Male Hormone Panel (6 biomarkers)

Introduction

This comprehensive hormone test measures six biomarkers that influence overall male health. Results from this test can be used in conjunction with other medical evaluations for a thorough evaluation of general health and wellness.

Total Testosterone
Testosterone is the primary sex hormone in males. It is secreted from the testicles, and plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues (e.g. testes and prostate), as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics (e.g. increased muscle, bone mass, and body hair). A total testosterone measurement includes bioavailable testosterone as well as testosterone that is bound to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG).

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein that binds to and inhibits the function of most of the testosterone circulating in the blood. If an individual has abnormal SHBG levels, the total testosterone assay alone may not provide an accurate analysis of testosterone levels. The inclusion of SHBG in this testosterone test enables the calculation of the free androgen index (FAI) to determine the physiologically active fraction of the total testosterone.

Free Androgen Index
The free androgen index (FAI) provides an estimate of the bioavailable fraction of testosterone. It is calculated by the ratio of total testosterone to sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG). This ratio correlates well with calculated values of free testosterone and helps to discriminate subjects with excessive androgen activity from normal individuals.

Estradiol:
Estradiol (E2) is a hormone naturally produced in both genders, with much higher levels in females. Estradiol is essential for female reproductive health, and also plays important functions in the male reproductive system, skeletal system, skin health, nervous system, and cardiovascular system. Abnormal estradiol levels can affect fertility, sex drive, muscle and bone mass, growth, and skin health.

Cortisol
Cortisol is a steroid hormone that is predominantly produced in the adrenal gland. It is widely known as the body’s stress hormone, but also influences various other functions throughout the body. Elevated cortisol can cause weight gain, high blood pressure, mood swings, and skin changes. Low cortisol can cause fatigue, weight loss, low blood pressure, and skin hyperpigmentation.

Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S)
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) is an excellent indicator of adrenal hormone production. Although DHEA-S itself only has weak hormonal activity, it can be metabolized into more active androgens (e.g. testosterone) and estrogens (e.g. estradiol). DHEA-S also has neurosteroid activity, meaning it can influence brain function. Abnormal DHEA-S levels can affect age of puberty, menstruation, muscle mass, aging, and sex drive, and also increase the risk of diabetes, osteoporosis, and dementia.

Pricing

$199

How to order a test

What is Included?

Measurement of six important biomarkers with chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays:

• Testosterone
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
• Free Androgen Index
• Estradiol
• Cortisol
• Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate

Turnaround Time

1 – 3 business days
The turnaround time is not guaranteed. The average turnaround time is 1 – 3 business days from the date that the sample arrives at the laboratory. Shipping time for the sample is not included. Additional time is required if the case requires confirmatory or reflex testing, or if the sample is insufficient, or if a recollection is required.

Related Documents

Patient Brochures:
Testosterone and FAI
Estradiol
Cortisol
DHEA-S

Physician Brochures:
Testosterone and FAI
Estradiol
Cortisol
DHEA-S

Additional Information and Resources

» The wide influence of testosterone on male health
» What is estradiol?
» Is there such a thing as ‘male menopause’? ​
» What are the signs of low testosterone in males?
» High estrogen in males – causes and effects
» Testing your estradiol level is quick and easy ​
» Possible causes of erectile dysfunction and how to treat them

Preparation Before Specimen Collection

Collect blood sample in the morning before 10am after a period of 24 hours in which you have felt safe and calm with no unusual stress, injuries, or vigorous activity.

Specimen Type

Blood

Volume

50 μL in a microtainer

Container

Microtainer (regular blood tube)

Collection Method

This test requires a blood sample from a finger prick. All supplies for sample collection are provided in the kit.

1. First wash and dry hands. Warm hands aid in blood collection.
2. Clean the finger prick site with the alcohol swab and allow to air dry.
3. Use the provided lancet to puncture the skin in one quick, continuous and deliberate stroke.
4. Wipe away the first drop of blood.
5. Massage hand and finger to increase blood flow to the puncture site. Angle arm and hand downwards to facilitate blood collection on the fingertip.
6. Drip blood into the microtainer tube.
7. Dispose of all sharps safely and return sample to the laboratory in the provided prepaid return shipping envelope.

