Test ID: B-242M | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: LC-MS/MS | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Laboratory – CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included | Suitable For: Men | Collect Sample At Home: No Clinic Visit Required
What This Test Measures
Eight essential hormones from a single finger-prick dried blood spot using highly accurate LC-MS/MS technology:
- Estrone (E1) — an oestrogen that plays a role in male bone density and cardiovascular health; elevated levels can indicate aromatisation issues
- Estradiol (E2) — the primary oestrogen; elevated levels in men are linked to low libido, fat gain, and gynaecomastia
- Estriol (E3) — a weaker oestrogen that helps assess overall oestrogen balance in men
- Progesterone (Pg) — supports testosterone production and counteracts oestrogen dominance in men
- Testosterone (T) — the primary male sex hormone; critical for energy, muscle mass, libido, mood, and metabolic health
- DHEA-S (DS) — an adrenal hormone that declines with age; linked to vitality, immune function, and stress resilience
- Cortisol (C) — the stress hormone; chronically elevated cortisol directly suppresses testosterone production
- SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) — determines how much testosterone is biologically available; high SHBG can cause testosterone deficiency symptoms even when total testosterone appears normal
Could a Hormone Imbalance Be Behind Your Fatigue, Low Libido, or Mood Changes?
Male hormonal health is rarely a single-hormone issue — testosterone, cortisol, DHEA-S, oestrogens, and SHBG all interact in a complex system. When one is off, the whole system is affected. Symptoms are frequently dismissed as stress or ageing when the root cause may be hormonal. If you recognise any of the following, this comprehensive panel could reveal what’s really going on:
- Low libido or sexual dysfunction
- Persistent fatigue and low energy despite adequate sleep
- Loss of muscle mass or increased body fat, especially around the abdomen
- Mood swings, depression, irritability, or anxiety
- Brain fog, poor concentration, or memory lapses
- Sleep disturbances or insomnia
- Hot flushes or night sweats (andropause symptoms)
- Decreased stamina or physical performance
- Slow metabolism or unexplained weight gain
- Burnout or chronic stress
Why a Comprehensive Panel Matters
A standard GP testosterone test only measures total testosterone — which can miss significant hormonal dysfunction. This panel gives you a complete picture of your hormonal ecosystem, including how stress hormones and oestrogen are affecting your testosterone availability. This enables far more informed conversations with your GP or specialist.
Who Should Consider This Test?
- Symptoms of low testosterone or andropause — fatigue, low libido, muscle loss, mood changes
- Chronic stress, burnout, or suspected adrenal dysfunction
- Signs of elevated estradiol — gynaecomastia, abdominal fat, water retention
- Normal standard blood tests but persistent hormonal symptoms
- Monitoring hormone levels during or after TRT or other hormone therapy
- Wanting a proactive, data-driven baseline of overall male hormonal health
Not Sure Which Test Is Right for You?
Email us at info@hormonelab.co.uk with your gender, age, symptoms, medications, and any current treatments. We will forward your enquiry to our doctors and respond within 24 hours.
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick dried blood spot; no clinic or GP visit needed
- Post your sample to ZRT Laboratory using the return instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Receive
- All eight hormone levels displayed clearly in graphics and numbers with male-specific reference ranges
- Written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your results mean and what to do next
- Laboratory fee included — no hidden charges
Why We Use ZRT Laboratory
All testing is performed by ZRT Laboratory — a globally recognised, CLIA-certified diagnostic laboratory founded in 1998 by Dr. David Zava, PhD. ZRT has performed over 11 million tests and is trusted by healthcare professionals in 96+ countries. ZRT is qualified for the CDC Hormone Standardization (HoSt) Program for testosterone and estradiol.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time to collect my sample?
Testosterone follows a diurnal rhythm, peaking in the morning. Collect your sample between 7am and 9am for the most clinically meaningful result. Detailed timing guidance is included with your kit.
How does cortisol suppress testosterone?
Cortisol and testosterone share a common precursor — pregnenolone. Under chronic stress, the body prioritises cortisol production via pregnenolone steal, directly reducing the raw material available for testosterone synthesis. Elevated cortisol also suppresses LH signalling to the testes. This panel measures both, making the relationship visible.
What does DHEA-S tell me about my hormonal health?
DHEA-S is the most abundant adrenal hormone in men and a key precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen. Its decline — which begins in the late 20s — directly reduces hormonal reserve and stress resilience. Low DHEA-S combined with high cortisol is a hallmark of adrenal burnout.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. You are only responsible for posting your sample to the laboratory.
How long is the kit valid for?
The kit must be used within 12 months of the purchase date.