A ten-marker panel looking at testosterone, the pituitary hormones that control its production, the proteins that carry it in the blood, and related hormones such as oestradiol, prolactin and DHEA sulphate. Vitamin B12 is included as an additional non-hormonal marker because its deficiency can cause some similar symptoms. Results are reported against the laboratory's reference ranges.
Before you book
- Price: £200. This covers laboratory analysis and your laboratory report.
- Where: Your blood sample is taken from a vein by our team at 82 King Street, Maidstone, or at a partner clinic near you, anywhere in the UK.
- Preparation: Book an appointment before 11am.
- Results: the laboratory's report shows each result beside its reference range. We confirm the expected turnaround and any collection fee before you book.
- Optional: a written interpretation (£50) or a results consultation with Marina (£100).
After you order, we contact you to arrange your blood draw. A postal finger-prick kit may be possible for this test: please ask before ordering.
What is measured
- Testosterone and binding: testosterone, SHBG, albumin and the Free Androgen Index (calculated)
- Pituitary hormones: LH, FSH and prolactin
- Related hormones: oestradiol and DHEA sulphate
- Additional marker: total vitamin B12
Useful for
- Symptoms that can be linked to low testosterone, such as reduced sex drive, erection problems or fewer morning erections
- Helping a clinician see whether a low testosterone looks testicular or pituitary in origin
- Checking prolactin, a recognised cause of reduced testosterone
- Having a baseline set of results to discuss with your GP
Clinical guidelines require two separate morning samples, together with symptoms, before low testosterone is diagnosed. A single result cannot establish deficiency or decide on treatment.
Sample: venous blood (serum), taken before 11am. Biomarkers: 10 (9 measured, 1 calculated). Interpretation: not included in the test price; available separately.
Helpful links: Compare health checks · How to prepare for a blood test · Understanding your report · All blood tests
Male Hormone Profile Blood Test
Testosterone and binding proteins
- Testosterone (measured): total testosterone, the starting point for assessing androgen status.
- SHBG (measured): the main binding protein; affects how much testosterone is available.
- Albumin (measured): a liver-made protein that loosely binds testosterone; used in free testosterone calculations and also a general marker of nutrition, liver and kidney health.
- Free Androgen Index (calculated from testosterone and SHBG): a ratio estimate of available testosterone.
Pituitary hormones
- LH (measured): the signal that drives testosterone production.
- FSH (measured): the signal that supports sperm production.
- Prolactin (measured): raised levels can suppress testosterone production.
Related hormones
- Oestradiol (measured): formed from testosterone; read alongside testosterone and SHBG.
- DHEA sulphate (measured): adrenal androgen precursor.
Additional marker
- Total vitamin B12 (measured): total circulating B12, including the portion not available to cells.
The laboratory counts this panel as 10 biomarkers: nine measured directly and one calculated.
Testosterone production is controlled by the hypothalamic–pituitary–gonadal axis. The hypothalamus prompts the pituitary to release luteinising hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). LH stimulates the testes to make testosterone, and FSH, with testosterone inside the testes, supports sperm production. Testosterone and the oestradiol made from it feed back to reduce LH and FSH.
Primary and secondary causes
When the testes are not producing enough testosterone (primary hypogonadism), LH and FSH rise. When the problem lies in the pituitary or hypothalamus (secondary hypogonadism), they are low or inappropriately normal. The Endocrine Society recommends LH and FSH to make this distinction, and prolactin and iron studies where a secondary cause is suspected. Raised prolactin is a recognised, treatable cause of low testosterone.
How testosterone is carried
A large share of circulating testosterone is bound tightly to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and most of the rest loosely to albumin. Only a small fraction is free, so when SHBG is unusually high or low, total testosterone can mislead. The Endocrine Society notes that obesity and type 2 diabetes lower SHBG, while ageing and some medicines raise it. UK guidance from the British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) advises assessing free testosterone when total testosterone is in the borderline zone of roughly 8 to 12 nmol/L, or when SHBG is abnormal. Albumin is included because it is needed for the calculation commonly used to estimate free testosterone.
Oestradiol and DHEA sulphate in men
Men make oestradiol mainly by converting testosterone through the enzyme aromatase, much of it in fat tissue; it contributes to bone health and sexual function. DHEA sulphate (DHEA-S) is an adrenal androgen precursor that is relatively stable through the day and falls gradually with age.
