Male Comprehensive Hormone & CardioMetabolic Test | Specialist Doctor Report Included

Test ID: SB-648 | Saliva LCMS Hormones 7 with Cortisol + Blood Spot CardioMetabolic Panel

The Male Comprehensive Hormone & CardioMetabolic Test is an advanced at-home health profile for men measuring 13 key hormones and markers across two interconnected systems: a full saliva LCMS sex hormone and cortisol panel, and a six-marker blood spot cardiometabolic panel. Using saliva LCMS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) — the gold standard for bioavailable hormone measurement — combined with a blood spot cardiometabolic panel, this test reveals how male hormones, cortisol, and metabolic health interact to drive the symptoms that standard NHS blood panels consistently miss in men.

In men, testosterone, cortisol, and insulin form a tightly coupled hormonal-metabolic network — one in which disruption to any part cascades through the entire system. Cortisol depletes testosterone through pregnenolone steal and direct Leydig cell suppression, drives visceral fat accumulation and aromatase-driven oestradiol conversion, causes insulin resistance, and raises triglycerides and hsCRP — all simultaneously. Insulin resistance promotes further aromatase activity and testosterone decline. Elevated oestradiol feeds back to suppress the HPG axis, completing the cycle. And low testosterone independently worsens every one of these cardiometabolic risk factors — raising triglycerides, suppressing HDL, promoting visceral fat, and elevating hsCRP. This test measures the full hormonal-metabolic network in a single kit, identifying the root-cause hormonal drivers of symptoms that single-system tests cannot reveal.

Test from home with confidence — no clinic visit required. Results within 3–5 working days.

Why Male Hormones and Cardiometabolic Health Must Be Assessed Together

• Low testosterone is a primary and independent cardiometabolic risk factor in men — testosterone maintains insulin sensitivity, HDL cholesterol, lean muscle mass, and vascular health; low testosterone independently raises triglycerides, suppresses HDL, promotes visceral fat, elevates hsCRP, and increases the risk of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and cardiovascular disease; this relationship is bidirectional — metabolic dysfunction further suppresses testosterone — creating a compounding cycle that neither hormonal nor metabolic testing alone can interrupt
• Cortisol is the central disruptor of testosterone and every cardiometabolic marker simultaneously — through pregnenolone steal and Leydig cell suppression, cortisol depletes testosterone while simultaneously driving visceral fat, aromatase-driven oestradiol conversion, insulin resistance, triglyceride elevation, and hsCRP; measuring cortisol by saliva LCMS alongside the cardiometabolic markers reveals the hormonal root cause of metabolic deterioration that neither panel alone can determine
• Insulin resistance and testosterone decline are mutually reinforcing in men — elevated insulin promotes visceral fat and aromatase-driven oestrogen conversion, further suppressing testosterone; low testosterone worsens insulin sensitivity; together they drive metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and erectile dysfunction simultaneously; fasting insulin is the earliest detectable marker of this process — elevated years before HbA1c or fasting glucose becomes abnormal
• Oestradiol imbalance compounds every cardiometabolic risk factor in men — excess oestradiol from visceral fat aromatase suppresses testosterone via the HPG axis, raises triglycerides, promotes water retention, and drives hsCRP elevation; the oestradiol-to-testosterone ratio is one of the strongest hormonal predictors of cardiometabolic and androgenic risk in men — and requires both markers to be assessed simultaneously
• hsCRP is the convergence marker of the entire male hormonal-metabolic axis — elevated simultaneously by low testosterone, cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance, visceral fat, and oestradiol excess; it is a stronger independent predictor of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in men than LDL cholesterol, and is directly elevated by hormonal imbalance across the entire range of androgenic decline

What This Test Measures — 13 Markers Across Two Systems

Saliva LCMS — Sex Hormones & Cortisol (7 markers)

