Test ID: B-224M | Sample Type: Dried Blood Spot | Test Method: ICP-MS | Results: 3–5 Working Days | Laboratory: ZRT Lab — CLIA Certified | Report: Specialist Doctor Comment Included
Could Heavy Metals or Mineral Imbalances Be Affecting Your Energy, Performance, or Hormones?
Toxic elements like mercury and cadmium accumulate silently in the body over years, while deficiencies in essential minerals like selenium, zinc, and magnesium can directly impair testosterone production, energy metabolism, cardiovascular health, and cognitive function in men. Symptoms are often misattributed to stress, ageing, or low testosterone — when the underlying driver is elemental imbalance. If you recognise any of the following, this test could uncover a hidden root cause:
- Persistent fatigue or low energy that rest does not resolve
- Brain fog, slow thinking, or poor concentration
- Muscle weakness, cramps, or reduced exercise performance
- Anxiety, irritability, low mood, or reduced motivation
- Difficulty sleeping or restlessness
- Tingling, numbness, or twitching in hands and fingers
- Irregular heartbeat or palpitations
- Brittle hair and nails, dry or scaly skin
- Reduced libido or sexual performance issues
- Elevated cholesterol or high blood pressure
- Concerns about heavy metal exposure from diet, fish, environment, or dental fillings
What This Test Measures
Dried Blood Spot — Toxic & Essential Elements (ICP-MS):
- Cadmium (Cd) — toxic metal accumulating in the kidneys; strongly linked to reduced testosterone, impaired sperm production, and prostate health risks; sources include cigarette smoke, contaminated food, and occupational exposure
- Mercury (Hg) — organic mercury from fish and dental amalgam binds to red blood cells; associated with thyroid damage, neurological decline, and testosterone disruption; whole blood is the most accurate indicator of exposure
- Selenium (Se) — essential for thyroid hormone conversion, antioxidant defence, and sperm motility; deficiency is common in the UK and linked to reduced fertility and cardiovascular risk in men
- Zinc (Zn) — essential for testosterone production, sperm quality, immune function, and wound healing; one of the most common causes of low testosterone in men
- Magnesium (Mg) — involved in 300+ enzymatic reactions including testosterone synthesis, muscle function, and cardiovascular health; deficiency linked to low energy, poor sleep, and muscle cramps
- Copper (Cu) — essential in balance with zinc; excess copper suppresses testosterone and impairs immunity; the zinc-to-copper ratio is a key health marker for men
Why These Elements Matter Specifically for Men
In men, toxic heavy metals and mineral imbalances have direct consequences on hormonal and reproductive health:
- Testosterone suppression and hormonal disruption
- Reduced sperm quality and male fertility problems
- Thyroid dysfunction (mercury and cadmium interfere with thyroid hormone production)
- Neurological decline and cognitive impairment
- Cardiovascular disease and hypertension
- Liver and kidney damage from accumulated toxins
- Immune suppression and increased chronic disease risk
Who Is This Test For?
This test is ideal for men who want to:
- Investigate unexplained fatigue, low libido, or reduced physical performance
- Assess the impact of diet, environment, or occupational exposure on toxic element levels
- Check selenium and zinc as part of a testosterone, thyroid, or fertility investigation
- Monitor mineral status during supplementation or TRT (testosterone replacement therapy)
- Understand whether heavy metal exposure is contributing to their symptoms
- Take a proactive approach to long-term hormonal and cardiovascular health
How It Works
- Order your kit — delivered directly to your door
- Collect your sample at home — a simple finger-prick blood spot; no clinic or GP visit needed
- Post your sample to the laboratory using the instructions provided
- Receive your results by email within 3–5 working days of the lab receiving your sample
What You Receive With Your Results
- All 6 element levels displayed clearly in graphics and numbers
- A written interpretation by a Hormone Specialist PhD Doctor
- Guidance on what your results mean and recommended next steps
- 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.
- Pioneers of at-home dried blood spot (DBS) element testing
- Advanced ICP-MS technology for clinical-grade trace element accuracy
- Personalised reference ranges based on age and sex
Through our partnership with ZRT Laboratory, Hormone Lab UK delivers internationally recognised, research-backed testing to men across the UK and Europe — from the comfort of home.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can heavy metals really lower testosterone?
Yes. Cadmium and mercury are both endocrine disruptors shown in clinical research to suppress testosterone production, interfere with the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, and Leydig cell function in the testes. Men with high occupational or dietary exposure — particularly those who smoke or eat large quantities of fish — are at greatest risk.
Does zinc deficiency cause low testosterone?
Yes. Zinc is a cofactor in testosterone biosynthesis and is required for the function of luteinising hormone (LH), which signals the testes to produce testosterone. Zinc deficiency is one of the most consistently identified nutritional causes of low testosterone in men.
How does the copper-to-zinc ratio affect men’s health?
Copper and zinc compete for absorption. When copper is elevated relative to zinc, it can suppress testosterone, impair immune function, increase anxiety, and drive oestrogen dominance in men. The ratio is more informative than either value alone.
Why is blood used instead of urine for this test?
For this panel, dried blood spot is the most clinically appropriate sample. Mercury in whole blood reflects current and recent organic mercury exposure. Zinc, magnesium, copper, and selenium in red blood cells reflect tissue stores and functional status more accurately than urine.
Is this test relevant if I eat fish regularly?
Yes — and it is particularly recommended. Regular consumption of tuna, swordfish, or shark is one of the most common sources of mercury exposure. This test will quantify your actual mercury burden alongside essential minerals that support natural detoxification.
Does the price include the laboratory fee?
Yes. The full laboratory analysis fee is included. There are no additional charges. You are 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.