Male Hormone Screen Gold

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone and plays an essential role in maintaining muscle mass, strength, bone density, energy levels, mood, libido, erectile function and sperm production. Testosterone levels naturally decline with age but may also be affected by obesity, stress, chronic illness, poor sleep and certain medications. Low testosterone may contribute to fatigue, reduced sex drive, erectile dysfunction, decreased muscle mass, increased body fat, low mood and reduced exercise performance. Measuring total testosterone is the first step in assessing male hormonal health and should be interpreted alongside free testosterone and SHBG for a more complete assessment.

Although most testosterone in the bloodstream is attached to proteins, only a small proportion circulates freely and is immediately available for your body's tissues to use. Free testosterone is considered the biologically active form of the hormone and often provides a better indication of testosterone status than total testosterone alone. Measuring free testosterone is particularly useful when SHBG levels are abnormal, helping to identify individuals who may have symptoms of testosterone deficiency despite having a normal total testosterone level.

SHBG is a protein produced mainly by the liver that binds to testosterone and other sex hormones, regulating how much is freely available for your body's tissues. High SHBG levels reduce the amount of free testosterone, while lower SHBG levels increase it. SHBG levels can be influenced by age, thyroid function, liver disease, obesity and certain medications. Measuring SHBG alongside total testosterone allows a more accurate assessment of hormonal health.

LH is produced by the pituitary gland and stimulates the testes to produce testosterone. Measuring LH helps determine whether low testosterone is due to a problem within the testes themselves or the brain's hormonal control centre (the pituitary gland). Abnormal LH levels may provide valuable information when investigating male infertility, low testosterone or disorders affecting the pituitary gland.

FSH is another hormone produced by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in sperm production. Measuring FSH is particularly useful when investigating male fertility, reduced sperm production and disorders affecting the testes or pituitary gland. FSH is often interpreted alongside LH and testosterone.

Albumin is the most abundant protein produced by the liver and performs many important functions, including maintaining fluid balance within the bloodstream and transporting hormones, vitamins, fatty acids and medications throughout the body. Low albumin levels may suggest liver disease, kidney disease, inflammation, malnutrition or poor absorption of nutrients.