The Male Hormone Panel measures 7 different hormones involved in male reproductive and sexual functions through a single saliva sample.
The Male Hormone Panel from DiagnosTechs is a conveniently collected panel that provides information to begin restoring vitality, well-being, and passion for life. Seven different hormone levels are measured to display a comprehensive picture of male hormonal balance. The Expanded Male Hormone Panel adds a measurement for follicle stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone for additional data points. Information about your hormone levels can be valuable when evaluating for conditions related to infertility, sexual dysfunction, and andropause—an age-related decline in male hormone levels.
Hormone imbalances in men can contribute to:
- Decreased libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Sleep disorders
- Decreased muscle mass and strength
- General fatigue/decreased energy
- Increased risk for coronary artery disease or heart attack
- Hair loss or thinning
- Increased fat accumulation
- Urinary problems
- Decreased bone density or osteoporosis
- Compromised immune function
- Irritability and depression
Why use our Male Hormone Panel?
- It is affordable and less expensive than blood or urine tests.
- Noninvasive testing is pain-free and samples can be collected anywhere and at any time.
- Results are more clinically reflective of your unbound, bioavailable hormone levels and needs.
- Results can lead to an individualized and customized treatment plan using natural hormones.
- You will minimize hormone dosing mistakes (over or under). This will ensure that you use only the proper hormones in appropriate amounts. With salivary hormone testing, guesswork is minimized.
Why is it important to measure male hormones?
Optimal health is dependent on a balance of hormones, not just a single hormone. Measurements of hormones can be used in two general ways:
- To estimate the body’s own hormone production as a baseline test
- To monitor levels of hormones during and after hormone treatment
Monitoring hormone therapy is necessary in order to reduce the chance of undesirable and potentially serious side effects and to optimize treatment.
Your healthcare provider can use the information gathered from the Male Hormone Panel (MHP) to gain a better understanding of your current hormone levels and to create a treatment plan that is right for you.
The following 7 hormones are evaluated in the Male Hormone Panel (MHP):
- Testosterone – This hormone is produced in the testes and is necessary for healthy male reproductive function. Testosterone helps to preserve lean body mass, bone density, cognitive function, red blood cell count, and libido. It is also the main testicular androgen and is a precursor to the highly potent dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Excessive amounts of testosterone promote hardening of the blood vessels, behavioral changes, prostate problems, and an increase in total cholesterol.
- Androstenedione – Another important reproductive hormone precursor. Is a weak (androgen) and a precursor to both male and female hormones. Unmonitored intake in men can lead to excessive conversion to estrogens with minimal male hormone production. In women, unmonitored intake usually causes excess male hormone production with body and facial hair growth.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – Is made from testosterone in certain tissues. Conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone frequently increases with age. Excess DHT is associated with enlargement of the prostate or benign prostatic hyperplasia (BHP) and male pattern baldness.
- DHEA and DHEA-S – A hormone produced in the adrenal glands as a precursor to testosterone and estrogen. Supplementation of DHEA is common in hormone replacement therapy. Unmonitored intake can easily alter the delicate balance between male and female hormones.
- Estrone & Estradiol (Estrogens) – Frequently thought of as “female hormones”, estrogens play important roles in male health as well. High estrogens have been associated with breast enlargement, prostate cancer, fat redistribution, and obesity. Controlling estrogen levels can be helpful in treating systems of andropause. Estrone is an estrogen that both men and women produce in the fat cells. The more fat, the more estrone, which in turn promotes fat deposits. It is produced from androstenedione. Excess levels of estrone can cause breast enlargement and contribute to prostate enlargement. Estradiol is another estrogen that is much more powerful than estrone. It is partially formed in the testes but mostly in the other body tissues from both the testicular and adrenal androgens. High estradiol levels have been associated with breast enlargement, fat redistribution, and obesity.
- Progesterone – Progesterone is often perceived as a ‘female’ hormone, however it is also produced in men and is a precursor to testosterone and estrogens. Elevated progesterone may be due to unintentional exposure and can lead to elevations in other hormones. It is a natural calming agent to the nervous system. It also keeps in check excessive DHT production in check and counterbalances the effects of excessive estrone. Unmonitored intake can lead to breast enlargement, depression and weight gain.
The Expanded Male Hormone Panel (eMHP) also includes:
- Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone that stimulates sperm production. It is released from the pituitary gland in the brain.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is another pituitary hormone that stimulates testosterone production by the testes.
With Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone, our Expanded Male Hormone Panel gives more information about the possible underlying cause of many common male hormone problems.
Ask your medical provider if a DiagnosTechs Male Hormone Panel is the right choice to get your health on track.