Understanding the Male Hormone Profile blood test

The Male Hormone Profile is designed to provide a detailed assessment of male hormonal balance, focusing on testosterone availability, hormone regulation, and the interaction between the testes, pituitary gland, and adrenal glands.

Rather than measuring testosterone alone, this profile evaluates free and bound hormone fractions, regulatory hormones, and related markers that influence energy levels, muscle mass, sexual function, mood, and fertility. It is particularly valuable because normal total testosterone levels do not always reflect how much hormone is actually available to tissues.

This profile includes the following markers:

• Albumin
• Testosterone
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
• Free Testosterone Calculation
• Free Androgen Index (FAI)
• DHEA-Sulphate
• Prolactin
• Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Luteinizing Hormone (LH)
• Oestradiol (E2)

Together, these markers provide a complete picture of androgen status, hormone regulation, and endocrine health in men.

When a Male Hormone Profile blood test is recommended

This test is recommended when symptoms or clinical concerns suggest hormonal imbalance or when monitoring hormone-related treatment or performance.

Testing may be appropriate if you:

• Have low energy or persistent fatigue
• Experience reduced libido or erectile difficulties
• Have difficulty building or maintaining muscle mass
• Notice mood changes, low motivation, or brain fog
• Are investigating infertility or low sperm count
• Have symptoms of low or high testosterone
• Are monitoring testosterone replacement therapy (TRT)
• Want a baseline hormone assessment

Benefits of the Male Hormone Profile

• Comprehensive testosterone assessment
  Measures total, free, and bioavailable testosterone.
• Identifies binding and availability issues
  SHBG and albumin explain hormone utilisation.
• Assesses pituitary hormone regulation
  LH and FSH indicate testicular signalling.
• Evaluates oestrogen balance in men
  Oestradiol affects libido, mood, and fat distribution.
• Includes adrenal androgen status
  DHEA-Sulphate reflects adrenal contribution.
• Useful for fertility assessment
  Supports investigation of sperm production issues.
• Essential for TRT monitoring
  Helps optimise treatment safely.
• Provides actionable clinical insight
  Guides lifestyle, medical, or specialist referral decisions.

How the test is carried out

We offer two convenient UK-wide testing options:

Clinic-based blood testing

• Choose your nearest UK clinic
• A healthcare professional collects a blood sample
• The sample is analysed in a certified laboratory
• Results are issued once testing is complete

Home or hotel blood collection (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home, workplace, or hotel
• Blood is collected at a time convenient for you
• No clinic visit required
• Available nationwide across the UK

Note: Hormone testing is usually recommended in the morning for optimal accuracy.

Understanding your Male Hormone Profile results

Low androgen status

• Low total testosterone, free testosterone, or FAI
• May be associated with fatigue, low libido, reduced muscle mass, and mood changes

Typical UK interpretation:

• Below reference range

Further assessment of pituitary and adrenal markers is often required.

Normal hormone balance

• Testosterone, SHBG, and regulatory hormones within range
• Indicates balanced androgen production and regulation

Typical UK interpretation:

• Within laboratory reference ranges

Symptoms may be due to non-hormonal causes.

High or imbalanced hormone levels

• Elevated testosterone, oestradiol, or prolactin
• May occur with supplementation, medication, or endocrine disorders

Typical UK interpretation:

• Above reference range

Clinical correlation and follow-up testing may be advised.