Besides symptoms and testing testosterone, what else is needed?

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.