Description
While undergoing testosterone replacement therapy there are a number of blood tests that may be to be periodically taken to both monitor testosterone levels and check for potential side effects.
This package includes the following tests:
Testosterone Total & Free: Monitoring both total and free testosterone is useful as it can show how much testosterone is actually free for the body to use.
Complete Blood Count (CBC): Testosterone therapy can sometimes cause irregular cell counts, especially red blood cells. A CBC can monitor these levels.
A Comprehensive Metabolic Panel (CMP) is a broad screening test that is used to evaluate organ function and electrolyte balance as well as aid in the diagnosis of conditions such as diabetes, liver disease, and kidney disease. This test is also useful for monitoring people receiving treatment for conditions that affect the liver or kidneys. The CMP contains all of the measurements in a Basic Metabolic Panel and most of the same measurements as a Hepatic Function Panel and a Renal Function Panel.
A CMP includes the following tests:
Glucose: Abnormal blood sugar levels can indicate a number of conditions including Diabetes.
BUN (Blood Urea Nitrogen): Used to evaluate kidney function.
Creatinine: Used to Evaluate Kidney Function.
BUN/Creatinine Ratio: This measurement can indicate kidney disease or conditions such as dehydration or intestinal bleeding. Estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate (eGFR): Used to screen for and detect early kidney damage.
Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Carbon Dioxide, Total: An improper electrolyte balance can indicate a number of conditions including dehydration, Addison’s disease, kidney disease, and Diabetes.
Calcium: Normal levels are important for healthy bones, heart, nerves, kidneys, and teeth.
Protein, Total: Aids in measuring Liver and Kidney function as well as nutritional status.
Albumin: A protein important for healthy liver and kidney function.
Globulin: A protein that helps the body fight infection and the blood to clot properly.
Albumin/Globulin Ratio: Can help identify various liver problems when combined with other test results.
Bilirubin, Total: Helps to identify conditions such as anemia, sickle cell, hepatitis, cirrhosis, alcohol, and drug abuse.
Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP): Used to detect liver disease or bone disorders.
Aspartate Amino Transferase (AST): Used to evaluate liver function, very high levels often indicate Hepatitis
Alanine Amino Transferase (ALT): Used to help identify liver damage.
Estradiol: Estradiol is the primary form of estrogen in men. While undergoing TRT many men see an increase in estradiol levels, and need an Aromatase blocking Medication
Sex hormone-binding globulin is a protein produced by the liver which binds to the hormones testosterone, dihyrdotestosterone and estradiol and transports them through the blood. The SHBG test is typically used to help evaluate whether a person has an excess or deficiency of testosterone. Hormones which are bound to SHBG are biologically inactive and not available for the body to use. If a person’s SHBG levels are abnormal, then a testosterone blood test may not accurately represent the amount of testosterone which is available to be taken into the body’s tissues.
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA): TRT has been linked to an increased risk of prostate cancer. Increasing PSA levels can be a sign that someone is at risk.
FSH & LH: Healthy levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone contribute to testosterone production
Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH): Produced by the pituitary gland and aids the thyroid gland in producing T4 and T3
Free T3 and Free T4: Hormones produced by the thyroid gland. Free T3 and Free T4 are not bound to proteins in the bloodstream Prolactin: Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland. High levels of prolactin can impair the production of testosterone. Elevated prolactin can be a result of pituitary dysfunction
This online Vitamin D 25-Hydroxy test is the most common method for measuring a person’s vitamin D levels. There are 2 forms of vitamin D, D2 and D3. D3 typically makes up the majority of the vitamin D in your body. It is produced when the body is exposed to sunlight. D3 is also found in some foods including eggs and fatty fish, such as salmon, tuna, and mackerel. D2 mainly comes from eating fortified foods including some types of cereal and dairy. In the body, D2 and D3 are converted into 25 hydroxyvitamin D, aka 25(OH)D. A vitamin D blood test measures the level of 25(OH)D in your blood. Vitamin D is necessary for the proper growth and health of teeth and bones. It also helps in the healthy development of the immune system as well as various tissues throughout the body.
The most common source of Vitamin D deficiency is not getting enough sun exposure. While malnutrition can contribute to a deficiency as well, the majority of people do not get sufficient vitamin D from their diet anyway. Someone suffering from a vitamin d deficiency may experience symptoms that include tiredness, weakness, aches and pains, and frequent infections. Conditions such as Cystic Fibrosis and Crohn’s Disease which interfere with the body’s ability to absorb fat and fat-soluble vitamins can also cause vitamin D deficiency.
