Male Hormone Screening Panel

A Male Hormone Screening Panel, also called male hormone tests, is a blood test that measures the levels of important hormones, such as testosterone, free testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), androstenedione, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and human growth hormone (HGH). Hormones are chemical messengers that control growth, sexual development, energy, and overall body function. These tests are done to check hormone balance and help identify problems, such as infertility, delayed or early puberty, low sex drive, or abnormal growth.

Testosterone supports muscle and bone growth, sperm production, body hair growth, and male sexual characteristics. Other male hormones covered in this panel, androstenedione and DHT, help assess androgen activity, while HGH is important for assessing growth and metabolism. This panel mainly focuses on the endocrine system, especially the testes, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands, which produce and regulate these hormones.

A Male Hormone Screening Panel is usually recommended for adult men who show signs that may suggest low testosterone or hormonal imbalance. These include:

• Reduced sex drive
• Difficulty achieving or maintaining an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Infertility issues
• Increased breast tissue
• Decreased facial or body hair
• Reduced muscle strength or mass
• Unexplained anaemia or weak bones

You should consider getting male hormone tests in the following situations:

A Male Hormone Screening Panel can help identify the following conditions:

• Delayed puberty in boys: Puberty starts later than expected in boys due to low hormone production from the testes or pituitary gland, especially low testosterone, low luteinizing hormone (LH), and low follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH).
• Early puberty in boys: Puberty begins too soon, leading to early physical development, often linked to elevated testosterone, LH, and FSH levels.
• Low testosterone levels: May be associated with low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and reduced muscle mass in men, primarily due to low testosterone (total and free testosterone).
• Male infertility: Hormone imbalance can affect sperm production and the ability to father a child, particularly involving testosterone, FSH, LH, and prolactin.
• High male hormone levels: Increased levels of male hormones (androgens), such as testosterone, DHT, and androstenedione, may indicate underlying hormone-related disorders.
• Congenital adrenal hyperplasia: A condition that affects hormone production in the adrenal glands, especially increased androstenedione and altered cortisol levels.
• Premature adrenarche: Early increase in adrenal hormones causing early signs of puberty, linked to elevated androstenedione and DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate).
• Hormonal imbalance linked to other conditions: Conditions such as obesity, thyroid disorders, liver disease, HIV, or kidney disease can influence hormone levels like SHBG and free testosterone, including changes in SHBG, free testosterone, and total testosterone levels.

What to Expect Before the Male Hormone Screening Panel

• No fasting is required for a standalone Male Hormone Screening Panel.
• You can eat and drink normally. If this test is part of a broader panel (e.g., lipid profile), fasting for 8 to 12 hours may be needed.
• Always inform your doctor about any ongoing medications - especially steroids, blood thinners, or chemotherapy.

What to Expect During the Blood Collection

A phlebotomist cleans the skin with an antiseptic, then places an elastic band around your upper arm to make the veins easier to access. A small needle is inserted into the vein - you may feel a brief pinch. Blood is collected into a labelled tube in under a minute.

What to Expect After the Male Hormone Screening Panel

A small cotton swab and bandage are placed over the site to stop any minor bleeding. You can return to normal activities immediately. Minor bruising is normal and disappears quickly. If feeling dizzy, sit and rest for a few minutes.

A Male Hormone Screening Panel includes a total of 6 parameters:

1. Testosterone
2. Free testosterone
3. Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG)
4. Androstenedione
5. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
6. Human growth hormone (HGH)

The following table shows the typical normal reference ranges for key parameters used in this test, which may vary slightly based on age, laboratory methods, and clinical guidelines.

The following table shows what the test results on your hormone test may indicate:

Note: These results are not diagnostic. Abnormal values only indicate a possible risk, and your doctor may recommend further tests for confirmation.

Testing is generally safe. However, possible risks and limitations include:

• Risks (Rare):
  • Mild discomfort or slight bruising during blood collection (usually goes away quickly).
• Limitations:
  • The test should typically be done in the morning (around 7 to 10 am) as hormone levels are highest at this time.
  • Hormone levels can fluctuate throughout the day, which may affect test results.
  • This is a screening test, and further tests may be needed for confirmation.

If your test results are not normal, your doctor may suggest these additional hormonal imbalance tests:

• 17-alpha-hydroxyprogesterone (OHPG), 17 alpha-hydroxy pregnenolone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), and cortisol tests to check adrenal gland function.
• OHPG, DHEA-S, and DHEA tests to monitor treatment progress.
• FSH and LH tests to check for early hormone changes.

Note: These tests are advised based on your results and your doctor’s evaluation.