NOTES: Avoid squeezing or ‘milking’ the finger excessively. If more blood is required and blood flow stops, perform a second skin puncture on another finger. Do not touch the fingertip.

Specimen Storage

Maintain specimen at temperatures between 2°C and 30°C during storage and transport.

Specimen Stability

Blood samples can be refrigerated or kept at room temperature for up to 7 days.

Causes for Rejection

• Incorrect or incomplete patient identification
• Incorrect specimen collection
• Inappropriate storage and transport conditions
• Incorrect specimen volume

Purpose

To measure the levels of 6 important biomarkers in a blood sample to detect abnormal hormone levels and aid in the analysis of overall male health.

Limitations

• This report is not intended for use in medico-legal applications.
• These results should be interpreted in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information.
• Correct specimen collection and handling is required for optimal assay performance.
• Assay interference may occur in specimens from individuals routinely exposed to animals or to animal serum products. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.
• False results may occur in specimens from individuals that have received preparations of mouse monoclonal antibodies for diagnosis or therapy. Additional clinical or diagnostic information may be required for these specimens.
• Results obtained from different assay methods should not be used interchangeably in serial testing.
• Artificially elevated cortisol values may occur in individuals receiving fludrocortisone, prednisolone or prednisone.
• Heterophilic antibodies present in the tested blood sample may interfere with the cortisol assay.
• This assay cannot be used for specimens from patients receiving Nandrolone treatment. 

Methodology

Chemiluminescent microparticle immunoassays:
Alinity i 2^nd Generation Testosterone assay
Alinity i SHBG assay
Alinity i Estradiol assay
Alinity i Cortisol assay
Alinity i DHEA-S assay

Free Androgen Index (FAI) is calculated by:
FAI = Total Testosterone (nmol/L) x 100 / SHBG (nmol/L)

Reference Intervals

Total Testosterone:
Males:
18 – 39 years: 229 – 902 ng/dL (7.94 – 31.28 nmol/L)
40 – 49 years: 208 – 902 ng/dL (7.21 – 31.28 nmol/L)
50 – 59 years: 192 – 902 ng/dL (6.66 – 31.28 nmol/L)
60 – 79 years: 190 – 902 ng/dL (6.59 – 31.28 nmol/L)
80 – 99 years: 119 – 902 ng/dL (4.13 – 31.28 nmol/L)

These reference ranges were obtained from:
– Travison TG, et al. Harmonized Reference Ranges for Circulating Testosterone Levels in Men of Four Cohort Studies in the United States and Europe. J Clin Endocrinol Metab. 2017 Apr 1;102(4):1161-1173.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin:
Adult Males: 11.2 – 78.1 nmol/L

These reference ranges were obtained from the Alinity i SHBG package insert.  

Free Androgen Index:
Males:
21 – 49 years: 24.5 – 113.3 %
≥ 50 years: 19.3 – 118.4 %

These reference ranges were obtained from the Alinity i 2nd Generation Testosterone package insert.

Estradiol:
Males: 10 – 50 pg/mL

This reference range was obtained from Pagana KD, Pagana TJ, Pagana TN. Mosby’s Diagnostic & Laboratory Test Reference. 15th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Elsevier; 2021..

Cortisol:
Before 10 am: 3.7 – 19.4 μg/dL
After 5 pm: 2.9 – 17.3 μg/dL

These reference ranges were obtained from the Alinity i Cortisol package insert.

Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate:
Males:
16 – 18 years: 129 – 700 µg/dL
19 – 30 years: 125 – 619 µg/dL
31 – 50 years: 5 – 532 µg/dL
51 – 60 years: 20 – 413 µg/dL
61 – 83 years: 10 – 285 µg/dL

These reference ranges were obtained from Rifai N, Horvath AR, & Wittwer C. (2018). Tietz textbook of clinical chemistry and molecular diagnostics (Sixth edition.). St. Louis, Missouri: Elsevier.