Male Hormones Test

ALB (Albumin) is a protein which is made in the liver. It has many roles including the transporting of key molecules such as testosterone and calcium throughout the blood. The amount of albumin in the blood is directly associated with liver function and nutritional health.  It is also used as a marker in the assessment of bone health.

Thyroxine (T4) is one of the main thyroid hormones (the other being triiodothyronine) which is released into the bloodstream by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones have a role to play in a wide range of the body's functions including the maintenance of healthy bones, muscle control as well as brain development, heart and digestive functions. A thyroxine test is used to check that the thyroid is functioning properly. Problems with thyroid function are more common in women. 

The role of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) is to regulate the production of hormones (thyroxine and triiodothyronine) by the thyroid gland. Thyroid hormones help to control the rate at which your body converts food into energy.  Thyroid imbalance can lead to problems with weight, energy and mood. 

Testosterone plays an important role throughout the body, affecting the brain, bone and muscle mass, fat distribution, the vascular system, energy levels, sexual functioning and fertility. Testosterone in men is particularly beneficial in sports which require strength or power and can also help to support bone health and energy levels. Testosterone levels in men will naturally decline with age. High levels in women is associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome. 

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver and is present in both men and women. SHBG attaches itself to testosterone and controls how much of it is available to your body tissue. A SHGB test is useful in assessing how much testosterone is in the blood.

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Slight increases can occur as part of a stress reaction. Consistently high levels in men and women can cause suppression of other pituitary hormones such as FSH and LH. As the main role of prolactin is to produce milk, high levels are expected during breast feeding. 

Oestradiol is a steriod hormone and the main form of oestrogen found in women. Levels will naturally reduce in women with age and will start to decrease during the peri-menopause stage with a large decrease occuring during the menopause. An indication of oestradiol levels can also be useful for men undergoing testosterone replacement therapy.

Luteinising hormone (LH) plays a key role in the human reproductive system. High or low levels can indicate issues connected with fertility. LH levels rise when women reach the menopause, whereas levels in adult males tend to stay relatively constant throughout their lives.

Free testosterone is the level of testosterone in blood which is not bound to both  sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin. This is also referred to as bioavailable testosterone as it is easily available to be used by the body. Direct measurement of free testosterone can be difficult, therefore calculations are commonly used to estimate levels. 

Free androgen index (FAI) is an estimate of the amount of free testosterone in the bloodstream. FAI is calculated using the test results of testosterone (total) and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) .

Follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland. It plays an important role in the functions of both the ovaries and the testes. FSH levels in women rise and fall throughout the menstrual cycle and will start to increase as women transition through the menopause and beyond. 

Cortisol is a steroid hormone which is produced by the adrenal gland. It helps the body to use sugar and fat which can be converted for energy. It also has an important role to play in stress management as well as reducing inflammation. The level of cortisol in the bloodstream changes throughout the day being highest in the morning and lowest last thing at night. The timing of the test sample is therefore very important.