Vitamin D is often checked as part of a routine health screening. It can also be ordered when someone had signs of vitamin D deficiency which can include conditions affecting the bones such as Rickets or Osteoporosis.
This test measures levels of Vitamin B12 and Folate (Folic Acid), also known as Vitamin B9, in blood. B12 and Folate are important for red blood cell formation, DNA synthesis, and cell division. B12 deficiency can result in nerve damage as well as a condition known as Macrocytic Anemia in which Hemoglobin levels are lower than normal and Red Blood Cells are larger than normal. Folate deficiency can cause complications for a fetus during pregnancy. B12 and Folate deficiency is typically caused by malnutrition or malabsorption which may be caused by conditions such as Celiac Disease, bacterial or parasitic infection in the intestines, alcoholism, and certain types of medication. It is important to note that a person’s B12 and Folate levels may show as normal even if they are not getting enough in their diet. It may take time for a person’s body to deplete its stores of B12 and Folate enough to show a deficiency.
The Vitamin B12 and Folate test is typically ordered when a person is experiencing symptoms of anemia or neuropathy or has had abnormal results from Complete Blood Count (CBC). It may also be ordered when someone is undergoing treatment for B12 and Folate deficiency.
A Hemoglobin A1C test is a common blood test used to help evaluate a person’s risk for developing diabetes. Hemoglobin is a protein found in red blood cells that helps to carry oxygen from the lungs to other parts of the body. Hemoglobin molecules become glycated when they bind with excess glucose (sugar) in the blood. A Hemoglobin A1C test measures the percentage of hemoglobin that is glycated. Since red blood cells typically live about 3 months, an A1C test can determine if your blood sugar levels have been elevated within the last few months. Elevated A1C can indicate that a person is at risk of becoming diabetic. If levels are high enough, it may mean that a person has already developed diabetes.
The Lipid Panel test is the standard and most commonly ordered test to check cholesterol levels. While cholesterol is often discussed in a negative context, your body actually needs healthy levels of cholesterol to perform important functions including the production of hormones that are essential for growth and reproduction, the development of cells in tissues and organs throughout the body, and the absorption of nutrients from the food you eat. However, excess cholesterol can cause the buildup of fatty deposits known as plaques in the blood vessels. Plaques cause the narrowing or blockage of blood vessels, leading to heart disease or events like a heart attack or stroke.
Cholesterol testing is an important part of maintaining good health. High cholesterol has no specific symptoms but it can lead to serious long-term health complications if left unaddressed. Checking your cholesterol levels regularly can help identify problems early before they impact your health. This can help you and your doctor determine the best course of action. This may include lifestyle changes like diet and exercise or medication.
Adults over 20 are recommended to check their cholesterol levels at least every few years. People with one or more risk factors such as smoking, being overweight, high blood pressure, diabetes, or a family history of heart disease should test more frequently.
The Lipid Panel Blood Test includes:
Total Cholesterol – A measure of all cholesterol.
Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL) – The “bad” cholesterol which contributes to build-up in the blood vessels.
High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL) – The “good” cholesterol that helps remove excess cholesterol and transport it to the liver to be removed from the body.
Triglycerides – Excess fats that can contribute to an increased risk of heart disease.
Non-HDL Cholesterol
Instructions
You should collect your samples Monday-Friday, in the morning while fasting, and ensure your return is scheduled for the same day. Fasting means that you don’t eat or drink anything besides water overnight for 12 hours before collecting your sample. Always follow the advice of your healthcare provider with regards to fasting, particularly if you have any medical conditions.
*The accuracy of your test results may be affected if you have used anabolic steroids or other steroid or hormone-containing medication within the last 3-6 months, or if you have used steroid creams within the last week.
Biotin (B7) supplements may also impact your test results. Wait at least 12 hours after your last dose before collecting your sample.
This test is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.
Please Go to Your Nearest Labcorp Collection Facility, You May Locate your nearest Labcorp Collection Facility by clicking here.
When Arriving at Labcorp Location Present your License and your Labs will be on File.
If you Have any Questions or Problems Please Contact Morph Health and Wellness at 770-243-5753
You Will receive your Results within 10 business Days from Date of Collection
