Male Hormone & CardioMetabolic Test | Specialist Doctor Report Included

Test ID: SB-651 | Saliva LCMS Hormones 7 with 4-Point Cortisol + Blood Spot CardioMetabolic Panel

The Male Hormone & CardioMetabolic Test is the most comprehensive at-home combined hormone and metabolic health profile available for men, measuring 16 key hormones and markers across three interconnected systems: androgenic and sex hormone balance, the full daily cortisol stress rhythm, and cardiometabolic health. It combines saliva LCMS (Liquid Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry) sex hormone and cortisol testing with a blood spot cardiometabolic panel — providing the complete picture of how male hormones, stress physiology, and metabolic function interact to determine energy, body composition, cardiovascular risk, and long-term health.

What makes this test uniquely valuable for men is the clinical connection it reveals. Testosterone, cortisol, insulin, and oestradiol do not operate in isolation — they form a tightly coupled hormonal-metabolic network in which disruption to one system cascades directly through the others. Cortisol drives insulin resistance and visceral fat accumulation. Visceral fat increases aromatase activity, converting testosterone to oestradiol. Elevated oestradiol suppresses testosterone further via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Insulin resistance raises triglycerides, suppresses HDL, and elevates hsCRP — all while low testosterone independently worsens every one of these cardiometabolic risk factors. This test measures the full network in a single kit, revealing the root-cause hormonal drivers of metabolic disease that standard blood panels cannot detect.

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

In men, sex hormones and metabolic markers are mechanistically inseparable — testosterone, cortisol, and insulin form the core of male cardiometabolic health:

• 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, reduces HDL, promotes visceral fat deposition, 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 standard testosterone tests alone cannot interrupt
• Cortisol is the primary driver of testosterone suppression and metabolic deterioration in men — chronic cortisol elevation depletes testosterone through pregnenolone steal and Leydig cell suppression; simultaneously drives visceral fat accumulation, impairs insulin receptor sensitivity, raises triglycerides and hsCRP, and promotes aromatase-driven oestradiol conversion — a four-way metabolic attack that only the combined hormone-cardiometabolic panel can fully characterise
• Insulin resistance accelerates testosterone decline in men — elevated insulin promotes visceral fat and aromatase-driven oestrogen conversion; simultaneously, low testosterone worsens insulin sensitivity, creating a feedback loop that drives metabolic syndrome, erectile dysfunction, and cardiovascular risk simultaneously; fasting insulin is the earliest detectable marker of this process — elevated years before HbA1c or glucose becomes abnormal
• Oestradiol imbalance in men compounds every cardiometabolic risk factor — excess oestradiol from visceral fat aromatase suppresses testosterone, raises triglycerides, promotes water retention, and drives inflammatory hsCRP elevation; the oestradiol-to-testosterone ratio is one of the strongest hormonal predictors of cardiovascular and metabolic risk in men and requires both markers to be assessed simultaneously
• hsCRP is the convergence marker of the entire hormonal-metabolic axis in men — elevated C-reactive protein in men reflects the simultaneous presence of low testosterone, elevated cortisol, 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 a direct target for hormonal and lifestyle intervention

What This Test Measures

Saliva LCMS — Sex Hormones

• Oestradiol (E2): Present in men via aromatase conversion of testosterone. Essential for bone density, cardiovascular protection, and cognitive function — but excess oestradiol suppresses testosterone via the hypothalamic-pituitary axis, causes gynaecomastia, drives water retention, raises triglycerides, and elevates cardiovascular risk. The oestradiol-to-testosterone ratio is a key cardiometabolic and androgenic health indicator in men. Measured by LCMS for bioavailable fraction accuracy.
• Oestriol (E3): Reflects oestrogen conversion pathways and metabolic activity in men. Elevated E3 indicates increased aromatase activity or oestrogen precursor load; the E3-to-E2 ratio provides context for how oestrogens are being metabolised beyond what E2 alone reveals.
• Oestrone (E1): Produced primarily 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 cardiovascular and metabolic inflammatory risk. A key indicator of adipose-driven hormonal-metabolic 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; and 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 symptoms and metabolic function, as opposed to total blood testosterone which includes the SHBG-bound, inactive fraction.
• 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 insulin-sensitising and anti-inflammatory effects that protect against cardiometabolic deterioration. Elevated DHEAS under adrenal overactivation drives androgen excess and inflammatory cardiovascular risk.

