Description
The Men’s Hormone Comprehensive 1 measures Total Testosterone, Cortisol, SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) and DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate). These Hormone groupings are common regulators of a man’s endocrine system and can provide a good baseline hormone status for aging men.
Total Testosterone is a steroid hormone from the androgen group and is primarily secreted in the testes of males, although small amounts of testosterone are also secreted by the adrenal glands. Testosterone is the principal male sex hormone and an anabolic (help builds up lean tissues) steroid. In men, testosterone plays a key role in the development of male reproductive tissues such as the testis and prostate as well as promoting secondary sexual characteristics. In addition, testosterone is essential for health and well-being as well as the prevention of osteoporosis. On average, an adult male produces about ten times more testosterone than an adult female, but females are more sensitive to the hormone.
Cortisol is the primary hormone secreted by the adrenal gland which has a broad spectrum of physiological effects, ranging from supporting blood pressure and promoting normal circulation to helping the body to defend itself against outside stress. Cortisol is also important in regulating the body’s glucose and fat metabolism. It is a catabolic hormone, which in excess, promotes the breakdown of lean body mass and the accumulation of body fat.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) test is prescribed in order to evaluate the status of a patient’s androgens, the male hormones. The purpose of this test is to evaluate the level of SHBG in blood in order to evaluate whether the concentration of SHBG is affecting the amount of testosterone available to the body’s tissues. With men, the concern is testosterone deficiency, while with women the concern is excess testosterone production. SHBG and testosterone levels may be ordered on an adult male to help determine the cause of infertility.
DHEAS (Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate) provides important regulatory functions for the immune system, optimizing cardiovascular function and improving cognitive function. This test is done to check the function of the adrenal glands.