Vitamin B12
Vitamin B12 is not a hormone. Deficiency can cause tiredness, low mood and pins and needles, which overlap with symptoms often attributed to low testosterone. NICE guidance on B12 deficiency describes how borderline results may need further testing.
Each result is shown with the laboratory's reference range. Testosterone ranges vary between laboratories and methods, so use the same laboratory when comparing over time.
Reading the results together
- Low testosterone with raised LH and FSH points towards reduced testicular production.
- Low testosterone with low or normal LH suggests a pituitary or hypothalamic cause; contributors include excess weight, illness, opioids and raised prolactin.
- Low LH and FSH with normal or high testosterone is expected in someone taking testosterone or anabolic steroids.
- Abnormal SHBG changes how total testosterone should be read. The FAI was developed mainly for use in women and is generally regarded as less reliable in men; clinicians often prefer a calculated free testosterone using testosterone, SHBG and albumin.
- Raised prolactin may be repeated first, because stress, some medicines and macroprolactin (a large, largely inactive form) can raise it.
- Oestradiol is low in men, where some immunoassays are less precise. It can be higher with excess body fat, liver disease, some medicines and testosterone use.
- DHEA-S falls with age, so the reference range is often age-related. DHEA supplements raise it.
- Vitamin B12 is raised by supplements or injections; a low or borderline result needs discussion with your GP.
When to repeat
Testosterone is often lower after food and during or after illness. The Endocrine Society and BSSM both advise confirming a low result with a repeat morning sample. If any result is outside the reference range, we recommend discussing it with your GP, and with your consent Juvenology can write to your GP with your results. Please do not start, stop or change any medicine or supplement because of this test.
Low sex drive, erection problems, tiredness and low mood have many causes, including stress, poor sleep, other medical conditions and medicines; low testosterone is one of them. Testing testosterone with LH, FSH, prolactin and SHBG shows how the whole axis is behaving, which gives a clinician more to work with than testosterone alone.
This test may be relevant if you have symptoms you want to discuss with your GP, or if a clinician has suggested these markers. It is a set of results to support a clinical conversation, not a diagnosis.
May be helpful for
- Men with symptoms that may relate to low testosterone who want results to take to their GP
- Men whose clinician has asked for LH, FSH, prolactin or SHBG alongside testosterone
- Men who have had a low testosterone result and want a fuller morning repeat to discuss with a clinician
May not be the right test if
- You have no symptoms and want reassurance: guidelines do not support routine screening
- You already take testosterone: a monitoring panel such as our Ultimate TRT Blood Test, arranged with your prescriber, may be more suitable
- You are trying to conceive: fertility assessment needs a semen analysis, which this panel does not provide
- You are currently unwell or recovering from a significant illness: results may be temporarily lower
- You have breast enlargement, a testicular lump or other new physical change: please see your GP directly
On average, testosterone declines gradually with age while SHBG rises, so free testosterone falls more than total testosterone. Many older men nevertheless remain within the reference range, and age alone is not considered a reason for testosterone treatment.
Population studies show that lower testosterone is associated with obesity, type 2 diabetes and chronic illness. The 2023 BSSM guideline summarises evidence linking low testosterone with later type 2 diabetes and with poorer outcomes in some chronic conditions. These are associations: they do not show that low testosterone causes these conditions, or that raising it prevents them.
The Endocrine Society recommends against routine screening of the general male population for low testosterone. There are no validated ‘optimal’ ranges for healthy ageing, and this test does not measure biological age.
- Timing: book an appointment before 11am. Testosterone follows a daily rhythm and afternoon results are harder to interpret. If you work nights, tell us so the timing can be discussed.
- Fasting: fast overnight if you can (water is fine). BSSM guidance notes that testosterone can be lower after eating.
- Illness: postpone the test if you are unwell, and wait until you have recovered from any recent significant illness.
- Exercise and sleep: avoid unusually strenuous exercise the day before and try to sleep normally.
- Biotin: tell us if you take biotin or a hair, skin and nails supplement. The laboratory will advise how long to pause it.
