Besides symptoms and testing testosterone, what else is needed?

Besides symptoms and testing testosterone, what else is needed?
February 13, 2023

You have symptoms that are suggestive of testosterone deficiency and need to undergo a blood test. Since blood drawing is required, at Sigma Health, we require a comprehensive lab panel to provide a clear picture of what is happening.

Screening Basic Comprehensive
Testosterone Testosterone Testosterone
Estradiol (E2) Estradiol (E2) Estradiol (E2)
FSH FSH FSH
LH LH LH
Prolactin Prolactin Prolactin
TSH TSH TSH
fT4 fT4 fT4
SHBG SHBG
Albumin Albumin
Hemoglobin Hemoglobin
Hematocrit Hematocrit
PSA PSA
Free Androgen Index
Cortisol
Progesterone
DHEAS
IGF-1

Testosterone:total and free

Estradiol:Testosterone is aromatised in fat cells to estradiol and is needed for sperm production, libido and sexual function.

FSH and LH: Hormones secreted by the pituitary gland and stimulates testes. In particular LH stimulates testosterone production in the testes.

Prolactin: A hormone secreted by the pituitary which can affect testosterone levels

TSH and fT4: thyroid dysfunction can manifest nonspecific symptoms and mimic low T

SHBG and Albumin: Two proteins in the blood which typically bind testosterone. Needed to ascertain free, unbound testosterone levels

Hb and Hct: Screening for red blood cell abnormalities. Important for baseline measurement prior to starting TRT

Cortisol: A ‘stress’ hormone which interferes with testosterone levels

Progesterone:A hormone produced by adrenals and testes. To check adrenal function

DHEA-S: A hormone produced by adrenals which can be converted into testosterone. To check adrenal function

IGF-1: A hormone secreted by the liver which is related to GH secretion.