What is the purpose of this test?
The LetsGetChecked - Male Hormone Advanced Blood Spot Test Kit measures the levels of several critical hormones in your body, including testosterone, sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG), free androgen index (FAI), estradiol and prolactin. The LetsGetChecked - Male Hormone Advanced Blood Spot Test Kit is a comprehensive at-home testing kit designed to provide a detailed analysis of the hormonal balance in a male's body. It is a convenient and simple way to assess your overall health and identify any hormonal imbalances that may be affecting your well-being.
The kit includes everything you need to collect a small blood sample from your fingertip, including a lancet, a sample collection card, a biohazard bag, and a prepaid shipping envelope. Once you have collected your sample, you simply need to send it to a certified laboratory for analysis. Once your results are ready, you will receive a confidential report that outlines your hormone levels and provides personalized recommendations for improving your health. The report includes a detailed explanation of what your results mean and how to interpret them. It also provides recommendations for lifestyle changes, dietary modifications, and supplements that can help you optimize your hormone levels and improve your overall health.
Overall, the LetsGetChecked - Male Hormone Advanced Blood Spot Test Kit is an excellent tool for men who want to proactively manage their health and achieve optimal wellness. It is a safe, convenient, and reliable way to comprehensively analyze your hormonal balance and make informed decisions about your health.
The LetsGetChecked - Male Hormone Advanced Blood Spot Test Kit measures the following:
Testosterone - Testosterone is a steroid hormone that plays a key role in development of secondary sex characteristics, fertility, muscle strength, and bone health.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) - Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is made by your liver. SHBG transports and controls how much of these hormones are available for your body to use. SHBG levels that are too high or too low can be a sign that there are too much or too little hormones available for your body to use.
Free Androgen Index (FAI) - Free Androgen Index (FAI) is a ratio that is calculated by comparing the total amount of testosterone against the levels of SHBG. It can help indicate how much free testosterone is available for your body to use.
Estradiol - A small amount of testosterone is converted into estradiol, the main form of estrogen in men. Estradiol is a steroid hormone that helps control erectile function, libido, and sperm production. Estradiol naturally increases as men age and as testosterone slowly decreases.
Prolactin - Prolactin is a hormone made in your pituitary gland and is responsible for testosterone secretion and sperm production.
Benefits of the LetsGetChecked - Male Hormone Advanced Blood Spot Test Kit:
- Comprehensive Hormone Panel: The advanced test kit measures a range of hormones, including testosterone, estradiol, prolactin, free androgen index (FAI), and sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). This comprehensive panel offers a more detailed assessment of male hormonal balance.
- Holistic Hormonal Evaluation: The test provides a more holistic evaluation of hormonal interactions and imbalances by measuring multiple hormones. This can be valuable in understanding the broader hormonal picture and identifying potential issues.
- Convenience of Home Testing: Similar to other LetsGetChecked kits, the primary benefit is the convenience of testing hormone levels at home. This eliminates the need for a visit to a healthcare facility and allows individuals to collect samples in a comfortable and private environment.
- Easy Sample Collection: The blood spot collection method, typically obtained through a finger prick, is simple and less invasive than traditional blood draws. This may be particularly beneficial for individuals who prefer a more comfortable collection process.
- Monitoring Hormonal Health: The advanced test kit is suitable for individuals interested in ongoing monitoring of their hormonal health. It can be used to track changes in hormone levels over time and assess the effectiveness of interventions or lifestyle modifications.
- Privacy and Discretion: Home testing offers a level of privacy and discretion, allowing individuals to manage their health information in a private setting. This is especially important for those dealing with sensitive topics related to hormonal health.
- Accessible Results: Test results are typically provided online, offering quick and easy access. This allows individuals to review their hormone levels promptly and take proactive steps based on the comprehensive results.
- Educational Insights: The test kit may come with educational resources or information on male hormones and their roles in the body. This can help individuals better understand the implications of their hormone levels and make informed decisions about their health.
When should I order a Male Hormone Advanced Blood Spot Test Kit?
Individuals may order this test kit if they have experienced symptoms related to hormonal imbalances. Common signs or symptoms of hormonal imbalances may include:
- Decreased sex drive
- Erectile dysfunction
- Decreased muscle mass
- Fatigue
- Hot flashes
- Infertility
- Increased body fat
- Breast enlargement (gynecomastia)
- Hair loss
- Decreased bone density
- Mood changes, such as irritability or depression