- Medicines and supplements: tell us about any testosterone, anabolic steroids, opioids, steroid tablets, medicines for mood or psychosis, DHEA and vitamin B12 supplements or injections. Do not stop any prescribed medicine to take the test.
Choose how your sample is taken when you book. We confirm the collection option, any collection fee and the expected turnaround time before you book.
- Juvenology Clinic, Maidstone (82 King Street, Maidstone ME14 1BH): Available.
- Partner clinic near you, anywhere in the UK: Available on request. We confirm availability for your postcode before you book.
- Postal home finger-prick kit: Ask before ordering. We offer a home kit only where the laboratory confirms this test is suitable for a finger-prick sample.
Sample: Venous blood sample (serum)
Collection notes: Book a sample before 11am, ideally after an overnight fast (water is fine). Testosterone falls through the day, so later samples are harder to interpret. A home finger-prick kit is offered only if the laboratory confirms that all ten markers, including oestradiol at male concentrations, can be measured reliably from a capillary sample.
The price of this test covers laboratory analysis and the laboratory's results report. The report lists each result beside the laboratory's reference range.
Beyond the blood test: optional support, priced separately
- Personalised written interpretation report: £50
- General consultation: £50
- Results consultation (results discussion and follow-up advice): £100
- Personalised programme: from £150, after we assess whether a programme suits you
Consultations are with Marina, an NMC-registered nurse. She explains what your results show and how they relate to lifestyle. No prescription service is offered with these tests.
If a result suggests you need medical follow-up, we will recommend that you see your GP and, with your consent, can provide a letter to take with you. A blood test cannot rule out every condition. If you have symptoms, speak to your GP or NHS 111, and call 999 in an emergency.
Why does the sample need to be taken in the morning, and might I need a repeat?
Testosterone is highest in the morning and reference ranges are based on morning samples. UK and international guidelines advise confirming a low result with a second morning sample on a different day.
My testosterone is near the bottom of the range. Do I need treatment?
This test cannot answer that. Guidelines base diagnosis on consistent symptoms plus repeatedly low morning results, and your GP or a specialist would look for underlying causes. Juvenology does not prescribe testosterone or other hormone treatments.
Why are albumin and vitamin B12 included if they are not hormones?
Albumin carries part of the testosterone in your blood and is used to estimate free testosterone. Vitamin B12 deficiency can cause tiredness, low mood and nerve symptoms that overlap with symptoms people often link to testosterone.
What does the Free Androgen Index tell me?
It is a ratio of testosterone to SHBG giving a rough idea of available testosterone. In men it is considered less reliable than calculated free testosterone, so read it with your total testosterone, SHBG and albumin.
I already take testosterone. Is this the right test?
On treatment, prescribers usually monitor haematocrit and PSA as well as hormones. Our Ultimate TRT Blood Test covers those; please agree any private testing with your prescriber.
Can this test check my fertility?
No. FSH and LH give some background information about testicular function, but fertility is assessed with a semen analysis through your GP or a fertility service.
Is interpretation included in the price?
The price covers laboratory analysis and the laboratory's report, showing each result with its reference range. You can add a personalised written interpretation report (£50) or book a results consultation (£100) with Marina, our NMC-registered nurse. Where a result needs medical attention, we will advise you to see your GP.
- Bhasin S, Brito JP, Cunningham GR, et al. Testosterone Therapy in Men With Hypogonadism: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2018;103(5):1715–1744. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2018-00229
- Hackett G, Kirby M, Edwards D, et al. British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Adult Testosterone Deficiency, With Statements for UK Practice. Journal of Sexual Medicine, 2017;14(12):1504–1523. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jsxm.2017.10.067
- Hackett G, Kirby M, Rees RW, et al. The British Society for Sexual Medicine Guidelines on Male Adult Testosterone Deficiency, with Statements for Practice. World Journal of Men's Health, 2023. https://doaj.org/article/ab57d77e43964fcfba17e4eea83123cd
- Melmed S, Casanueva FF, Hoffman AR, et al. Diagnosis and Treatment of Hyperprolactinemia: An Endocrine Society Clinical Practice Guideline. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 2011. https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2010-1692
- Vitamin B12 deficiency in over 16s: diagnosis and management (NG239). National Institute for Health and Care Excellence, 2024. https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng239
