4 is the storage form; T3 is the active form. Free T3 directly affects metabolism, energy, and body temperature. Important if TSH is abnormal or you have thyroid symptoms despite normal TSH.

Protein produced exclusively by the prostate. Elevated PSA can indicate prostate cancer, BPH (enlarged prostate), or prostatitis. Essential baseline before TRT and monitoring during treatment. TRT does not cause prostate cancer but may stimulate growth of existing cancer.

Compares free PSA to total PSA. A higher free PSA percentage suggests BPH (benign). A lower percentage raises concern for prostate cancer. Used when total PSA is elevated to help determine if biopsy is needed.