Ulta Lab Tests

HH-2. 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.

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: 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: 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-2. Hormone Health - Men panel contains 5 tests with 9 biomarkers .

Brief Description: The HH-2 Hormone Health - Men Panel is an extensive evaluation of key hormones that play crucial roles in men's health, encompassing a broad spectrum of endocrine functions. This panel is meticulously designed to assess and monitor the hormonal balance and endocrine health in men, offering insights into various physiological and metabolic processes.

Collection Method: Blood Draw

Specimen Type: Serum

Test Preparation: No preparation required

When and Why Order the HH-2 Panel?

The HH-2 Hormone Health - Men Panel might be ordered for a variety of reasons, including but not limited to, evaluating symptoms such as fatigue, mood changes, weight issues, muscle loss, libido changes, or fertility concerns. It's also beneficial for men undergoing hormone therapy, athletes monitoring their hormonal health, or anyone interested in a comprehensive hormonal health assessment.

What the HH-2 Panel Checks For

  • DHEA Sulfate: A hormone produced by the adrenal glands, serving as a precursor to male and female sex hormones and indicating adrenal function.
  • Estradiol: A form of estrogen that, though present in lower amounts in men, plays a critical role in bone health, brain function, and cardiovascular health.
  • Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): Important in regulating the function of the testes and sperm production.
  • Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1): Reflects the level of human growth hormone (HGH) in the body, crucial for muscle growth and recovery.
  • Luteinizing Hormone (LH): LH in men stimulates the production of testosterone by the testes.
  • Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): A protein that binds to sex hormones, affecting the availability of testosterone.
  • Testosterone Free and Total: Measures both the unbound (free) and bound (total) levels of testosterone, essential for muscle mass, bone density, and sexual health.

Advanced Insights: HH-3 and HH-4 Panels

To delve deeper into your hormonal health, consider exploring beyond the HH-2 panel:

  • HH-3 Hormone Health - Men Panel: Adds Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and Prolactin, offering insights into more specific aspects of male hormonal health such as hair loss, prostate health, and potential pituitary issues.

  • HH-4 Hormone Health - Men Panel: The most comprehensive option, including all tests from HH-3 with the addition of Pregnenolone. This panel offers the fullest picture of hormonal balance, providing critical information for those dealing with complex endocrine disorders or optimizing overall wellness.

Detectable Conditions

The HH-2 panel can help detect and monitor conditions like hypogonadism, hormonal imbalances, infertility issues, pituitary disorders, and adrenal dysfunction. Understanding these hormone levels is crucial for diagnosing and managing various health conditions effectively.

Clinical Applications

Healthcare professionals utilize the results from the HH-2 panel to tailor treatment strategies, manage hormone replacement therapies, and guide lifestyle modifications. The comprehensive hormonal insights assist in addressing specific health concerns, optimizing health, and preventing potential health issues.

The HH-2 Hormone Health - Men Panel serves as a pivotal tool for understanding and managing men's hormonal health. By providing a detailed hormonal landscape, it enables informed healthcare decisions and personalized health strategies, ensuring a proactive approach to maintaining and enhancing men's well-being.

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

Customer Reviews