Standard Male Hormone Panel (3 Tests)

Men's Hormone Test Panel — Basic

Hormonal imbalances and reduced testosterone levels are becoming more common in modern male health, leading to various symptoms such as low energy, low sex drive, erectile dysfunction, infertility, and more. Choose our panel to measure various types of testosterone and proteins that impact your health and wellness to kickstart a conversation with your healthcare provider. Read more

Test details

Sample type:

Blood

Preparation:

Because testosterone levels are usually highest in the morning, it is recommended that you schedule an appointment to have your sample collected early in the day. Fasting is not required for this test.

Test type: In Person

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$139.00

+ $6.00 Physician Service Fee

Quantity

What

This panel measures testosterone in three ways (free, bioavailable, and total), as well as two testosterone transport proteins: sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) and albumin.

Who

Those who experience any symptoms mentioned below or are interested in checking testosterone and protein levels that impact their sexual development, function, and health. Must be 18 years of age to purchase.

How

Blood

Where

Find a location near you

Schedule an appointment, then visit one of the Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Centers.

About the Test

Our panel measures free, bioavailable, and total testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and albumin levels in the blood. During puberty, testosterone plays a crucial role in the development of secondary sexual characteristics, such as growth of facial hair, deepening of the voice, and development of the penis and testes. In addition to these changes, testosterone also has other important functions in the body, such as promoting muscle strength and mass, regulating red blood cell production, maintaining healthy bone density, and supporting a healthy sex drive.

However, in recent years, there has been a global decline in healthy sperm counts, with a 50% drop in the last 40 years¹. Measuring testosterone and testosterone transport protein levels is an important tool in identifying various medical conditions that affect male sexual development, function, and health. Conditions include hypogonadism, which occurs when the testes produce less testosterone than normal. Identifying hormonal imbalances can help improve overall male health and prevent long-term complications.

This test may be right for you if any the following are true:

You are experiencing symptoms of hormone imbalance disorders (listed below)
You are planning for a family and want to evaluate your fertility
You are a transgender male or female and want to evaluate your hormone levels

Hormone imbalances can only be diagnosed by a healthcare professional based on your symptoms and history. By getting tested, you and your healthcare provider can understand the cause of your symptoms and identify next steps.

This test panel measures markers in your blood that are commonly evaluated by healthcare providers to diagnose hormone imbalance disorders, such as hypogonadism.

Testosterone is an androgen steroid hormone and the principal male sex hormone. In men, it plays a key role in development of the male reproductive system that regulates sex drive and is essential for sperm production. Testosterone also promotes secondary sexual characteristics such as facial and chest hair, bone health, upper body muscle mass and strength, and regulates body fat distribution. It is primarily secreted from the testes.

Low levels of testosterone are associated with aging and common medical conditions including diabetes, high blood pressure, and obesity. Abnormal levels of testosterone in the blood may cause changes in health and physical appearance.

Free Testosterone: Testosterone that is active and unbound to a protein (like SHBG or albumin)
Bioavailable Testosterone: Sum of free testosterone and testosterone bound to albumin
Total Testosterone: Sum of all testosterone in the bloodstream

Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein made by your liver that transports and controls the amount of hormones available for your body to use. High or low SHBG levels can be a sign that there are too many or too little hormones available for your body to use.

Albumin is also a protein in the blood that transports various metals, drugs, and metabolites throughout the body, including hormones. Like SHBG, it helps in determining the amount of free and bioavailable testosterone in the body.

Hormone imbalances can affect the body in many ways. In men, low testosterone levels are more common than high levels. Some men can have abnormal testosterone levels for years without knowing.

Symptoms of low testosterone in men can include:

Decrease in sex drive
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Decrease in muscle mass
Bone weakness
Breast tissue development
Hair loss
Difficulty sleeping
Difficulty with memory and concentration
Decrease in testicle size
Decrease in semen production that can lead to fertility problems

Symptoms of high testosterone in men can include:

Elevated blood pressure
Heart or liver problems
Headaches
Aggressive behavior
Excessive body hair growth
Acne
Prostate enlargement
Decrease in sperm production
Insomnia

Those who experience any symptoms mentioned below or are interested in checking testosterone and protein levels that impact their sexual development, function, and health. You must be 18 years of age or older to purchase a test on questhealth.com. Purchases not permitted in: AK, AZ, HI.

After you provide your specimen, it generally takes few business days to process and release your test results. However, processing times may vary. Your test results will be available in a clear and easy-to-read report. Independent physicians are available to discuss questions or concerns you may have regarding your results.

How it works

In-person
In-home sample collection

Buy a lab test & schedule an appointment

No doctor visit required for purchase. Book a visit to one of 2000+ Quest locations.

Schedule an appointment

Visit Quest for sample collection

Complete your test sample collection during your scheduled appointment.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available.

View results

Get physician support

Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

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+ in-home sample collection

If in-home service is available in your area, purchase for an additional $55 fee.

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Schedule an appointment

After you make a purchase, Quest Mobile will contact you to schedule an in-home sample collection appointment.

In-home sample collection

A Quest Mobile phlebotomist will collect your sample and deliver it to Quest Diagnostics.

Get fast results online

Access results online as soon as they’re available. Discuss your results with an independent physician at no extra cost.

View results

In-home sample collection is not available in all locations.
Is in-home sample collection available near me?

FAQs

What is hypogonadism?

Hypogonadism in men is a condition in which the body does not make enough testosterone.
Symptoms in men can include:

Decrease in sex drive
Difficulty getting or maintaining an erection
Decrease in muscle mass
Bone weakness
Breast tissue development
Hair loss
Difficulty with memory and concentration
Decrease in testicle size
Decrease in semen production causing fertility problems

Hypogonadism can occur if:

Your testes are not making enough testosterone
Your brain does not signal the testes to make enough testosterone
You are taking medication or are undergoing cancer treatment that changes the amount of testosterone that your body makes

Can lifestyle cause low testosterone?

Low testosterone levels can be caused by a variety of factors, including age, obesity, alcohol, smoking habits, and a sedentary lifestyle.

I am a trans male / trans female. Is this test right for me?

Yes, this test is NOT just for those who were assigned male at birth. This test can be taken by anyone who would like to assess their hormone levels but should ultimately be discussed with your healthcare provider if undergoing hormone therapy.

Can I use my FSA or HSA funds to purchase tests at questhealth.com?

You may be able to use your FSA or HSA funds to purchase lab tests at questhealth.com. Please review your FSA/HSA plan or check with a tax professional to confirm specific requirements for individual eligibility.

Our references

References:

Human Reproduction Update, Volume 29, Issue 2, March-April 2023, Pages 157–176, https://doi.org/10.1093/humupd/dmac035

Sources:

Quest Diagnostics Test Directory Information
Testosterone, Free, Bioavailable, and Total MS with SHBG and Albumin Panel
Estradiol
Prolactin
Diagnostic and Testing Information from the Cleveland Clinic:
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/24215-testosterone-test
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/articles/22002-androgens
Test information on SHBG from Medlineplus.gov:
https://medlineplus.gov/lab-tests/shbg-blood-test/
Testosterone & albumin: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6371759/#:~:text=Like%20other%20steroid%20hormones%2C%20testosterone%20is%20synthesized%20from,transient%20reservoir%20that%20rapidly%20regulates%20local%20testosterone%20concentrations.

Tests purchased on questhealth.com are only for individuals who intend to pay directly for testing and do not want to submit a claim for reimbursement under their health insurance.

Men's Hormone Test Panel — Basic