Question 1

Why do I need to fast for this panel?

Accepted Answer

Fasting for 8-12 hours is important to get accurate triglyceride and calculated LDL values in the lipid panel, though many modern guidelines now accept non-fasting lipids for routine screening. Additionally, fasting glucose measurements provide more reliable assessments of metabolic function and diabetes risk. Some hormone levels, particularly insulin, are also more accurately measured in a fasted state.

Question 2

What's the difference between total and free testosterone?

Accepted Answer

Total and free testosterone are not interchangeable measures as there is no clear data pointing to consistent thresholds between the two measures. Total testosterone measures all testosterone in the blood, while free testosterone measures only the active, unbound hormone available for use by tissues. Free testosterone can be particularly helpful in diagnosing testosterone deficiency in men with total testosterone levels in the low-normal or equivocal range.

Question 3

Should I be concerned about PSA levels if I'm on testosterone therapy?

Accepted Answer

Testosterone replacement therapy can influence PSA levels, with studies showing a 0.3-0.5 ng/mL average increase after 12 months of treatment, representing a normal physiological response as testosterone stimulates prostate tissue. Men receiving hormone therapy should monitor PSA every 3-6 months during the first year, then annually if levels remain stable. Your healthcare provider will interpret PSA changes in the context of testosterone therapy.

Question 4

What does the cortisol to DHEA-S ratio tell me about my health?

Accepted Answer

An optimal balance between DHEA-S and cortisol is crucial for maintaining health, as it reflects the state of adrenal function and the body's response to stress, providing a snapshot of the body's push-pull between breaking down and building up. High cortisol relative to DHEA-S typically aligns with chronic stress physiology including central adiposity, insulin resistance, higher blood pressure, sleep and mood disruption, and immune suppression. This ratio helps assess stress resilience and guide targeted interventions for optimal health.

Question 5

How often should I repeat this comprehensive panel?

Accepted Answer

For most men, annual testing with this comprehensive panel provides excellent monitoring of key health trends and early detection of potential issues. Men over 50, those with existing health conditions, or individuals on hormone replacement therapy may benefit from more frequent testing every 6-12 months. Repeated testing over months is more informative for monitoring metabolic syndrome, chronic kidney disease, or liver disease progression than any single result. Your healthcare provider can recommend the most appropriate testing schedule based on your individual health profile and risk factors.

Question 6

What should I do if my vitamin D levels are low?

Accepted Answer

Vitamin D functions more as a hormone than a vitamin, regulating immune function, bone health, cardiovascular health, insulin sensitivity, mood, and gene expression, with deficiency being extraordinarily common. If your levels are low, your healthcare provider may recommend vitamin D supplementation, typically starting with 1000-4000 IU daily depending on the severity of deficiency. Regular follow-up testing helps ensure levels reach the optimal range and supplementation can be adjusted accordingly.

Men's Advanced Health Panel