Male hormone profile

Check for fertility, sports supplementation, and other hormone-related issues

At Amiry & Gilbride, we’re always looking for ways to help our customers optimise their health. Now, our partnership with London Medical Laboratory has allowed us to introduce testing for hormone-related issues, to help understand all the possible health concerns associated with them. The test is quick and easy, and we’ll provide you with a pricing quote during the booking process, prior to your confirmation of the test.

Introduction

Testosterone is the male sex hormone, but not always the most important in male hormonal health. There is an array of important hormones that all contribute to healthy bodily function, including growth, metabolism, appetite, and especially fertility.

Hormone imbalances or deficiencies can cause all sorts of symptoms and conditions. Our testing allows us to assess the presence and quality of all your hormones, in turn delivering information regarding fertility and other potential hormonal issues, as well as sports supplementation needs.

How does the test work?

Whether you have health concerns, are managing an already existing condition, or you’re simply curious to find out, there is no better test for finding or monitoring health problems than a blood test. And our finger-prick test can offer a faster and less-invasive option than traditional venous blood draws.

After a brief consultation to discuss any underlying conditions and why you’re taking the test, you need only wait a few seconds for the test itself, then a week at most for your results to be sent to you.

Please note that blood tests are great for finding any potential issues, but should not serve as a replacement for seeing your GP. If you have symptoms and health concerns, do not self-diagnose an issue – request a consultation with your GP, so you can get professional advice and start suitable treatments.

What do you test?

Hormones (9 biomarkers)

As we mentioned, testosterone isn’t the only hormone responsible for healthy bodily functions in men, with other hormones affecting your growth, appetite, metabolism, and fertility. Any issues with imbalances or deficiencies may be causing your symptoms, which is why we test for 9 different biomarkers.

Oestradiol

This is one form of oestrogen, the main female sex hormone. Contrary to popular belief, testosterone and oestrogen aren’t exclusive to each sex; rather, they’re more prevalent in each respective sex, with smaller functions in the other.

Oestradiol is important for all sorts of functions in the male body, from sperm production and bone health to the ability to achieve an erection. Too much or too little can cause issues within these respective areas, such as joint issues or infertility.

Follicular stimulating hormone

Commonly abbreviated as FSH, this hormone is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain, and contributes to sexual functions in both sexes. For women, it is vital in the menstrual cycle and for producing oestradiol and progesterone, whilst for men, it stimulates sperm production. Testing FSH allows us to diagnose infertility or pituitary gland disorders.

Luteinizing hormone

Luteinizing hormone is often referred to by the abbreviation LH, and it is another hormone produced by the pituitary gland. The luteinizing hormone regulates the menstrual cycle for women by stimulating the ovaries to release reproductive hormones, whilst for men, it stimulates the production and release of testosterone. Like FSH, testing the levels of LH can help indicate potential reproductive issues.

Testosterone

This is the hormone most men will be familiar with, but like oestradiol, it’s also important in female sexual health. For men, it’s vital in development during puberty, contributing to body hair growth and muscle development, and of course, triggering sexual development and controlling libido.

Our test allows us to diagnose various conditions in men, such as infertility or erectile dysfunction, and from here, we can inform you on the steps to take to improve your health.

Prolactin

Another pituitary-produced hormone with more common functions in women’s health, prolactin is also important in the male endocrine system. Prolactin is for inducing lactation (breast milk production) for women, whilst in men, it contributes to erectile health and sperm production. Of course, like the other pituitary hormones, too much or too little can be a big problem for male hormonal health.

Sex hormone binding globulin

SHBG is a protein that the liver produces, with its main function being the binding and transporting of hormones like testosterone, oestradiol, and dihydrotestosterone in the blood. Our SHBG test lets us diagnose testosterone deficiencies in men, by giving us more information than a testosterone test alone would provide.

Free testosterone calculation

This test determines just how much testosterone your body is actually using or is able to use. If there is an absence of free testosterone, you may find issues with infertility or erectile dysfunction, which is why it’s important to rule out any problems early.

DHEA-sulphate

This hormone is produced in the adrenal glands, but a small amount is also produced by the testes and ovaries in men and women respectively. This hormone regulates heart rate, blood pressure, and the production of the primary sex hormones testosterone and oestrogen. We measure for this specific hormone to identify potential tumours in the adrenal gland or to diagnose disorders in the male and female sex organs.

Free androgen index

Similar to the free testosterone test, this test is a ratio for identifying androgen levels. Androgens are the hormones like testosterone and oestrogen which develop sex organs, and identifying any anomalies in your body’s usage of them helps us diagnose potential infertility issues.

Liver function (1 biomarker)

The liver is also responsible for many of the body’s essential functions, most importantly in regulating blood sugar levels and detoxifying your blood, as well as generally helping combat infections. Liver troubles are often indicative of your overall health and wellbeing, which is why it’s important to monitor the liver closely.

Albumin

This is a protein produced in the liver that helps with keeping fluids in the bloodstream, as well as transporting hormones and vitamins around the body. Testing albumin levels gives us a good idea of your overall liver and kidney health, and can help us diagnose potential diseases.

FAQs

What are the symptoms of low testosterone?

The most noticeable symptom will likely be a reduced sex drive, but physically active patients may notice reduced muscular growth and strength, as well as bone problems. Pubertal development and sperm production may also indicate lower testosterone levels, and changes in sperm should be noted.

What is LH and FSH testing for?

Despite their functions commonly referring to the menstrual cycle, these hormones are equally important for male sexual health, and testing them can help indicate potential infertility issues or pinpoint the cause of other hormonal issues.