Testosterone Replacement Therapy Panel

• Comprehensive Metabolic Panel 14 (CMP14) —

  CMP blood test measures levels of 14 individual components to assess overall health.

• Complete Blood Count (CBC) with Differential —

  Measures red and white blood cells, hematocrit, hemoglobin and platelets

• Lipid Panel —

  Cholesterol test for LDL, HDL, Total and Triglycerides. (aka Lipid Profile).

• Hemoglobin A1C (HgbA1c) —

  An A1C blood test, measures the average amount of glucose (blood sugar) over the past 2-3 months to screen for diabetes or monitor existing diabetes

• Urinalysis (UA) —

  Examines a urine sample for the presence of proteins and other signs of infection

• Vitamin D, 25 Hydroxy —

  Measures the amount of vitamin D, an important factor in bone strength

• TSH, Free T4 —

  Measures the amount of thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) and free thyroxine (T₄) to evaluate thyroid function

• Testosterone, Free & Total —

  Measures the total level of testosterone, including the small portion circulating freely in the body.

• Estradiol, Sensitive —

  Measures the level of estradiol with increased sensitivity for men and post-menopausal women.

• Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) —

  PSA test measures the level of prostate-specific antigen (PSA) to evaluate prostate function in men.

• Prolactin —

  Measures prolactin, a hormone important during pregnancy and while breastfeeding.

• Follicle-stimulating Hormone (FSH) & Luteinizing Hormone (LH) —

  Measures FSH and LH to help assess fertility.

• Sex Hormone-binding Globulin (SHBG) —

  Measures the level of sex hormone-binding globulin.

What's it used for?

This panel may be used to measure hormone levels and other wellness markers during Testosterone replacement therapy. While Testosterone therapy may be used on both either men or women, this panel is specifically for males as it includes the PSA test.

Testosterone is a primary sex hormone that is found in both men and women's systems. While being in charge of developing male traits, this protein has many other functions as well, such as the ability to control our sex drive, regulating the production of sperm, increasing energy, and promoting the development of muscle mass. Testosterone concentrations decline naturally with age, which may lead to physiological changes such as low sex drive.

Once on replacement therapy it is important to maintain a hormonal balance and perform regular routine lab tests to measure those hormone levels. Measuring these levels together will aid you and your physician in the process for proper treatment or replacement therapy if needed.

Men who have low testosterone levels have a number of testosterone therapy options for raising their testosterone levels back to the normal ranges. Testosterone replacement therapy options typically show no negative side effects, and more common side effects tend to be mild (such as rashes or irritation at the site of treatment). There is some evidence linking testosterone therapy to more serious side effects such as cardiac complications and stroke. Research into the long-term side effects of testosterone therapy are ongoing. Be sure to follow all medical advice from your doctor if you elect to receive testosterone replacement therapy.

Reviewed By: Dr. Kurt Kloss, MD
Last Reviewed Date: May 22, 2020