• Oestradiol (E2): Present in men via aromatase conversion of testosterone. Essential for bone density, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive function — but excess oestradiol from visceral fat, cortisol elevation, or alcohol suppresses testosterone via the HPG axis, causes gynaecomastia, raises triglycerides, and elevates cardiovascular risk. The oestradiol-to-testosterone ratio is a primary androgenic and cardiometabolic health indicator in men. Measured by LCMS for the free, bioavailable fraction.
• Oestriol (E3): Reflects oestrogen conversion pathways and aromatase activity in men. Elevated E3 indicates increased oestrogen precursor load or conversion activity; the E3-to-E2 ratio provides metabolic oestrogen context beyond what E2 alone reveals.
• Oestrone (E1): Produced by androgen conversion in adipose tissue. Elevated oestrone in men with visceral fat drives systemic oestrogenic load, compounds testosterone suppression, and is associated with increased cardiometabolic and inflammatory risk. A key indicator of adipose-driven hormonal disruption in men.
• Progesterone (Pg): Present in men in small but clinically important amounts. Acts as a natural 5-alpha reductase inhibitor, blocking DHT conversion; has direct anti-oestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and cardioprotective effects; supports insulin sensitivity, sleep quality, and thyroid function. Low progesterone in men is associated with elevated DHT, prostate risk, anxiety, and increased cardiometabolic inflammation.
• Testosterone (T): The primary male androgen — essential for energy, libido, muscle mass, bone density, insulin sensitivity, HDL maintenance, and cardiovascular health. Saliva LCMS measures the free, bioavailable fraction — the clinically relevant value that correlates with androgenic function and symptoms, as opposed to total blood testosterone which includes the SHBG-bound, inactive fraction that can mask significant free testosterone deficiency.
• DHEAS (DS): The primary adrenal androgen precursor in men, declining from the mid-30s and depleted under chronic stress. Low DHEAS reduces testosterone precursor availability, impairs stress resilience, and has direct anti-inflammatory and insulin-sensitising effects that protect against cardiometabolic deterioration. Elevated DHEAS under adrenal overactivation drives androgen excess and inflammatory cardiovascular risk.
• Cortisol (C): The primary stress hormone and the central driver of testosterone suppression, insulin resistance, visceral fat, oestradiol excess, and cardiometabolic inflammation in men. Elevated cortisol impairs Leydig cell testosterone production, promotes visceral fat and aromatase activity, raises triglycerides via hepatic lipid dysregulation, suppresses HDL, and elevates hsCRP — the complete five-way cardiometabolic attack. Measured by saliva LCMS for the free, bioavailable fraction — the physiologically active cortisol that drives these androgenic and metabolic effects.

Blood Spot — CardioMetabolic Panel (6 markers)

• Fasting Insulin: The earliest detectable marker of insulin resistance in men — elevated years before HbA1c or fasting glucose becomes abnormal. Directly promoted by cortisol excess, low testosterone, and visceral fat. Elevated fasting insulin drives aromatase activity, increases oestrogen conversion, independently raises cardiovascular risk, and is closely linked to erectile dysfunction and testosterone decline. The most actionable early metabolic marker for men with androgenic and energy symptoms.
• HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin): Reflects average blood sugar regulation over the preceding 8–12 weeks. Men with chronically elevated cortisol and low testosterone have markedly elevated risk of pre-diabetes and type 2 diabetes; HbA1c provides the medium-term blood sugar context that anchors the fasting insulin result.
• HDL Cholesterol: The protective cardiovascular fraction directly maintained by testosterone. HDL falls with low testosterone, insulin resistance, and cortisol elevation — three pathways all assessed in the single saliva sample by this test. A primary cardiometabolic marker of androgenic decline in men.
• Triglycerides: Elevated by cortisol, insulin resistance, and oestradiol excess simultaneously — all three assessed directly here. Rise before LDL changes and are a primary cardiometabolic risk marker particularly relevant for men with visceral fat, hormonal decline, and chronic stress.
• Total Cholesterol: Provides overall lipid context. Rising cholesterol in men with fatigue, low libido, and weight gain is frequently a hormonal event driven by low testosterone and cortisol dysregulation — best assessed alongside the hormone levels this panel measures directly.
• hsCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): One of the strongest independent predictors of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in men. Elevated simultaneously by low testosterone, cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance, visceral fat, and oestradiol excess — all five directly assessed by this panel. The convergence biomarker of the male hormonal-metabolic system.

Who Should Consider This Test?

This test is particularly relevant for men who experience:

• Persistent fatigue or exhaustion that does not improve with sleep or rest
• Unexplained weight gain or difficulty losing body fat, particularly around the abdomen
• Low libido or reduced sexual interest
• Erectile dysfunction or reduced sexual performance
• Poor recovery from exercise, training, or sustained high workload
• Brain fog, poor concentration, or reduced cognitive sharpness
• Low mood, reduced motivation, or mild depression
• Sugar cravings, energy crashes, or afternoon slumps
• Elevated cholesterol, triglycerides, or blood sugar on previous testing
• Insomnia, night waking, or unrefreshing sleep
• Chronic stress, burnout, or sustained high-pressure workload
• Symptoms of low testosterone with normal or inconclusive standard blood results
• Currently on TRT and wanting to monitor oestradiol, insulin, and inflammation alongside testosterone
• Family history of heart disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
• Men over 35 wanting a comprehensive androgenic and cardiometabolic health baseline

