Andrology Panel Test

Andrology Panel Test Overview

An andrology panel test is a combination of four blood tests that is used to get a complete look into the male reproductive system health. This test is used to study sexual health problems in men including fertility and hormonal imbalances. The panel test can even include urine tests in some cases.

The andrology panel test generally contains four tests involving the follicle stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and the testosterone free and total test. These tests can help doctors diagnose underlying health problems and create appropriate treatment plans that would help you beat the symptoms you are facing.

When is an Andrology Panel Test Prescribed?

An andrology panel test is generally recommended in response to sexual health problems of men. This test is generally not used as a regular screening test, however, it could still be used as such, if required. Here are some of the conditions that warrant doctors to prescribe an andrology panel blood test.

• Fertility problems for men
• Symptoms of hormonal imbalance like low libido and reduced muscle mass
• Sexual dysfunctions like erectile dysfunction or premature ejaculation
• Varicose veins, which lead to problems in sperm production

Components of An Andrology Panel Test

Since an andrology panel test uses several tests to complete the panel, the normal ranges are different for each test. Let’s review the different normal ranges for each hormone and what their abnormality could indicate.

Follicle Stimulating Hormone

The normal range for FSH in adult men ranges between 1.5 to 12.4 mIU/mL. A higher than normal FSH range can indicate problems in the functioning of the testicles. A lower than normal FSH range can indicate decreased sperm production.

Luteinizing Hormone

The normal range for LH in adult men can range between 1.24–7.8 IU/L, however, the range can vary slightly among different laboratories. Lower than normal LH levels can indicate problems with the pituitary gland. Higher than normal LH levels indicate testicle damage due to various reasons.

Testosterone

The normal testosterone levels can vary vastly from person to person. The normal range is generally between 300–1000 nanograms per deciliter (ng/dL) and it can even vary based on the time of the day the test is being conducted. Levels below the recommended normal levels indicate that a person has low testosterone. Similarly higher than normal testosterone could lead to other health concerns such as excessive facial hair and infertility.

Procedure And Prerequisites

The tests required for an andrology panel test are performed as blood tests so the procedure is very easy. Doctors draw blood from the veins in your arms and send it away for testing. As for prerequisites, doctors may recommend fasting before the test. Apart from that there are no other special prerequisites for this panel test.