Hormone Blood Test (Male)

The panel measures total testosterone, free testosterone (calculated), SHBG (sex hormone-binding globulin), cortisol, DHEA-S, oestradiol, prolactin, and thyroid function (TSH). Together these markers reveal your hormonal balance, stress-recovery status, and whether symptoms like fatigue, low libido, or poor recovery have a hormonal cause.

Testosterone levels peak in the early morning and decline throughout the day. For the most accurate reading, take your sample between 7am and 10am, ideally after a normal night of sleep. Avoid taking the test after a night of poor sleep or heavy alcohol consumption, as both temporarily suppress testosterone.

NHS reference ranges for total testosterone are broadly 8.64–29 nmol/L, but optimal levels depend on age. A 25-year-old in the lower quarter of the range may have a very different clinical picture from a 50-year-old at the same level. Helvy reports your results against age-adjusted optimal ranges so you can see where you stand relative to healthy men your age.

In many cases, yes. Sleep quality, body composition, stress management, vitamin D levels, and zinc status all directly influence testosterone production. The Male Hormone panel identifies whether your levels are genuinely low and whether related markers (cortisol, DHEA-S, thyroid) suggest a correctable cause before considering testosterone replacement therapy.

Cortisol and DHEA-S reveal your stress-recovery balance. Chronically elevated cortisol suppresses testosterone production, while low DHEA-S (a precursor to both testosterone and oestrogen) can indicate adrenal fatigue. Testing all three together gives a complete picture of why hormones may be out of balance.