Ulta Lab Tests

Hormone Health, Men - Advanced

The following is a list of what is included in the item above. Click the test(s) below to view what biomarkers are measured along with an explanation of what the biomarker is measuring.

Also known as: Cortisol AM

Cortisol, A.M.

A cortisol level is a blood test that measures the amount of cortisol, a steroid hormone produced by the adrenal gland. The test is done to check for increased or decreased cortisol production. Cortisol is a steroid hormone released from the adrenal gland in response to ACTH, a hormone from the pituitary gland in the brain. Cortisol affects many different body systems. It plays a role in: bone, circulatory system, immune system. metabolism of fats, carbohydrates, and protein. ervous system and stress responses.

Also known as: Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate, DHEA SO4, DHEA Sulfate Immunoassay, DHEAS, Transdehydroandrosterone

DHEA SULFATE

DHEA-sulfate test measures the amount of DHEA-sulfate in the blood. DHEA-sulfate is a weak male hormone (androgen) produced by the adrenal gland in both men and women.

Estradiol

Estradiol (estradiol-17 beta, E2) is part of an estrogen that is a group of steroids that regulate the menstrual cycle and function as the main female sex hormones. Estrogens are responsible for the development of female sex organs and secondary sex characteristics and are tied to the menstrual cycle and pregnancy. They are considered the main sex hormones in women and are present in small quantities in men. Estradiol (E2) is the predominant form of estrogen and is produced primarily in the ovaries with additional amounts produced by the adrenal glands in women and in the testes and adrenal glands in men. Estradiol levels are used in evaluating ovarian function. Estradiol levels are increased in cases of early (precocious) puberty in girls and gynecomastia in men. Its main use has been in the differential diagnosis of amenorrhea – for example, to determine whether the cause is menopause, pregnancy, or a medical problem. In assisted reproductive technology (ART), serial measurements are used to monitor follicle development in the ovary in the days prior to in vitro fertilization. Estradiol is also sometimes used to monitor menopausal hormone replacement therapy.

Also known as: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) and Luteinizing Hormone (LH), Follicle Stimulating Hormone and Luteinizing Hormone

Fsh

Lh

Also known as: GH, Growth Hormone GH, HGH, Human Growth Hormone (hGH), Somatotropin

Growth Hormone (Gh)

This test measures the amount of growth hormone (GH) in the blood. GH is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. Growth hormone is essential for a child's normal growth and development and promotes proper linear bone growth from birth through puberty. Children with insufficient GH production grow more slowly and are smaller in size for their age. Excess GH is most often due to a GH-secreting pituitary tumor (usually benign). Too much GH can cause children's long bones to continue to grow beyond puberty, resulting in gigantism with heights of 7 or more feet tall. Those with excess GH may also have thickening of facial features, general weakness, delayed puberty, and headaches. Gigantism is an extremely rare condition. Although GH is not as active in adults, it does play a role in regulating bone density, muscle mass, and lipid metabolism. Deficiencies can lead to decreased bone densities, less muscle mass, and altered lipid levels. Excess GH in adults can lead to acromegaly, marked not by bone lengthening but by bone thickening.

Also known as: IGF-1, IGFI LCMS, Insulin-Like Growth Factor, Insulin-like Growth Factor - 1, Somatomedin C, Somatomedin-C

Igf I, LC/MS

The insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) test is an indirect measure of the average amount of growth hormone (GH) being produced by the body. IGF-1 and GH are polypeptide hormones, small proteins that are vital for normal bone and tissue growth and development. GH is produced by the pituitary gland, a grape-sized gland located at the base of the brain behind the bridge of your nose. GH is secreted into the bloodstream in pulses throughout the day and night with peaks that occur mostly during the night. IGF-1 is produced by the liver and skeletal muscle as well as many other tissues in response to GH stimulation. IGF-1 mediates many of the actions of GH, stimulating the growth of bones and other tissues and promoting the production of lean muscle mass. IGF-1 mirrors GH excesses and deficiencies, but its level is stable throughout the day, making it a useful indicator of average GH levels.

Z Score (Female)

z Score. A z-score (aka, a standard score) indicates how many standard deviations an element is from the mean. A z-score can be calculated from the following formula. z = (X - µ) / s where z is the z-score, X is the value of the element, µ is the population mean, and s is the standard deviation.

