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TRT Basic Monitoring Panel
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$116 | Info |
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Description: TRT (Testosterone Replacement Therapy) Basic Monitoring PanelAt DiscountedLabs.com, we provide tailored solutions for men undergoing Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT). Our TRT Basic Monitoring Panel is specifically designed for men who have been on testosterone replacement therapy for a few months, ensuring that the treatment is effectively monitored. Test included:
This comprehensive panel includes essential blood tests to understand the impacts of TRT on various aspects of health. Additional tests, such as PSA, DHT, and lipids, can be added to the cart as needed for a more in-depth evaluation. Tests Included:1. Complete Blood Count with Differential: A crucial set of tests that evaluate various blood cells, assisting in identifying potential health issues and the effectiveness of TRT.
2. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel: This provides vital information about your metabolic health, including glucose, kidney function, electrolytes, and liver function.
3. Estradiol, Ultrasensitive (LC/MS): A test to evaluate estrogen levels, which can impact TRT effectiveness and overall hormonal balance. 4. Testosterone, Total, LC/MS, and Free (Equilibrium Ultrafiltration): Critical for monitoring testosterone levels without upper or lower limits, ensuring the therapy is tailored to individual needs. Why Choose TRT Basic Monitoring Panel at DiscountedLabs.com?Our TRT Basic Monitoring Panel offers comprehensive insights into the effects of Testosterone Replacement Therapy on your body, which is vital for those who have recently initiated this treatment. Our commitment to quality and affordability ensures that you get precise results without burdening your budget. Take charge of your hormonal health with the TRT Basic Monitoring Panel from DiscountedLabs.com. Schedule your appointment today and stay ahead in your journey towards improved well-being!
IMPORTANT: Discounted Labs only serves these states: Find a Lab Near You Suggested Reading: Testosterone Replacement Blood Test Targets
Categories: Choose Your Test, Men's Health Tests, Popular Tests, Discounted Lab Panels, Price: $116 |
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Gynecomastia Blood Test Panel
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$435 | Info |
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Description: This panel includes hormones that have been implicated in gynecomastia by several studies. Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the male breast resulting from a growth of the glandular tissue of the breast. It is defined clinically by the presence of a rubbery or firm mass extending concentrically from the nipples. At least 30% of males will be affected during their life. Since it causes anxiety, psychosocial discomfort and fear of breast cancer, early diagnostic evaluation is important, and patients usually seek medical attention. Causes include hormone imbalance and genetic predisposition. Tests Include: TESTOSTERONE, Free and Total, LC/MS Assay (T > 1,500 ng/dL) DHT ( Dihydrotestosterone) Low blood levels of testosterone and DHT in the presence of high estradiol, IGF-1, thyroid hormones or prolactin may accelerate the growth of breast tissue in men ULTRA SENSITIVE ESTRADIOL IGF-1 (Insulin Growth Factor 1) PROLACTIN TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) FREE T3 (Free Triiodothyronine )
What is Gynecomastia and How to Diagnose it?According to the National Institute of Health, gynecomastia can affect more than 50% of adolescent boys during puberty. At the same time, gynecomastia can also affect up to 65% of men between 27 and 92, depending on their lifestyle, habits, drug intake, and other factors. But what is gynecomastia and why so many men get it? Is it dangerous? And what can you do to treat it effectively and safely? Keep reading this article to find out everything you need to know about gynecomastia, its types, causes, and treatment options. Gynecomastia is a benign enlargement of the male breast resulting from a growth of the glandular tissue of the breast. It is defined clinically by the presence of a rubbery or firm mass extending concentrically from the nipples. At least 30% of males will be affected during their life. Since it causes anxiety, psychosocial discomfort, and fear of breast cancer, early diagnostic evaluation is important, and patients usually seek medical attention. Evaluation of gynecomastia must include a detailed medical history, clinical examination, specific blood tests, imaging, and tissue sampling. Individual treatment requirements can range from simple reassurance to medical treatment or even surgery.
Gynecomastia SymptomsMen who start experiencing this problem complain of pain and tenderness around the nipple area. Gynecomastia was reported to cause an imbalance between estrogen and androgen action or an increased estrogen to androgen ratio, due to increased estrogen production, decreased androgen production or both. Androgens include testosterone and DHT. High estradiol in the presence of low testosterone and DHT, growth hormone (IGF-1 is a metabolite), and a genetic predisposition to gynecomastia can increase the size of breast tissue in men.
Potential Causes of GynecomastiaPhysiological gynecomastia is common in pubertal boys and appears to be associated with increased levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and pubertal growth, but not with a shift in the balance between estrogen and testosterone, a new study suggests. Researchers from the study said that IGF-1 and estrogen work together to help breast tissue grow, and it looks like IGF-1 is how growth hormone affects breast growth. "Estradiol increased the effect of IGF-1 on breast formation, and this was also seen in boys with gynecomastia in our study." However, serum testosterone was similarly elevated, leaving the estradiol/testosterone ratio unaltered." Testosterone converts into estradiol, DHT, and other metabolites. Men with higher amounts of the enzyme aromatase usually have this problem even at lower doses of testosterone. A higher fat percentage, advanced age, excessive alcohol consumption, and the use of specific medications all have an impact on the growth of this glandular tissue. Gynecomastia rarely occurs in men using testosterone replacement since testosterone-to-estradiol ratios are improved. In several studies on testosterone replacement, only a very small percentage of people receiving testosterone experience breast tissue growth. Dr. Judith Rabkin reported that two men out of the 150 men who participated in the study experienced this negative reaction in one HIV-specific study she conducted in New York. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a natural metabolite of testosterone that has antiestrogen activity and cannot be converted into estradiol at the tissue level. Systemic or locally administered DHT has been successfully prescribed for the treatment of patients with idiopathic and estrogen-induced gynecomastia. Gynecomastia is also seen in men with androgen resistance with low testosterone and DHT, where unfettered estrogen can stimulate subsequent breast development. However, in men with normal androgen receptor activity, estradiol is unable to stimulate breast development. This is thought to be due to an imbalance between the inhibitory and stimulatory effect of these hormones.
