• Luteinising Hormone (LH): Produced by the pituitary gland, LH stimulates the "Leydig cells" in the testes to produce Testosterone.
• Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH): FSH signals the "Sertoli cells" in the testes to begin the process of Spermatogenesis (sperm production). High levels often indicate the testes are struggling to produce sperm.
• Testosterone - TOTAL: Measures the overall amount of testosterone in the blood. Most of this is "bound" to proteins and is not immediately active.
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): A protein that acts like a "sponge," soaking up testosterone. High SHBG can leave very little "free" testosterone for the body to actually use.
• Free Androgen Index (FAI): A calculated ratio of Total Testosterone to SHBG. This provides a more accurate estimate of the active testosterone available to your tissues.
• Prolactin (PRL): While primarily a female hormone, high levels in men can suppress LH and FSH, leading to low testosterone, infertility, and even breast tissue growth (gynecomastia).

Why must the test be done in the morning?

Testosterone follows a "circadian rhythm" and peaks in the morning. Afternoon tests often show "false" low results.

Why does the report take 24 hours?

Processing six different hormone assays requires careful calibration and verification by our pathologists.

Can stress affect my results?

Yes, high physical or emotional stress increases cortisol, which can temporarily suppress testosterone.

Does "Total Testosterone" tell the whole story?

No. That is why we include SHBG and the Free Androgen Index; they show how much of that testosterone is actually working.

What if my Prolactin is high?

This can be caused by stress, certain medications, or very rarely, a small benign growth in the pituitary gland.

Why is FSH high in some infertile men?

If the testes aren't producing sperm, the brain sends more FSH to try and jumpstart the process, leading to high levels.

Can I drink coffee before the test?

Stick to plain water. Caffeine can affect your metabolism and potentially interfere with the morning hormone peak.

Will bodybuilding supplements affect the test?

Yes, many "pre-workout" or "booster" supplements contain substances that significantly alter hormone levels.

What is the "Free Androgen Index"?

It’s a calculated value that tells us the percentage of testosterone not stuck to SHBG.

Does age affect these results?

Yes, testosterone naturally declines by about 1% per year after the age of 30.

Why include LH?

LH tells us if the brain is correctly signaling the testes to produce testosterone.

Is this test done on blood or semen?

This specific screening package is performed entirely on a blood (serum) sample.

Can "Low T" cause weight gain?

Yes, low testosterone often leads to increased abdominal fat and difficulty maintaining muscle.

What if I have a cold on the day of the test?

Illness can lower testosterone. It is better to wait until you are fully recovered for an accurate baseline.

Is the test result confidential?

Absolutely. At Dr. Patho Labs & Diagnostics, your reproductive health data is handled with the highest level of privacy.