Also known as: Insulin (fasting)

Insulin

Insulin is a hormone that is produced and stored in the beta cells of the pancreas. It is vital for the transportation and storage of glucose at the cellular level, helps regulate blood glucose levels, and has a role in lipid metabolism. When blood glucose levels rise after a meal, insulin is released to allow glucose to move into tissue cells, especially muscle and adipose (fat) cells, where is it is used for energy production. Insulin then prompts the liver to either store the remaining excess blood glucose as glycogen for short-term energy storage and/or to use it to produce fatty acids. The fatty acids are eventually used by adipose tissue to synthesize triglycerides to form the basis of a longer term, more concentrated form of energy storage. Without insulin, glucose cannot reach most of the body's cells. Without glucose, the cells starve and blood glucose levels rise to unhealthy levels. This can cause disturbances in normal metabolic processes that result in various disorders, including kidney disease, cardiovascular disease, and vision and neurological problems. Thus, diabetes, a disorder associated with decreased insulin effects, is eventually a life-threatening condition.

Also known as: PSA

Psa, Total

PSA stands for prostate-specific antigen. It is a protein produced by prostate cells. The PSA test is done to help diagnose and follow prostate cancer in men.

Also known as: Free T3, FT3, T3 Free

T3, Free

This test measures the amount of triiodothyronine, or T3, in the blood.

Also known as: Free T4, FT4, T4 Free

T4, Free

The free T4 test is not affected by protein levels. Since free T4 is the active form of thyroxine, the free T4 test is may be a more accurate reflection of thyroid hormone function.

Also known as: Testosterone Total And Free And Sex Hormone Binding Globulin

Free Testosterone

In many cases, measurement of total testosterone provides the doctor with adequate information. However, in certain cases, for example when the level of SHBG is abnormal, a test for free or bioavailable testosterone may be performed as it may more accurately reflect the presence of a medical condition.

Sex Hormone Binding

The sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) test measures the concentration of SHBG in the blood. SHBG is a protein that is produced by the liver and binds tightly to testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and estradiol (an estrogen). In this bound state, it transports them in the blood as an inactive form. The amount of SHBG in circulation is affected by age and sex, by decreased or increased testosterone or estrogen production and can be affected by certain diseases and conditions such as liver disease, hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, and obesity. Changes in SHBG levels can affect the amount of testosterone that is available to be used by the body's tissues. A total testosterone test does not distinguish between bound and unbound testosterone but determines the overall quantity of testosterone. If a person's SHBG level is not normal, then the total testosterone may not be an accurate representation of the amount of testosterone that is available to the person's tissues.

TESTOSTERONE, TOTAL,

A testosterone test measures the amount of the male hormone, testosterone, in the blood. Both men and women produce this hormone. In males, the testicles produce most of the testosterone in the body. Levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of low testosterone: In boys -- early or late puberty and in men -- impotence, low level of sexual interest, infertility, thinning of the bones In females, the ovaries produce most of the testosterone and levels are most often checked to evaluate signs of higher testosterone levels, such as: decreased breast size, excess hair growth, increased size of the clitoris. irregular or absent menstrual periods and male-pattern baldness or hair thinning.

Free T4 Index (T7)

FTI stands for the Free Thyroxine Index and is also sometimes referred to as T7. It is a calculated value determined from the T3 uptake test and total T4 test and provides an estimate of the level of free T4 in the blood.

T3 Uptake

T3 uptake is also known as T3 Resin Uptake (T3RU) or Thyroid Uptake. It estimates how much thyroid hormone-binding proteins are available in the blood through a calculation based on levels of T3 or T4 added to a person's blood specimen.

T4 (Thyroxine), Total

This test measures the amount of thyroxine, or T4, in the blood. T4 is one of two major hormones produced by the thyroid gland. The total T4 test is used to help diagnose hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism. It is a useful test but can be affected by the amount of protein available in the blood to bind to the hormone.

Also known as: Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH), Thyrotropin

TSH

A TSH test is a lab test that measures the amount of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) in your blood. TSH is produced by the pituitary gland. It tells the thyroid gland to make and release thyroid hormones into the blood.

TSH

*Important Information on Lab Test Processing Times: Ulta Lab Tests is committed to informing you about the processing times for your lab tests processed through a national lab. Please note that the estimated processing time for each test, indicated in business days, is based on data from the past 30 days across the 13 laboratories for each test. These estimates are intended to serve as a guide and are not guarantees. Factors such as laboratory workload, weather conditions, holidays, and the need for additional testing or maintenance can influence actual processing times. We aim to offer estimates to help you plan accordingly. Please understand that these times may vary, and processing times are not guaranteed. Thank you for choosing Ulta Lab Tests for your laboratory needs.

The Hormone Health, Men - Advanced panel contains 13 tests with 20 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The Hormone Health, Men - Advanced panel is a thorough and comprehensive assessment designed for evaluating a broad spectrum of hormones that influence men's health and well-being. This panel includes crucial tests for adrenal, thyroid, and reproductive hormones, along with markers for growth and metabolism. It covers Cortisol AM, DHEA Sulfate, Estradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Growth Hormone, Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), Insulin, Luteinizing Hormone (LH), PSA Total, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), T3 Free, T3 Uptake, T4 Free, T4 Free Index (T7), T4 Total, Testosterone Free and Total, and Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH).

