Male Hormones Check

This check measures a broad set of hormones involved in men's health and wellbeing. It is designed to help make sense of symptoms such as low energy, low mood, reduced sex drive, erectile difficulties, or other signs of a possible hormonal imbalance. By assessing several hormones together, including a fuller picture of your testosterone, it helps identify hormonal factors that may be affecting how you feel.

Testosterone and related hormones

• Testosterone (total): the main male sex hormone, important for sex drive, energy, mood, muscle, and overall male health
• SHBG (sex hormone binding globulin): a protein that binds testosterone, used together with total testosterone to calculate your free (active) testosterone
• Free testosterone (calculated): the active, available portion of testosterone, often more informative than the total level, particularly where symptoms suggest low testosterone
• Oestradiol (E2): men produce small amounts of this hormone, and the balance between it and testosterone is important for wellbeing and sexual function

Pituitary hormones

• LH and FSH: hormones from the pituitary gland that control the testes. Their pattern helps show whether a hormonal issue originates in the testes or in the signals from the brain that control them
• Prolactin: a hormone that, when raised, can lower testosterone and contribute to reduced libido and erectile difficulties

Thyroid and adrenal

• TSH (thyroid-stimulating hormone): checks thyroid function, as a thyroid imbalance commonly affects energy, mood, and libido, with symptoms that overlap with low testosterone
• Cortisol: the main adrenal stress hormone, giving additional insight into your overall hormonal picture

An important note on interpretation

These hormones are best understood together and alongside your symptoms. Testosterone and cortisol are both highest in the morning, so a morning sample is important for reliable results. Levels can also be affected by illness, stress, and other temporary factors, so an abnormal result is best confirmed and interpreted in context. Any abnormal result should be discussed with your GP or a specialist, who can interpret it fully and advise on next steps.

Why it matters

Hormonal imbalances in men are common and often treatable, and can affect energy, mood, libido, and overall quality of life. This check helps identify hormonal factors that may be contributing to your symptoms, supporting a clearer understanding of your health and guiding any further assessment or treatment.

• Testosterone (T)
• Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
• Free testosterone (calculated)
• Luteinising hormone (LH)
• Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
• Oestradiol (E2)
• Prolactin (PRL)
• Thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH)
• Cortisol (CORT)

No special preparation required.

For blood tests, we recommend drinking plenty of water beforehand to ensure smooth sample collection. If you are taking any regular medication, continue to do so unless advised otherwise by your doctor.