Core Hormones

For males: Total Testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone (bound and unbound) in the blood. It's the primary male sex hormone, crucial for muscle mass, bone density, libido, energy, and mood. Levels decline with age. Low levels (hypogonadism) can cause various symptoms. Optimal ranges for symptom relief and well-being are often targeted in the mid-to-upper end of the standard reference range, considering Free Testosterone as well. Important Notes:

1. Testosterone levels naturally vary by age.
2. Testosterone levels are typically highest in the morning (e.g., 8-10 AM), and reference ranges are usually based on morning samples. Levels measured later in the day may be lower.
3. Consider measuring Free Testosterone, SHBG, and Albumin for a more complete picture, especially if Total T is borderline or symptoms are present despite normal Total T.

For females: Total Testosterone measures the overall amount of testosterone (bound and unbound) in the blood. It plays a role in sexual desire/arousal, energy, mood, and helps support muscle and bone. Levels vary across the menstrual cycle and tend to decline with age. Elevated levels (hyperandrogenism) are more commonly the clinical issue in women and should be evaluated promptly.

Free Testosterone (Direct) refers to free testosterone measured directly rather than estimated from a formula. In our data this direct family includes methods such as equilibrium dialysis and ultrafiltration. These methods are often used when a clinician wants a non-calculated assessment of free testosterone, especially when changes in binding proteins such as SHBG may make calculated estimates less reliable.

Important Notes:

1. This is a measured, non-calculated free testosterone result.
2. Different labs may use equilibrium dialysis or ultrafiltration, so reference ranges can differ by method.
3. When possible, compare results over time using the same method.

For males: Estradiol (E2) is the main active estrogen in men, mostly made by conversion from testosterone. It supports bone and sexual function, but high levels can contribute to gynecomastia, fluid retention, and lower libido. Interpret alongside testosterone and SHBG.

For females: Estradiol (E2) is the main active estrogen in women and is produced mainly by the ovaries. It regulates the menstrual cycle and ovulation, and supports bone and reproductive health. Levels change a lot across the cycle, so interpretation depends on cycle day and hormone use.

For males: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a pituitary hormone that supports sperm production by acting on Sertoli cells in the testes. It’s used in fertility workups—high FSH can suggest impaired testicular sperm production, while low FSH can point to pituitary/hypothalamic causes.

For females: Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a pituitary hormone that stimulates ovarian follicles and helps regulate the menstrual cycle. It’s used to assess ovarian function and fertility—higher levels (especially early-cycle) can suggest declining ovarian reserve or menopause, depending on context.

For males: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a pituitary hormone that signals the testes to produce testosterone. It’s used to evaluate low testosterone and fertility—helping distinguish primary testicular problems (often high LH) from pituitary/hypothalamic causes (often low or normal LH).

For females: Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a pituitary hormone that helps control the menstrual cycle and triggers ovulation (the mid-cycle ‘LH surge’). It’s used in fertility and cycle evaluation, and LH patterns can help assess conditions like PCOS or ovarian dysfunction.

Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH), produced by the pituitary gland, regulates thyroid hormone production. High TSH suggests hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid), while low TSH suggests hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid). While standard ranges are broad (e.g., ~0.4-4.5 mIU/L), many longevity and functional medicine experts advocate for a narrower optimal range for better overall well-being, even in the absence of overt disease. Note: In elderly individuals (e.g., >70-80 years old), TSH may naturally be slightly higher (e.g., up to 5-7 mIU/L) without necessarily indicating pathology or requiring treatment.