Advanced Male Hormone Test

Testosterone, a crucial male sex hormone, plays a significant role in numerous bodily functions for men. An imbalance, whether high or low, can lead to health issues. Using the Comprehensive Male Hormone Profile Blood Test, you can determine if your testosterone levels fall within the ideal range.

What is testosterone?

Testosterone is the male sex hormone. It is produced in the testicles. Women also produce testosterone, albeit in smaller amounts, in the ovaries and adrenal glands. Testosterone plays a role in the development of male sexual characteristics and the creation and maintenance of muscles. Testosterone also affects bone density, sperm production, and libido.

Testosterone exists in the body in two forms: bound to the protein SHBG and in an unbound form. SHBG is involved in transporting testosterone throughout the body. When testosterone binds to SHBG, there’s less free testosterone available for tissues and organs. Thus, SHBG regulates testosterone availability in the body.

Free testosterone is the active form of testosterone and directly influences body cells. This testosterone can bind to androgen receptors and signals various physiological processes.

Testosterone Deficiency (hypogonadism)

As mentioned, SHBG regulates testosterone availability in the body. If SHBG levels are elevated, there’s less free testosterone circulating in your body. This can indicate testosterone deficiency (hypogonadism).

The three main causes of testosterone deficiency are:

Primary hypogonadism: The problem lies in the testicles, where testosterone is produced. This can be due to a genetic defect, testicle injury, or genetic disorder. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy can also cause hypogonadism.

Secondary hypogonadism: Occurs when testosterone production regulation is disrupted due to a problem in the hypothalamus or pituitary gland. This can be the case with autoimmune diseases, alcoholism, obesity, infections, or tumors.

Aging: This can also cause testosterone deficiency, as testosterone production gradually decreases with age. Age-related testosterone deficiency mainly affects men over 40.

Various factors can influence your hormonal balance – age, gender, weight, medication. Mapping SHBG and free testosterone, combined with medical history and physical examination, can identify the cause of a hormonal imbalance.

Symptoms of Low Testosterone

The list of symptoms associated with low testosterone is quite long. However, some symptoms can also be attributed to other conditions. Only testing can provide certainty. Hypogonadism can manifest in the following symptoms:

• Reduced libido
• Erectile dysfunction
• Fatigue and feelings of listlessness
• Loss of muscle mass and strength
• Increase in abdominal fat
• A voice that becomes higher
• Mental problems, including depression, irritability, and mood swings
• Difficulty concentrating and remembering
• Reduced facial and body hair growth
• Disrupted sleep; insomnia or increased sleepiness
• High Testosterone (hyperandrogenism)

If your SHBG levels are lowered, there’s more free testosterone in your blood, indicating elevated testosterone levels, known as hyperandrogenism. This can be due to:

• Use of anabolic steroids
• An overactive pituitary gland
• Congenital conditions like adrenogenital syndrome
• Some adrenal disorders can result in testosterone overproduction
• In rare cases, a tumor in the testicles can produce testosterone

Symptoms of High Testosterone

These are the most common symptoms of hyperandrogenism. These symptoms can also be associated with other conditions. Additional research is needed to determine the cause of your complaints:

• Increased libido
• More body hair
• Loss of head hair
• Oily skin or acne
• Increased muscle mass and strength
• A deeper voice
• Prostate enlargement; problems urinating or needing to urinate more frequently
• Mood swings
• Irritable mood, aggression
• Insomnia
• Reduced sperm production, shrinking of the testicles

Do you have complaints? Take a test.

If you have symptoms indicating a disrupted testosterone level, it’s wise to take a test (male hormone test) to investigate the cause of your complaints. In Easly’s Comprehensive Male Hormone Test, we determine the levels of total testosterone, free testosterone, and SHBG in your blood. Understanding the interaction between testosterone and SHBG is essential to get a complete picture of your testosterone status.