Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)
Responsible for stimulating spermatogenesis. Affects the functioning of Sertoli cells in the testicles and participates in the development of male sexual function. Evaluated in cases of fertility disorders and suspected failures in pituitary or gonadal regulation.
Normal range: 1.5–12.4 IU/l
Reasons for increased values: primary hypogonadism, orchitis, Klinefelter syndrome
Reasons for decreased values: hypopituitarism, obesity, hyperprolactinemia, stress
Luteinizing hormone (LH)
Participates in testosterone production by stimulating Leydig cells. Associated with the regulation of reproductive function and androgen synthesis. Changes in LH levels may indicate disorders of pituitary or gonadal origin.
Normal range: 1.7–8.6 IU/l
Reasons for increased values: primary hypogonadism, testicular tumors
Reasons for decreased values: secondary hypogonadism, stress, hyperprolactinemia
Prolactin
Plays a role in regulating reproductive function and metabolism. Can affect the level of sex hormones, libido and emotional state. Sensitive to stress, physical activity and sleep phase.
Normal range: 53–360 mIU/l
Reasons for increased values: prolactinoma, hypothyroidism, chronic stress
Reasons for decreased values: hypopituitarism, dopaminergic drug intake
Estradiol
In men, it is formed from testosterone in adipose tissue. Maintains bone mineral density, participates in the regulation of libido and reproductive system function. Estradiol levels are important for assessing the balance of androgens and estrogens.
Normal range: 7.6–42.6 pg/ml
Reasons for increased values: obesity, cirrhosis, tumors
Reasons for decreased values: testosterone deficiency, aromatization disorders
Total Testosterone
The main male sex hormone. Determines sexual function, mood, bone density and muscle mass. Used to diagnose androgen deficiency and assess reproductive health.
Normal range: 8.64–29 nmol/l
Reasons for increased values: tumors, androgen therapy
Reasons for decreased values: age-related changes, obesity, chronic diseases
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA total /free)
Secreted by prostate tissue. Used as a marker of its condition. Helps to identify inflammation, hyperplasia or tumor processes in the early stages.
Normal range of total PSA: up to 4.0 ng/ml
Normal range of free PSA: 15–25% of the total
Reasons for increased values: adenoma, prostatitis, prostate cancer
Reasons for decreased values: use of 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
Binds testosterone and estradiol, regulates the level of free, biologically active forms. Changes in SHBG concentration affect the availability of hormones to tissues.
Normal range: 10–57 nmol/l
Reasons for increased values: hyperestrogenism, hyperthyroidism, age-related changes
Reasons for decreased values: obesity, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism
Free Androgen Index (FAI) Profile
A calculated indicator reflecting the ratio of total testosterone to SHBG. Helps to assess the active androgen status with normal or borderline testosterone levels.
Normal range: 30–150%
Reasons for increased values: SHBG reduction, tumors, androgen therapy
Reasons for decreased values: decreased testosterone, increased SHBG, age-related changes