Saliva — 4-Point Cortisol Profile

• Morning Cortisol: The Cortisol Awakening Response — sets insulin sensitivity, testosterone availability, and metabolic tone for the day. An exaggerated morning response drives morning blood sugar dysregulation, insulin resistance, and testosterone suppression from the first hours; a blunted response signals HPA burnout and impaired metabolic activation.
• Noon Cortisol: Elevated noon cortisol promotes insulin resistance, visceral fat accumulation, and aromatase-driven testosterone-to-oestradiol conversion in men. Simultaneously raises triglycerides and suppresses HDL via hepatic lipid dysregulation — the direct metabolic mechanism by which chronic midday stress drives cardiometabolic deterioration in men.
• Evening Cortisol: Should decline significantly to allow testosterone and growth hormone to begin rising during early sleep cycles. Elevated evening cortisol suppresses overnight testosterone production, elevates SHBG through hepatic cortisol-SHBG coupling, and maintains the insulin-resistant, pro-inflammatory state into the night.
• Night Cortisol: Elevated night cortisol suppresses the deep sleep phases during which testosterone is produced and growth hormone mediates fat metabolism. Promotes overnight visceral fat accumulation, blood sugar dysregulation, and aromatase excess — the combination most responsible for the progressive cardiometabolic decline in chronically stressed men.

Blood Spot — CardioMetabolic Panel

• Fasting Insulin: The earliest detectable marker of insulin resistance in men — elevated years before HbA1c or fasting glucose becomes abnormal. In men, elevated fasting insulin directly promotes visceral fat accumulation, increases aromatase activity and oestrogen conversion, independently raises cardiovascular risk, and is closely associated with low testosterone and erectile dysfunction. The single most clinically important metabolic marker for men with hormonal symptoms.
• HbA1c (Glycated Haemoglobin): Reflects average blood sugar regulation over the preceding 8–12 weeks. Men with chronically elevated cortisol and low testosterone have significantly 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. Low HDL in men is a primary marker of insulin resistance, visceral fat, and metabolic syndrome — directly worsened by low testosterone, cortisol excess, and oestradiol elevation. One of the most reliable cardiometabolic indicators of androgenic decline.
• Triglycerides: Elevated triglycerides are a hallmark of cortisol-driven metabolic dysfunction and insulin resistance in men. They rise before LDL changes, are directly worsened by high cortisol, low testosterone, and elevated oestradiol, and are a primary cardiovascular risk marker — particularly relevant for men with abdominal fat accumulation and hormonal decline.
• Total Cholesterol: Provides overall lipid context. In men with hypothyroid-like cortisol-driven suppression, low testosterone, and insulin resistance, rising total cholesterol is a predictable consequence that requires integrated hormonal and metabolic assessment.
• hsCRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein): The gold standard systemic inflammation marker and one of the strongest independent predictors of cardiovascular events and all-cause mortality in men. Elevated hsCRP in men directly reflects the convergence of low testosterone, cortisol dysregulation, insulin resistance, visceral fat, and oestradiol excess — and is a primary target for combined hormonal and lifestyle intervention.

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
• Sugar cravings, energy crashes, or afternoon slumps
• Elevated cholesterol or triglycerides on previous testing
• Blood sugar irregularities or a family history of type 2 diabetes
• 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
• 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 a complete metabolic and hormonal picture
• Family history of heart disease, diabetes, or metabolic syndrome
• Men over 35 wanting a comprehensive androgenic and cardiometabolic health baseline

Key Features

• 16-marker combined saliva LCMS hormone and cortisol panel plus blood spot cardiometabolic panel
• Saliva LCMS — the gold standard for bioavailable (free) testosterone and sex hormone measurement in men
• All three oestrogens (E1, E2, E3) for complete oestrogenic load and aromatase activity assessment
• 4-point cortisol profile revealing the complete daily adrenal rhythm and its metabolic and androgenic consequences
• 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 samples at four time points (morning, noon, evening, night) and your blood spot sample via a simple finger-prick, following the detailed instructions provided. 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 16 marker results with male-specific reference ranges
• Visual charts for all six sex hormones, your full 4-point cortisol daily curve, 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
• Insulin resistance pattern assessment based on fasting insulin and HbA1c
• Cardiovascular risk profile including HDL, triglycerides, and hsCRP in androgenic hormonal context
• 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 (saliva LCMS) plus 4-point Cortisol (saliva: morning, noon, evening, night) plus Fasting Insulin, HbA1c, HDL Cholesterol, Triglycerides, Total Cholesterol, and hsCRP (blood spot) — 16 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.

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.

Why is fasting insulin the most important cardiometabolic marker for men?

Fasting insulin is elevated years before HbA1c or fasting glucose becomes abnormal, making it the earliest detectable marker of insulin resistance. In men, elevated fasting insulin directly promotes visceral fat, increases aromatase activity and oestrogen conversion, suppresses testosterone, and independently raises cardiovascular risk — all processes that HbA1c and glucose alone cannot detect at this early stage.

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.