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: Fasting Specimen is Required. Specimen must be collected before 9 am.

Specimen to Growth Hormone: Random growth hormone collection should be performed on fasting patients who have rested for at least 30 minutes prior to collection

Specimen to Cortisol AM: Test is not recommended when patient is receiving prednisone/prednisolone therapy due to cross reactivity with the antibody used in this test.

Specifc to TSH: Specimen collection after fluorescein dye angiography should be delayed for at least 3 days. For patients on hemodialysis, specimen collection should be delayed for 2 weeks.

According to the assay manufacturer Siemens: "Samples containing fluorescein can produce falsely depressed values when tested with the Advia Centaur TSH3 Ultra assay."

When and Why to Order the Hormone Health, Men - Advanced Panel

Healthcare providers might order the Hormone Health, Men - Advanced panel for men presenting symptoms suggestive of hormonal imbalances, such as fatigue, mood changes, weight gain or loss, libido changes, or fertility issues. This panel is also beneficial for monitoring the efficacy of hormone therapy, evaluating endocrine function, and providing insights into conditions like metabolic syndrome, thyroid disorders, and androgen deficiency.

What the Hormone Health, Men - Advanced Panel Checks For

Each test within this panel offers critical insights:

  • Cortisol AM: Measures morning cortisol levels, indicating adrenal function and stress response.
  • DHEA Sulfate: Assesses levels of DHEA, a precursor to sex hormones, reflecting adrenal health.
  • Estradiol: Evaluates the primary form of estrogen in men, important for bone health and hormonal balance.
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone: Measures FSH, crucial for sperm production.
  • Growth Hormone: Assesses GH, important for muscle mass, bone density, and metabolism.
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor-1: Indicates GH activity by measuring IGF-1 levels.
  • Insulin: Helps evaluate insulin production and risk for insulin resistance.
  • Luteinizing Hormone: LH levels are crucial for testosterone production and overall reproductive health.
  • PSA Total: Screens for prostate health, including benign prostate enlargement and prostate cancer.
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin: Influences the availability of testosterone and estrogen.
  • Thyroid Tests (T3 Free, T3 Uptake, T4 Free, T4 Free Index (T7), T4 Total): Provide a comprehensive overview of thyroid health and function.
  • Testosterone Free and Total: Measures both free and bound levels of testosterone, key for sexual function, muscle mass, and mood regulation.
  • Thyroid Stimulating Hormone: A primary indicator of thyroid health, influencing metabolism and energy levels.

Deepening Your Health Insights with the Hormone Health, Men - Comprehensive Panel

For those seeking the most in-depth analysis of their hormonal health, the Hormone Health, Men - Comprehensive panel extends beyond the Advanced panel by including Hemoglobin A1c, Prolactin, and QuestAssureD 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Total with D2 and D3. This panel not only covers the full spectrum of hormone balance and endocrine function but also adds critical markers for metabolic health, bone density, and overall well-being, offering a holistic view of men's health.

Conditions Detected by the Hormone Health, Men - Advanced Panel

The Hormone Health, Men - Advanced panel can identify a range of conditions:

  • Endocrine Disorders: Such as thyroid imbalances, adrenal dysfunction, and pituitary gland abnormalities.
  • Metabolic Syndrome: Insulin and IGF-1 levels can indicate metabolic health and the risk of diabetes.
  • Reproductive Health Issues: Including low testosterone, erectile dysfunction, and infertility, linked to LH, FSH, and testosterone levels.
  • Prostate Health: PSA levels are crucial for detecting prostate enlargement or cancer.
  • Bone Density Concerns: Estradiol levels are important for bone health, with deficiencies potentially leading to osteoporosis.

Utilizing the Hormone Health, Men - Advanced Panel Results in Clinical Practice

Healthcare professionals leverage the insights from the Hormone Health, Men - Advanced panel to tailor treatment plans, whether it's adjusting hormone replacement therapies, addressing metabolic or reproductive health issues, or managing conditions like osteoporosis or prostate health concerns. Monitoring these hormone levels over time also allows for the evaluation of treatment efficacy and the adjustment of therapeutic strategies as needed.

The Hormone Health, Men - Advanced panel offers a comprehensive evaluation of hormonal health, providing essential insights into various aspects of men's health. By understanding and addressing the intricate balance of hormones, men and their healthcare providers can work together to optimize health, manage existing conditions, and prevent potential health issues, ensuring a proactive approach to well-being.

We advise having your results reviewed by a licensed medical healthcare professional for proper interpretation of your results.

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