Men’s hormone benchmark.

• Total testosteroneTotal T

  All the testosterone in the blood, both the part carried by proteins and the small part that circulates free. It is highest in the morning, which is why it is usually drawn early.

• Free testosteroneFree T

  The small share of testosterone that is not bound to proteins. Labs measure it directly or calculate it from total testosterone, SHBG and albumin.

• Sex hormone binding globulinSHBG

  A protein made by the liver that carries testosterone and estradiol in the blood. How much there is changes how much testosterone is free.

• EstradiolE2

  The main form of estrogen. Men make it too, mostly by converting testosterone in body tissues.

• Follicle stimulating hormoneFSH

  Also made by the pituitary gland. In men it supports sperm production.

• Luteinizing hormoneLH

  Made by the pituitary gland at the base of the brain. It signals the testes to make testosterone.

• Prolactin

  A hormone made by the pituitary gland. It is often checked alongside testosterone, LH and FSH.

• Cortisol, totalCortisol

  All the cortisol in the blood. It follows a daily rhythm, so the time of the draw matters.

• Prostate specific antigenPSA

  A protein made by the prostate gland. Labs measure how much of it is in the blood.

• Thyroid stimulating hormoneTSH

  Made by the pituitary gland. It signals the thyroid to make its hormones, and is the most common first thyroid test.

• Thyroxine, totalTotal T4

  All the T4 in the blood, bound and free.

• Triiodothyronine, totalTotal T3

  All the T3 in the blood, bound and free.

• Lipid panelLipids

  Total, LDL, HDL and non HDL cholesterol with triglycerides.

• Complete blood countCBC

  Counts and sizes the red cells, white cells and platelets, including hemoglobin and hematocrit.

• Comprehensive metabolic panelCMP

  Fourteen measures of blood sugar, salts and minerals, kidney function and liver function in one test.

How to prepare.

1. Fasting 12 to 14 hours. Water is fine.
2. Book a morning draw, between 8 and 10 a.m.
3. No ejaculation for 24 hours before the draw.
4. No testosterone cream or gel on the inner arms for 24 hours before the draw.
5. Stop high dose biotin supplements 72 hours before the draw.