Key Features

• 13-marker combined saliva LCMS sex hormone and cortisol panel plus blood spot cardiometabolic panel
• Saliva LCMS — gold standard for free, bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone, and cortisol measurement in men
• All three oestrogens (E1, E2, E3) for complete oestrogenic load and aromatase activity assessment
• Cortisol measured by LCMS for free, bioavailable accuracy — directly linked to all six cardiometabolic markers it mechanistically drives
• Six cardiometabolic markers — fasting insulin, HbA1c, HDL, triglycerides, total cholesterol, hsCRP
• Results within 3–5 working days after lab receipt
• Expert analysis by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
• Clear graphical and numerical results with personalised commentary
• All-inclusive price — laboratory fees included, no hidden costs
• Valid for 12 months from purchase

How It Works

1. Order the kit online — delivered directly to your door.
2. Collect your saliva sample for the full LCMS sex hormone and cortisol panel, and your blood spot sample via a simple finger-prick for the cardiometabolic panel, following the detailed instructions. Morning saliva should be collected before 9am for optimal cortisol accuracy.
3. Post your samples to the lab using the return instructions included in your kit.
4. Receive your results within 3–5 working days, with specialist commentary and clear next-step guidance.

What Your Report Includes

• All 13 marker results with male-specific reference ranges
• Visual charts for all six sex hormones, cortisol, and all six cardiometabolic markers
• Clinical interpretation of how your testosterone, oestradiol, progesterone, DHEAS, cortisol, and cardiometabolic markers interact as an integrated male hormonal-metabolic system
• Free testosterone assessment based on bioavailable LCMS measurement
• Oestradiol-to-testosterone ratio and total oestrogenic load analysis
• Cortisol-driven metabolic impact assessment — connecting your cortisol level to testosterone suppression, insulin resistance, triglycerides, HDL, and hsCRP
• Insulin resistance pattern assessment (fasting insulin + HbA1c)
• Cardiovascular risk profile in full androgenic hormonal context (HDL, triglycerides, cholesterol, hsCRP)
• Specialist commentary by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
• Personalised next-step recommendations

Frequently Asked Questions

What does this test measure?

Oestradiol (E2), Oestriol (E3), Oestrone (E1), Progesterone, Testosterone, DHEAS, Cortisol (saliva LCMS) plus Fasting Insulin, HbA1c, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol, and hsCRP (blood spot) — 13 markers in total.

Why should men test hormones and cardiometabolic markers together?

In men, testosterone, cortisol, and insulin form a single integrated metabolic system. Low testosterone independently raises cardiovascular risk, promotes visceral fat, and worsens insulin resistance. Cortisol simultaneously suppresses testosterone and drives every cardiometabolic risk marker. Testing both systems together reveals whether metabolic symptoms are driven by hormonal root causes — and identifies the most effective targets for intervention — something that testing either system alone cannot achieve.

Why is LCMS used for sex hormones and cortisol in this test?

LCMS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) measures the free, bioavailable fraction of hormones — the portion actually reaching cells and driving androgenic and metabolic function. In men, this distinction is critical for testosterone: total testosterone measured by immunoassay includes SHBG-bound hormone that is biologically inactive; a man with high SHBG can have normal total testosterone but critically low free testosterone, producing full symptoms of androgen deficiency. For cortisol, saliva LCMS measures the free, unbound fraction that drives physiological stress effects — the relevant measure for assessing insulin resistance, visceral fat risk, and testosterone suppression.

Can I use this test if I am on TRT?

Yes. This test is particularly valuable for men on TRT who want to monitor oestradiol balance, insulin sensitivity, triglycerides, and inflammation alongside testosterone. TRT increases aromatisation, can alter HDL and triglycerides, and is most effective when cortisol dysregulation and insulin resistance are identified and addressed concurrently.

When will I get my results?

Within 3–5 working days after your samples reach the laboratory.

Are there hidden costs?

No. Laboratory analysis and specialist review are fully included. You are responsible for postage to the lab.

How long is the kit valid?

12 months from purchase.

Why We Partner with ZRT Laboratory

At Hormone Lab UK, every home test kit is analysed by ZRT Laboratory, a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic and research laboratory specialising in hormone testing, thyroid testing, fertility testing, adrenal function, neurotransmitter analysis, cardiometabolic health, heavy metals, and wellness testing. Founded in 1998 by renowned biochemist and breast cancer researcher Dr. David Zava, PhD, ZRT has become one of the world’s leading laboratories for advanced functional health testing.

With more than 11 million laboratory tests performed and healthcare professionals in over 96 countries relying on its expertise, ZRT is recognised for scientific excellence, analytical accuracy, and continuous innovation. The laboratory pioneered at-home saliva hormone testing, introduced the first commercially available dried blood spot (DBS) hormone tests, and developed Dried Urine Testing (DUTS), helping make advanced laboratory diagnostics more accessible and clinically meaningful.

Every sample is analysed using state-of-the-art LC-MS/MS and ICP-MS technology under rigorous quality control standards. ZRT collaborates with the CDC, NIH, and leading universities, supporting ongoing research and advances in laboratory medicine.