Know your Hormones
Male hormone monitering
​We think all men whove had testicular cancer should have their hormones monitored once a year after remission. Here are a list of Hormones you can ask your GP to test once a year. This can see any problems with testicle function. Indeed in a perfect world your oncologist should be checking as part of your follow up's
1. Testosterone (T)
• Function: Primary male sex hormone responsible for muscle mass, bone density, libido, sperm production, and secondary sexual characteristics.
• Low levels: Fatigue, low libido, erectile dysfunction, muscle loss, depression.
• High levels: Aggression, acne, increased red blood cell count, risk of prostate enlargement.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <8 nmol/L (clinical deficiency)
• Normal: 8-30 nmol/L
• High: >30 nmol/L (often due to supplementation or conditions like testicular tumours)
2. Luteinising Hormone (LH)
• Function: Stimulates the Leydig cells in the testes to produce testosterone.
• Low levels: Can indicate pituitary dysfunction or testosterone suppression.
• High levels: Can suggest testicular failure or primary hypogonadism.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <1.0 IU/L
• Normal: 1.7–8.6 IU/L
• High: >8.6 IU/L
3. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)
• Function: Supports sperm production and testicular function.
• Low levels: Can indicate pituitary dysfunction or excessive testosterone supplementation.
• High levels: Suggests testicular failure or fertility issues.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <1.0 IU/L
• Normal: 1.5–12.4 IU/L
• High: >12.4 IU/L
4. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT)
• Function: More potent than testosterone; influences hair growth, prostate health, and male pattern baldness.
• Low levels: May reduce libido and hair growth.
• High levels: Can contribute to prostate enlargement and hair loss.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <1 nmol/L
• Normal: 1-3 nmol/L
• High: >3 nmol/L
5. Oestradiol (Estrogen, E2)
• Function: Small amounts are necessary for bone health, libido, and mood regulation in men.
• Low levels: Can lead to osteoporosis, joint pain, and low libido.
• High levels: Can cause gynecomastia (male breast growth), mood swings, and reduced testosterone.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <40 pmol/L
• Normal: 40-160 pmol/L
• High: >160 pmol/L
6. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)
• Function: Binds to testosterone, reducing its availability.
• Low levels: More free testosterone is available, which may increase androgenic effects.
• High levels: Can lower free testosterone, causing symptoms of low T despite normal total levels.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <10 nmol/L
• Normal: 18-55 nmol/L
• High: >55 nmol/L
7. Prolactin
• Function: Primarily associated with lactation, but excess levels can suppress testosterone.
• Low levels: Rarely a concern.
• High levels: Can lead to erectile dysfunction, infertility, and gynecomastia.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <86 mIU/L
• Normal: 86-324 mIU/L
• High: >324 mIU/L
8. Cortisol
• Function: Stress hormone that can inhibit testosterone production.
• Low levels: Can lead to fatigue and adrenal insufficiency.
• High levels: Chronic stress raises cortisol, leading to suppressed testosterone, weight gain, and muscle loss.
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <100 nmol/L (morning)
• Normal: 140-690 nmol/L (morning)
• High: >690 nmol/L
9. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)
• Function: A precursor to testosterone and oestrogen.
• Low levels: Associated with ageing, fatigue, and reduced libido.
• High levels: Can contribute to excessive androgenic effects (e.g., acne, aggression).
• Reference range (UK):
• Low: <1.2 µmol/L
• Normal: 1.2-7.8 µmol/L
• High: >7.8 µmol/L
Checkemlads.com
Testicular cancer support and awareness
