Men's Hormone Panel — Expanded
This comprehensive panel measures seven key hormones that affect men's energy, libido, mood, muscle mass, and overall vitality.
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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 extends beyond testosterone measurement to evaluate seven interconnected hormones that collectively govern male hormonal health: total testosterone, free testosterone, bioavailable testosterone, sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG), albumin, estradiol, and prolactin. The expanded scope captures not just how much testosterone is being produced, but how effectively it is reaching tissues and whether other hormones may be influencing the balance.
Total testosterone reflects overall production, while free testosterone (roughly 2 to 3% of the total) represents the unbound, biologically active fraction that directly supports muscle synthesis, energy regulation, and mood. SHBG and albumin determine how much of the total remains available; elevated SHBG can mask a functional deficit even when total levels appear normal. Estradiol is included because men produce it through the enzymatic conversion of testosterone in body tissues, and elevated estradiol can blunt testosterone's effects. Prolactin, a pituitary hormone, rounds out the panel because abnormally high prolactin can suppress testosterone production at its source.
What's included
Who should consider this test
You might consider this test if you are experiencing any of the following:
- Men experiencing decreased energy, fatigue, or feeling less motivated than usual
- Those noticing changes in libido, sexual function, or difficulty with erections
- Men concerned about changes in muscle mass, strength, or body composition
- Those experiencing mood changes, irritability, or difficulty concentrating
- Men with sleep problems or feeling less recovered after rest
- Those wanting to establish baseline hormone levels before starting any optimization programs
- Men over 30 who want to monitor age-related hormonal changes proactively
What to expect
Preparation
No fasting required, but morning collection (7-10 AM) is strongly recommended since testosterone levels are highest in the early morning. Avoid vigorous exercise 48 hours before testing as it can temporarily affect prolactin levels.
Sample Type
A standard blood draw from a vein in your arm, similar to any routine lab test
Collection
Visit any Quest or LabCorp location with your lab order. Bring a valid photo ID. The blood draw takes just a few minutes.
Turnaround
Results are typically available within 1-3 business days and will be sent to your secure online portal
Understanding your results
Standard laboratory ranges for total testosterone typically span 300 to 1,000 ng/dL, though many practitioners focused on hormonal optimization consider levels in the upper half more consistent with peak function. Reference ranges represent population averages and are not necessarily synonymous with optimal targets for a given individual. The real diagnostic value of this panel emerges from reading the seven markers as an integrated picture: how total and free testosterone relate to SHBG, whether estradiol is elevated enough to counteract testosterone's effects, and whether prolactin levels suggest pituitary involvement. Healthcare providers weigh these relationships alongside reported symptoms to assess hormonal function at the tissue level.
| Population | Reference Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Adult men - Total Testosterone | 300-1000 ng/dL | Morning levels are 50% higher than evening |
| Adult men - Free Testosterone | 8.7-25.1 pg/mL | Calculated from total T, SHBG, and albumin |
| Adult men - SHBG | 10-57 nmol/L | Higher with age, lower with insulin resistance |
| Adult men - Estradiol | 7-43 pg/mL | Essential for bone health and libido |
| Adult men - Prolactin | 3-20 ng/mL | Higher levels can suppress 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 in men results in partial or complete degrees of hypogonadism, characterized by changes in male secondary sexual characteristics and reproductive function. Very low estradiol in men can lead to bone loss, increased body fat, and low libido. Low SHBG may indicate insulin resistance or metabolic dysfunction.
What does a “High” result mean?
Elevated estradiol levels in men may result in breast tissue growth, infertility, or erectile dysfunction, and can blunt testosterone's effects. High prolactin may reduce testosterone and libido, and in men can affect how the testicles work causing lower sex drive and erectile dysfunction. Elevated SHBG can make total testosterone levels appear normal while free testosterone remains functionally low.
Privacy & confidentiality
Your hormone test results are completely confidential and delivered securely to your personal online portal. Results are never shared with employers, insurance companies, or anyone else without your explicit consent. Many men choose private testing to understand their hormonal health discreetly and take control of their wellness journey.
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Last reviewed: April 2026
CPT Code: 84403, 84402, 84270, 82040, 82670, 84144
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.
Not sure if this is the right test? Contact our care team for guidance.
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