Ulta Lab Tests

HH-1. Hormone Health - Men

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: 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.

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.
*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 HH-1. Hormone Health - Men panel contains 2 tests with 4 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The HH-1 Hormone Health - Men panel is a specialized set of tests designed to evaluate key hormone levels that play crucial roles in men's health. This panel focuses on assessing the balance and functioning of hormones that influence male physiology, libido, muscle strength, mood, and overall energy levels. It includes assessments of DHEA Sulfate, Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG), and Testosterone (both Free and Total), providing a foundational snapshot of a man's hormonal health.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When to Consider the HH-1 Hormone Health - Men Panel

This panel is typically ordered for men experiencing symptoms suggestive of hormonal imbalances or disorders. These can include fatigue, changes in libido, difficulty in maintaining muscle mass, unexplained weight changes, or mood fluctuations. It's also valuable for men undergoing hormone replacement therapy to monitor treatment effectiveness and for those with concerns about aging-related hormonal changes.

Insights from the HH-1 Hormone Health - Men Panel

  • DHEA Sulfate: Reflects adrenal gland function and serves as a precursor for testosterone and estrogens. Abnormal levels can indicate adrenal health issues or endocrine disorders.
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): Influences the availability of testosterone by binding to it. High or low levels can affect the bioavailability of testosterone, impacting various health aspects.
  • Testosterone Free and Total: Measures both the total amount of testosterone and the fraction that is not bound to proteins in the blood. It's crucial for diagnosing conditions like hypogonadism or androgen excess.

Exploring Beyond HH-1: Advanced Hormonal Health Panels for Men

While the HH-1 Hormone Health - Men panel provides valuable insights into essential hormone levels, expanding your understanding with more comprehensive panels can offer a deeper dive into your hormonal health. Each advanced panel builds upon the HH-1 by incorporating additional tests, offering a more detailed hormonal landscape.

The HH-2 Hormone Health - Men panel enhances the foundational HH-1 by including tests for Estradiol, Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH), Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1), and Luteinizing Hormone (LH). Estradiol measurement is crucial as it's a form of estrogen that, although predominantly a female hormone, plays a significant role in male health too, especially in bone maintenance and brain function. FSH and LH are pivotal for understanding male reproductive health, influencing sperm production and overall fertility. IGF-1 offers insights into growth hormone activity, essential for muscle maintenance, recovery, and overall metabolic health.

Building upon HH-2, the HH-3 Hormone Health - Men panel introduces Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and Prolactin assessments. DHT is a potent derivative of testosterone, playing roles in male development and contributing to conditions like male pattern baldness and prostate enlargement. Prolactin, while known for its role in women, in men can affect libido and fertility, and elevated levels might indicate pituitary disorders.

The most comprehensive, the HH-4 Hormone Health - Men panel, adds Pregnenolone to the mix. Pregnenolone is a "parent" hormone, from which nearly all other steroid hormones are derived, including DHEA, testosterone, and estrogens. Assessing its levels can provide insights into your body's overall steroid hormone production efficiency and potential areas of hormonal imbalance.

Health Conditions Detected by the HH-1 Panel

The HH-1 panel is instrumental in diagnosing and managing conditions like low testosterone levels, hormonal imbalances affecting fertility, metabolic syndromes, and potential adrenal disorders. By understanding these hormone levels, healthcare providers can tailor treatments, including hormone replacement therapy, lifestyle modifications, and nutritional interventions.

Utilizing HH-1 Panel Results in Clinical Practice

Healthcare professionals leverage the insights from the HH-1 panel to develop personalized treatment plans aimed at restoring hormonal balance, improving symptoms of hormonal imbalance, and enhancing overall well-being. Regular monitoring allows for the adjustment of treatments to optimize outcomes.

The HH-1 Hormone Health - Men panel serves as an essential tool for men seeking to understand their hormonal health. It lays the foundation for identifying hormonal imbalances and guiding effective treatment strategies. For those looking to delve deeper into their hormonal health, more advanced panels offer expanded insights, enabling a more targeted approach to health and wellness optimization.

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

Customer Reviews