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    4. Men's Hormone Testing

    Men's Hormone Testing

    At Mayo Clinic Healthcare in London, our endocrinology specialists provide hormone tests for men when symptoms may be linked to changes in hormone levels. If you have low energy, mood changes, reduced sex drive, or other concerns, a consultant can review your symptoms, recommend appropriate tests, and explain the next steps.

    Hormones help control many functions in your body, including energy, metabolism, muscle strength, sexual health, and fertility. Levels that are too high or too low can affect your physical and emotional health. Testing may help identify the cause and guide any treatment or monitoring you need.

    • Hormone tests measure the levels of hormones in your blood. They help your consultant assess how well your endocrine system is working.

      The endocrine system is a group of glands that produce hormones. Hormones act as chemical messengers and help control processes throughout your body.

      Depending on your symptoms, your consultant may test:

      • Testosterone
      • Sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG)
      • Luteinising hormone (LH)
      • Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
      • Oestradiol
      • Prolactin
      • Thyroid hormones
      • Cortisol

      Testing several hormones together may give your consultant a clearer picture of your health. It can also help show whether your symptoms may be related to changes in hormone levels or to another medical condition.

    • Hormone levels can change naturally with age. They can also be affected by medical conditions, medicines, or problems involving the testicles, thyroid, or pituitary gland.

      Your consultant may recommend testing if you have:

      • Ongoing tiredness or low energy
      • Reduced sex drive
      • Erectile dysfunction
      • Loss of muscle strength or muscle mass
      • Increased body fat
      • Changes in memory or concentration
      • Low mood or irritability
      • Fertility problems
      • Hot flushes
      • Reduced body hair growth

      These symptoms can have several possible causes. Hormone testing can help your consultant find out whether a hormone-related condition may be contributing to them.

    • Hormone levels may change for many reasons. Some changes are temporary. Others may need ongoing treatment or monitoring.

      Possible causes include:

      • Age-related changes in hormone production
      • Conditions affecting the testicles (testes)
      • Disorders affecting the pituitary gland, a small gland at the base of the brain that helps control hormone production
      • Thyroid disorders
      • Obesity
      • Diabetes
      • Long-term health conditions
      • Certain medicines, including long-term use of steroid medicines or opioids
      • Genetic or inherited conditions

      Your consultant will consider your symptoms, medical history, medicines, and lifestyle alongside your test results. This information can help identify the most likely cause.

    • Diagnosis starts with a detailed consultation with your specialist.

      Your assessment may include:

      • A review of your symptoms and medical history
      • A discussion about your lifestyle, medicines and general health
      • A physical examination, when needed
      • A hormone blood test for men to measure hormone levels
      • Other blood tests to assess thyroid function, blood sugar or additional health markers, when appropriate

      Some hormone levels change throughout the day. Testosterone is usually measured using an early-morning blood sample because levels tend to be highest at that time.

      If a result is outside the expected range, your consultant may recommend another test to confirm it before making a diagnosis.

      Your testing plan will depend on your symptoms, examination findings, and medical history.

      Blood test for low testosterone

      A blood test for low testosterone may be recommended when your symptoms suggest that your testosterone level could be lower than expected.

      Low testosterone, also called testosterone deficiency, may cause:

      • Reduced sex drive
      • Erectile dysfunction
      • Tiredness
      • Loss of muscle mass
      • Low mood
      • Weakened bones

      These symptoms are not unique to testosterone deficiency. Other medical conditions can cause similar symptoms.

      If testing confirms low testosterone, your consultant will investigate the underlying cause before discussing whether treatment may be appropriate. You may need additional hormone tests and MR imaging of the pituitary to find out whether the change is related to the testicles or the pituitary gland.

    • At Mayo Clinic Healthcare, you can expect a consultant-led assessment of hormone-related symptoms.

      Our approach includes:

      • Endocrinology specialists experienced in assessing hormone disorders
      • A thorough review of your symptoms, medical history, and overall health
      • Access to comprehensive blood testing, when appropriate
      • Evidence-based recommendations based on your individual needs
      • Ongoing monitoring and support, when needed

      As part of the globally recognised Mayo Clinic network, we are committed to providing thorough assessment and high-quality, patient-centred care.

    Private health insurance

    Mayo Clinic Healthcare works with all major private health insurance providers, including AXA PPP, Aviva, BUPA, Health Partners Group, Vitality Health and WPA. Self-pay arrangements are also available.

    Book a private assessment

    If you have symptoms that may be related to changes in your hormone levels, our endocrinology specialists can assess your concerns and recommend the most appropriate hormone tests for men.

    Your consultant will explain your results, investigate possible causes and discuss any treatment or follow-up that may be appropriate.

     

    Medically Reviewed by

    Dr Vanderpump, Consultant Endocrinologist

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