Men's Hormone Panel — Basic
A comprehensive assessment of key male hormones that measures total testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, and protein binding factors to evaluate hormonal health.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
What this test measures
This panel measures five markers that together provide a detailed picture of how testosterone is produced, transported, and made available to tissues. The tests include total testosterone, free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), and albumin. In men, roughly 44% of circulating testosterone is tightly bound to SHBG, about 50% is loosely bound to albumin, 4% attaches to other proteins, and only about 2% circulates in its free, unbound form.
The distinction matters clinically. Free testosterone and the albumin-bound fraction together make up bioavailable testosterone, the portion readily accessible to muscles, bones, and other tissues. A man with elevated SHBG can show a normal total testosterone reading while experiencing symptoms of deficiency because too little hormone is reaching the cells that need it. The reverse is also true: someone with low SHBG may have adequate bioavailable testosterone despite a total level that appears borderline. This panel captures those nuances.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Men experiencing persistent fatigue, low energy, or difficulty maintaining motivation despite adequate rest
- Those noticing decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, or changes in sexual performance
- Men observing loss of muscle mass, increased difficulty building or maintaining muscle, or unexplained weight gain
- Individuals dealing with mood changes, irritability, depression, or difficulty concentrating
- Men whose total testosterone results seemed normal but symptoms persist
- Those considering or monitoring testosterone replacement therapy
- Men with metabolic concerns like insulin resistance, diabetes, or obesity that may affect hormone levels
- Individuals seeking a comprehensive baseline assessment of their hormonal health
What to expect
Preparation
No fasting required. For most accurate results, schedule your test for morning hours (before 10 AM) when testosterone levels are typically at their highest. Avoid intense exercise 24 hours before testing.
Sample Type
A simple blood draw from a vein in your arm, similar to routine lab work
Collection
Visit any Quest Diagnostics location with your lab order. Present a valid ID and your test request. The blood draw takes approximately 5 minutes.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days and will be securely delivered to your online account
Understanding your results
Normal total testosterone for adult men generally falls between 300 and 1,000 ng/dL, with many clinicians considering levels in the upper portion of that range more consistent with optimal function. Free testosterone reference ranges commonly span 5 to 21 ng/dL; levels below 5 ng/dL may suggest hormonal insufficiency warranting further evaluation. Each lab report will include the specific reference ranges for the testing methodology used. The most informative way to read these results is as a set: the relationship between total testosterone, SHBG, and bioavailable testosterone reveals more about hormonal function than any single number viewed alone.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult men | 300-1000 ng/dL | Total testosterone; varies by time of day and age |
| Adult men | 5-21 ng/dL | Free testosterone; calculated values may vary between labs |
| Adult men | 110-400 ng/dL | Bioavailable testosterone for ages 20-69 |
| Adult men | 10-57 nmol/L | SHBG; increases with age, decreases with obesity |
| Adult men | 3.5-5.2 g/dL | Albumin; protein that binds testosterone |
Reference ranges shown are general guidelines. Your lab report will include the specific reference range used by the laboratory that processed your sample, which is the authoritative range for interpreting your results.
What does a “Low” result mean?
Low testosterone levels may indicate primary hypogonadism (testicular dysfunction), secondary hypogonadism (pituitary or hypothalamic issues), or age-related decline. Low SHBG often accompanies insulin resistance, obesity, metabolic syndrome, or hypothyroidism. Low albumin may suggest liver dysfunction, malnutrition, or chronic illness.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated testosterone levels may indicate testicular tumors, anabolic steroid use, or adrenal disorders. High SHBG can be associated with hyperthyroidism, liver disease, or aging, and may result in symptoms of low testosterone despite normal total levels. High albumin typically reflects good nutritional status.
Privacy & confidentiality
Your hormone test results are delivered securely to your private online account and are never shared with employers, insurance companies, or third parties without your explicit consent. All testing is conducted confidentially through HIPAA-compliant laboratories, ensuring your personal health information remains completely private.
Frequently asked questions
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Read ArticleLast reviewed: April 10, 2026
CPT Code: 84403, 84402, 84270, 82040
This test may not be available in: NY, NJ, RI
This page is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare provider regarding any health concerns. LevelPanel does not diagnose, treat, or prescribe.
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LevelPanel has no business or affiliate relationship with Quest or LabCorp. These links are provided as a public service.
Lab testing services linked from this site are not available to residents of Alaska, Arizona, or Hawaii, unless otherwise noted on the lab's own website.
This publication is not intended to solicit the purchase of laboratory testing from any individual consumer.
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