Why test free testosterone, not just total?

Total testosterone includes both bound and unbound hormone. SHBG binds testosterone, making it unavailable. You can have normal total T but low free T if SHBG is high - and free T is what your body actually uses.

Why is estradiol tested in men?

Men need some estrogen for brain function, bone health, and libido. But too much estrogen (often from testosterone converting to estradiol) causes symptoms like low libido, breast tissue growth, and fat gain.

What causes low testosterone?

Common causes include aging, obesity, poor sleep, chronic stress, certain medications, and medical conditions. Lifestyle factors like exercise, sleep, and weight loss can significantly impact testosterone.

Why is morning testing important?

Testosterone peaks in the morning and declines throughout the day. Testing at 7-10 AM gives the most accurate and consistent results. Afternoon testing may show falsely low levels.

Panel⚡ Hormones

Male Hormone Panel - Complete Testosterone & Hormone Assessment

This comprehensive panel measures testosterone (free and total), plus the supporting hormones that affect how testosterone works in your body: SHBG, estradiol, DHEA-S, and cortisol.

Testosterone affects energy, mood, muscle mass, body fat, libido, and overall vitality. But total testosterone alone doesn't tell the whole story. This panel provides the complete picture:

• Total & Free Testosterone - Your total T and the bioavailable portion • SHBG - The protein that binds testosterone (high SHBG = less free T) • Estradiol - Estrogen in men; too high or low causes problems • DHEA-S - Adrenal precursor hormone that declines with age • Cortisol - Stress hormone that can suppress testosterone

Understanding these relationships reveals why some men with "normal" testosterone still have symptoms of low T.

Panel Price

$79

Individual Total

$84

You Save

Tests Included

Included Tests

Testosterone, Free & Total

Comprehensive testosterone panel measuring both free and total testosterone levels.

Total TestosteroneFree Testosterone

$32

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Measures SHBG which binds sex hormones. Affects free hormone availability.

SHBG

$16

Estradiol

Measures the primary form of estrogen. Important for reproductive health in both men and women.

Estradiol

$12

DHEA-Sulfate

Measures DHEA-S, a precursor hormone from the adrenal glands. Declines with age.

DHEA-Sulfate

$11

Cortisol, Total

Measures total cortisol levels to assess adrenal function and stress response.

Cortisol

$13

What This Panel Measures

This panel measures 5 key hormones: Total Testosterone (overall production), Free Testosterone (bioavailable portion), SHBG (binding protein that reduces free T), Estradiol (estrogen - yes, men need some too), DHEA-S (adrenal hormone), and Cortisol (stress hormone).

Who Should Get This Panel

Men experiencing fatigue, low libido, difficulty building muscle, increased body fat, mood changes, or brain fog. Also for those over 35 wanting a baseline, men monitoring TRT, and anyone wanting to optimize their hormonal health.

Health Insights

Conditions Screened

Low testosterone (hypogonadism)High estrogenHigh SHBGAdrenal dysfunctionCortisol imbalanceAndropause

Related Symptoms

Low libidoErectile dysfunctionFatigueLoss of muscle massIncreased body fatDepressionBrain fogLow motivationPoor sleepIrritability

When to Get Tested

Test in the morning between 7-10 AM when testosterone peaks. No fasting required, but morning testing is important for accurate testosterone and cortisol results.

Understanding Your Results

Optimal ranges: Total Testosterone 500-900 ng/dL (some experts say >600 is optimal), Free Testosterone 10-25 pg/mL, SHBG 20-50 nmol/L, Estradiol 20-40 pg/mL, DHEA-S varies by age, Cortisol 10-20 mcg/dL.