PCOS & Hormone Imbalance

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.

DHEA-Sulfate (DHEA-S) is an abundant steroid hormone precursor produced almost exclusively by the adrenal glands. Levels peak in young adulthood and decline steadily with age (adrenopause). DHEA-S can be converted to androgens (like testosterone) and estrogens. Measurement helps evaluate adrenal function; high levels may indicate adrenal tumors or CAH, while low levels are common with aging but can also reflect adrenal insufficiency. Its role in supplementation for aging is debated.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced mainly by the liver that binds tightly to sex hormones, primarily testosterone and estradiol, regulating their availability to tissues. High SHBG reduces free hormone levels, while low SHBG increases them. SHBG levels are influenced by factors like age, obesity, insulin resistance (lowers SHBG), thyroid function (hyper raises, hypo lowers), liver function, and estrogen levels (raises SHBG). It is essential for accurately interpreting Total Testosterone levels and calculating Free/Bioavailable Testosterone.

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.

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.