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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.
