Hormone Test for Men: When You Need It and Why It Matters for Your Overall Health

The human body is made up of several hormones that work together to regulate its various functions. Each hormone has its own distinct responsibility; for instance, insulin regulates blood sugar levels, while leptin controls the sensation of hunger. But what exactly do we mean by the term hormone? A hormone refers to chemical messengers secreted by the body’s glands to regulate essential bodily processes and functions such as growth, sleep, metabolism, and reproductive activity. Maintaining hormone levels within their normal range is one of the most important factors for ensuring the body’s optimal performance.

In this article, we’ll shed light on hormone testing for men, which evaluates the balance of hormones responsible for energy, mood, muscle mass, fertility, and even heart and bone health. As men age or their lifestyle habits change, hormone levels can fluctuate in ways that affect daily performance, often without obvious symptoms. A hormone test provides valuable insight to detect imbalances early on and helps develop a plan to maintain hormonal stability, which is the foundation of vitality and overall well-being.

What Is a Hormone Test for Men?

A male hormone test is a comprehensive blood test that measures several hormones to evaluate their balance and identify any abnormalities that might impact general health or physical and sexual performance. It typically includes testosterone testing, as testosterone is the primary male sex hormone, along with other hormones that affect fertility, energy, and mood, such as those produced by the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands. The test may also measure certain proteins that bind to these hormones, helping assess their effectiveness and activity in the body. By conducting these tests, physicians can pinpoint the underlying causes of hormonal imbalances and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

Key Hormones Measured in the Test

A male hormone test usually includes several key hormones. Your doctor may request all of them or only a few, depending on your condition and symptoms.

• Total and Free Testosterone

Testosterone is the primary male sex hormone responsible for developing secondary sexual characteristics such as muscle mass, body hair distribution, and a deeper voice. It also plays a vital role in regulating sexual desire, maintaining normal reproductive function, and producing sperm. The testes mainly secrete testosterone under the influence of luteinizing hormone (LH), which is produced by the pituitary gland.

In addition to its role in sexual function, testosterone affects fat distribution, helps preserve muscle mass and bone density, protecting against osteoporosis and muscle weakness with age, and contributes to mood, energy, and cognitive performance. Balanced testosterone levels are also associated with increased confidence, improved focus, and enhanced emotional stability.

When performing a testosterone test, both total and free forms are measured. The total level includes the portion bound to proteins such as albumin and sex hormone–binding globulin (SHBG), along with the unbound portion. The free testosterone represents the biologically active fraction that can enter cells and exert hormonal effects.

• Prolactin (Milk Hormone)

Prolactin, often referred to as the “milk hormone,” is produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In men, it helps regulate hormonal balance through its indirect influence on the pituitary–testicular axis, assisting in the control of hormones responsible for testosterone and sperm production. Prolactin also supports immune function and contributes to mood and nervous system stability. Its secretion is mainly regulated by dopamine, which suppresses the release of prolactin. Any disturbance in this balance—causing elevated or decreased prolactin levels—can affect the male reproductive hormone system, which is why a prolactin test is important.

• Thyroid Hormones (TSH, T3, T4)

A thyroid function test includes three main hormones: TSH, secreted by the pituitary gland, which controls thyroid hormone production; and T3 and T4, produced by the thyroid gland itself. T3 is the biologically active form, while T4 is the stored form that converts to T3 in body tissues when needed. These hormones regulate metabolism, body temperature, energy use, and nervous system activity.

Although they are not considered sex hormones, thyroid hormones can affect sexual health and overall well-being, which is why they are often tested alongside male reproductive hormones.

• Cortisol

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands under the stimulation of the pituitary hormone ACTH. It follows a daily rhythm: rising in the morning and dropping at night. Cortisol regulates blood sugar by stimulating glucose production, helps maintain blood pressure, and supports cardiovascular function. It also has anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating properties.

Cortisol testing is often included in male hormone panels because of its close relationship with testosterone. Chronic elevation of cortisol, resulting from stress, inadequate sleep, or excessive physical exertion, can suppress testosterone production in the testes and negatively impact energy and libido.

• Estradiol (Estrogen)

Estradiol is one of the primary forms of estrogen. Although typically considered a female hormone, it is also produced in small amounts in men through the conversion of testosterone by the enzyme aromatase, particularly in fatty tissue, the liver, and the brain.

In men, estradiol helps maintain bone density, regulates sexual desire and mood, supports cardiovascular health, and helps balance cholesterol and blood lipids. It also plays a key role in fine-tuning testosterone activity; any rise or drop in one directly affects the other.

