Blood Test: Total and Free Testosterone (TT and FT)

• Who Should Get Tested: Men experiencing symptoms of low testosterone such as low libido, erectile dysfunction, fatigue, or depression. Women with symptoms of excess testosterone like hirsutism (excessive hair growth) or irregular periods.

• What's Included in the Test:

• • Total Testosterone (TT): Measures the total amount of testosterone in the blood, including both bound (attached to proteins) and unbound (free) testosterone.

  • Free Testosterone (FT): Assesses the amount of testosterone that is not bound to proteins and is considered readily available for use by the body.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose conditions like hypogonadism (low testosterone) or hypergonadism (excess testosterone). To monitor treatment effectiveness in patients undergoing testosterone replacement therapy. To evaluate infertility issues or hormonal imbalances in both men and women.

CBC (Complete Blood Count):

• Who should get this test: Patients experiencing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, or unexplained weight loss, those undergoing routine health check-ups, individuals with known blood disorders, or those on medications affecting blood cells.

• What's included in the test:

• • White Blood Cell Count (WBC)

  • Red Blood Cell Count (RBC)

  • Hemoglobin (Hgb) and Hematocrit (Hct)

  • Platelet Count

  • Mean Corpuscular Volume (MCV)

  • Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin (MCH) and Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration (MCHC)

  • Red Cell Distribution Width (RDW)

• Why someone would check this test: To screen for or diagnose blood disorders (e.g., anemia, infections, leukemia), monitor treatment effects (e.g., chemotherapy, blood transfusions), assess overall health, or evaluate medication responses.

PSA Test (Prostate-Specific Antigen):

• Who should get this test: Patients with risk factors for prostate cancer such as older age, family history of prostate cancer, or African American ethnicity, individuals with symptoms suggestive of prostate problems like frequent urination, difficulty urinating, blood in the urine or semen, or pelvic pain, or those undergoing routine prostate cancer screening discussions with their healthcare provider.

• What's included in the test: The PSA test measures the levels of prostate-specific antigen, a protein produced by the prostate gland, in the blood. Elevated PSA levels may indicate prostate conditions such as prostate cancer, benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), or prostatitis.

• Why someone would check this test: To screen for prostate cancer, particularly in men aged 50 and older or those at higher risk, to monitor the progression of prostate conditions like cancer or BPH, to guide treatment decisions, or to assess response to prostate cancer treatment.

Estradiol (E2) for Men

• Who Should Get Tested: Men experiencing symptoms such as gynecomastia (enlarged breasts), erectile dysfunction, decreased libido, or infertility. Men with symptoms of hormonal imbalances or conditions affecting estrogen levels.

• What's Included in the Test: Measures the level of estradiol, the primary form of estrogen, in the blood.

• Why someone would check this test: To diagnose and monitor conditions like hypogonadism (low testosterone) where elevated estradiol levels may contribute to symptoms. To assess estrogen levels in men undergoing hormone replacement therapy or fertility treatments. To investigate the cause of gynecomastia or other symptoms related to estrogen excess or deficiency. This test helps evaluate estrogen levels in men and diagnose hormonal imbalances or conditions affecting reproductive health and overall well-being, guiding treatment decisions and management plans.