What is the TRT Screening Panel?

The TRT Screening Panel is a focused blood test designed to evaluate male androgen status and pituitary regulationbefore considering testosterone replacement therapy (TRT). It helps determine whether low testosterone is present and whether the cause is primary (testicular) or secondary (pituitary/hypothalamic).

This panel includes:

• Testosterone

• Free Testosterone (calculated)

• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

• Luteinising Hormone (LH)

• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)

• Albumin

Together, these markers assess total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, and the hormonal signals that regulate testosterone production.

Why do I need a TRT Screening Panel?

Low testosterone can significantly affect energy, mood, libido, muscle mass, fat distribution, and cognitive function. However, TRT should only be considered after thorough hormonal assessment to avoid inappropriate treatment.

This panel helps identify whether symptoms are due to low testosterone and whether lifestyle, medical, or hormonal causes are involved.

You may benefit from this test if you experience:

• Low libido or erectile difficulties

• Fatigue or reduced motivation

• Loss of muscle mass or strength

• Increased body fat

• Mood changes or brain fog

• Poor recovery from exercise

• Suspected low testosterone

• Considering testosterone therapy

Benefits of the TRT Screening Panel

1. Confirms testosterone status
   Measures total and free testosterone levels.

2. Assesses bioavailable testosterone
   SHBG and albumin determine active hormone fraction.

3. Identifies cause of low testosterone
   FSH and LH differentiate primary vs secondary causes.

4. Supports safe TRT decision-making
   Reduces risk of inappropriate treatment.

5. Guides further investigation
   Identifies need for pituitary or testicular assessment.

6. Relevant for fertility considerations
   Gonadotropins provide fertility-related insight.

7. Improves symptom interpretation
   Helps link symptoms to hormonal imbalance.

8. Simple, targeted hormone panel
   Focused testing with high clinical value.

Step-by-step – how we offer TRT Screening Panel testing

Clinic-based testing (UK-wide)

• Choose your nearest UK clinic

• Attend your appointment

• Blood samples collected by a qualified clinician or phlebotomist

• Samples are sent to the laboratory for analysis

At-home or hotel testing (+£60)

• A qualified phlebotomist visits your home or hotel

• Blood samples collected in a comfortable setting

• No clinic visit or travel required

Both services are available UK-wide.

Your TRT Screening Panel results explained

Low testosterone with raised FSH/LH

This pattern suggests primary hypogonadism, where the testes are not producing sufficient testosterone despite adequate pituitary signalling.

Further specialist assessment is often required.

UK reference interpretation:

• Testosterone: Below reference range

• FSH/LH: Above reference range

Low testosterone with low or normal FSH/LH

This pattern suggests secondary hypogonadism, where pituitary or hypothalamic signalling is reduced.

Lifestyle factors, stress, or medical causes may contribute.

UK reference interpretation:

• Testosterone: Below reference range

• FSH/LH: Low or normal

Normal testosterone with symptoms

Normal total testosterone with low free testosterone may occur due to elevated SHBG. This can still cause symptoms despite “normal” total levels.

Interpretation of free testosterone is essential.

UK reference interpretation:

• Total Testosterone: Within range

• Free Testosterone: Low