Understanding Hormone Panel: Normal vs Optimal Ranges

?What is a Hormone Panel?

A Hormone Panel measures sex hormones and related markers that regulate energy, mood, muscle mass, libido, fertility, and overall vitality. It detects imbalances that cause fatigue, weight gain, low libido, mood swings, and infertility.

What Does It Measure?

• Testosterone (Total and Free) — primary male sex hormone
• Estradiol (E2) — primary female sex hormone
• DHEA-S — adrenal hormone precursor to sex hormones
• SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) — protein that binds sex hormones
• Free Testosterone — bioavailable testosterone
• Progesterone — hormone for menstrual cycle and pregnancy
• LH and FSH — pituitary hormones that regulate sex hormone production

!Why It Matters

Hormone imbalances affect energy, mood, body composition, and sexual function. Low testosterone in men causes fatigue, depression, and muscle loss. High/low estrogen in women causes irregular periods, mood swings, and fertility issues. These imbalances are often treatable with lifestyle changes or hormone therapy.

Component Breakdown

How to Prepare

• Test in the morning (testosterone peaks in morning)
• No fasting required for most hormone tests
• Women: test on specific cycle days (usually day 3 or day 21)
• Avoid biotin supplements for 2-3 days before test
• Tell your doctor about medications — many affect hormone levels

What Do Results Mean?

Low testosterone in men: fatigue, depression, low libido, muscle loss. High testosterone in women: acne, hair growth, irregular periods (PCOS). Low estradiol: hot flashes, vaginal dryness, bone loss. High estradiol: bloating, mood swings, breast tenderness. High SHBG: low free testosterone despite normal total.

Next Steps

Low testosterone: lifestyle changes (sleep, exercise, stress reduction), consider TRT if severe. High testosterone in women: evaluate for PCOS, consider anti-androgens. Hormone imbalances: endocrinology referral, repeat testing, consider replacement or suppression therapy.

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