• Albumin

While albumin is a protein rather than a hormone, it plays an essential role in male fertility. It transports various molecules in the body, including fatty acids and hormones. Testing albumin alongside testosterone helps assess the accuracy of total testosterone results. Low albumin levels—such as those found in liver disease or malnutrition—may cause total testosterone levels to appear low, even when the biologically active portion is normal. Knowing the albumin concentration helps calculate free testosterone more accurately, giving a clearer picture of a man’s actual hormonal status.

• Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin (SHBG)

SHBG is another protein commonly measured in male hormone panels. Produced by the liver, it binds tightly to testosterone and other sex hormones, such as estradiol, and transports them through the bloodstream. The SHBG level determines how much of these hormones remain free and biologically active.

When SHBG levels are high, more testosterone is bound and unavailable for use, potentially causing symptoms of low testosterone even when total levels are normal. Conversely, when SHBG levels are low—often seen in men with obesity or insulin resistance—free testosterone levels increase. For this reason, SHBG is an essential marker for understanding the balance between male and female hormones in the body.

When Is a Hormone Test Recommended?

Doctors usually recommend male hormone testing when a patient experiences symptoms such as low sexual desire, decreased physical performance, reduced muscle mass, constant fatigue, or mood changes. The test is also advised in cases of infertility or delayed conception, especially if a semen analysis shows a low sperm count or reduced motility. Additionally, hormone testing may be required when there is suspicion of a pituitary or adrenal gland disorder, as these glands indirectly regulate testosterone production through hormones like LH and ACTH. In some cases, hormone testing is also performed routinely as part of preventive health checkups, particularly for men over the age of forty.

How Is a Hormone Test Performed?

The test is conducted by drawing a blood sample from a vein, which is then analyzed in a laboratory. To ensure accurate results, your doctor may recommend following specific instructions before the test, such as taking the sample early in the morning (between 7 and 10 a.m.), avoiding strenuous exercise or physical stress the day before, and refraining from sexual activity or stimulation for 24 hours prior to testing. It’s also advised to avoid taking hormonal medications or supplements (such as testosterone or steroids) unless instructed by your doctor. If you’re taking any other medications regularly, make sure to inform your doctor beforehand.

Fasting is not typically required unless specified by your doctor for particular tests, so it’s best to confirm if fasting is needed in your case.

Interpreting Hormone Test Results

It’s best to have your doctor interpret the results and prescribe treatment if necessary, as hormone levels can vary depending on many factors. Each hormone’s increase or decrease reflects a specific condition, and professional evaluation is essential to determine the correct diagnosis and next steps.

Factors Affecting Hormonal Balance in Men

Daily habits have a major impact on hormonal balance in men, and lifestyle choices often determine whether hormones remain stable or become disrupted.

• Nutrition:

Eating foods rich in high-quality proteins such as eggs and fish, along with healthy fats found in olives and nuts, and leafy green vegetables, helps support hormone production and maintain their natural balance.

• Sleep and Rest:

Getting adequate sleep and minimizing screen exposure before bedtime are essential for deep, uninterrupted rest. Most testosterone is released during deep sleep, and sleep deprivation can significantly reduce its production within a short time.

• Physical Activity:

Regular exercise plays a key role in hormonal health. A sedentary lifestyle slows metabolism and weakens hormonal response, while consistent workouts, especially resistance training and weightlifting, boost testosterone production and improve mood and energy levels. However, excessive exercise without enough rest can increase cortisol levels and have the opposite effect.

• Chronic Stress:

Long-term stress is one of the hidden causes of hormonal imbalance. Elevated cortisol levels resulting from constant stress can suppress testosterone production and negatively affect sleep quality and mood. Engaging in relaxing activities, such as walking, meditation, or any hobby that calms the mind, helps restore balance because mental relaxation directly supports hormonal stability in the body.

Why Is Hormonal Balance Important for Men’s Health?

Hormonal balance in men is not a luxury; it’s a necessity and a key factor in overall well-being. Balanced hormone levels, particularly testosterone, influence overall health. When hormone levels are within their normal range, men experience better energy, sharper focus, and greater emotional stability.

From a sexual and reproductive perspective, hormonal balance is essential for maintaining libido, sexual performance, and sperm quality, all of which contribute to fertility. In essence, maintaining hormonal balance means maintaining a man’s overall health: in body, mind, and function.