Medications and Products That Can Cause GynecomastiaSome medications have been reported in the medical literature to cause gynecomastia due to decreases in testosterone, increases in estradiol, or both. These include:
· Antiandrogens. · HIV medications. · Anti-anxiety medications. . Finasteride · Tricyclic antidepressants. · Glucocorticoid steroids. · Antibiotics. · Ulcer medication such as cimetidine . · Cancer treatment (chemotherapy). · Heart medications such as digitalis and calcium channel blockers. · Anabolic steroids · Soy and flaxseed · Exposure to pesticides and byproducts of plastic processing has also been linked to increased estrogen and decreased sperm count in men.
If the gynecomastia is drug-induced, decreased tenderness and softening of the glandular tissue will usually be apparent within one month after discontinuation of the drug. However, if the gynecomastia has been present for more than one year, it is unlikely to regress substantially, either spontaneously or with medical therapy, because of the presence of fibrosis. In such circumstances, surgical subcutaneous mastectomy, ultrasound-assisted liposuction, and suction-assisted lipectomy are the best options for cosmetic improvement, as described in several case series. During the rapid, proliferative phase, manifested clinically as breast pain and tenderness, medical therapy may be attempted. Most studies of drugs -- including testosterone (in patients without hypogonadism), have been uncontrolled and thus difficult to interpret because gynecomastia may resolve spontaneously. Small samples have generally been a limitation of the few randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials.
How do you manage gynecomastia if it does occur?Even though tamoxifen is not approved to treat gynecomastia, it has been shown to work in randomized and nonrandomized trials, with about 80% of patients showing partial regression of gynecomastia and about 60% showing complete regression. The drug is taken by mouth at a dose of 20 mg daily for up to 3 months. Patients in whom tamoxifen is effective usually experience a decrease in pain and tenderness within one month. In a retrospective analysis of a series of patients with idiopathic gynecomastia, 78% of patients treated with tamoxifen had complete resolution of gynecomastia, as compared with only 40% of patients receiving danazol. In case series describing the use of tamoxifen for this condition in more than 225 patients, adverse events were uncommon but can include body aches, low sex drive, and fatigue. The aromatase inhibitor anastrozole was not shown to be more effective than placebo in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial in boys with pubertal gynecomastia. Although in an uncontrolled study of 10 patients with pubertal gynecomastia, the selective estrogen-receptor modulator raloxifene was shown to result in more than a 50% decrease in the size of the gynecomastia in the majority of the boys, there is insufficient data to recommend its use at this time. Lowering the testosterone dose had not proven helpful for the two patients in Dr. Rabkin's study. The use of antiestrogens, such as tamoxifen 10 mg twice daily, with lower doses of testosterone has been effective. Some physicians prescribe low dose aromatase inhibitors for men with early-onset gynecomastia. Gynecomastia can become permanent if the condition lasts very long, although it may reduce in size when androgen use is discontinued. In the absence of resolution, surgical correction may be necessary in severe cases. For men who experience enlarged breast size, doctors usually check estradiol levels to determine whether too much testosterone is being converted into estrogen. However, physicians usually forget that other hormone metabolites like DHT and IGF-1 may be involved in the development of gynecomastia, so they do not include these tests in the diagnostic panel. Warning: Bringing estrogen down to very low levels could cause health problems in men in the long run. Hair/skin quality and health, brain function, bone density, lipids, sexual function, and other important factors may be greatly influenced by estrogen. More information about estradiol and gynecomastia.
Bibliography: Braunstein, G. D., M.D. (2007). Gynecomastia. The New England Journal of Medicine, 357(12), 1229-1237. Schulster M, Bernie AM, Ramasamy R. The role of estradiol in male reproductive function. Asian J Androl 2016;18:435-40
Gynecomastia FAQHere are a few answers to some of the questions you might have about gynecomastia. 1. Is Gynecomastia Painful? Some patients might experience mild pain in their chest area as well as tenderness, especially when gynecomastia gets into an advanced state. However, the pain is not sharp or intense, and it usually goes away once proper treatment for gynecomastia is administered. 2. Does the Breast Tissue Subside Once Gynecomastia Is Treated? One of the main concerns of patients with gynecomastia is whether the breast tissue will continue to "hang" after the condition is treated. Unfortunately, the tissue will not subside on its own in most cases, but there are solutions to this problem. Once the underlying cause of gynecomastia is treated, patients can perform small surgeries to remove the excess breast tissue and achieve a more "manly" chest. 3. Does Scarring Occur After Removing the Breast Tissue? Luckily, the scarring is minimal around the nipple area and almost invisible. Patients can go to the beach and not worry that someone will see that they had gynecomastia surgery because the scarring is virtually non-existent. 4. Are There Any Other Drugs or Substances Which Cause Gynecomastia? Certain drugs or substances might cause gynecomastia such as marijuana, steroids, or other performance-enhancing drugs. However, men might develop breast tissue enlargement as a result of consuming high amounts of alcohol too. Alcohol can damage the liver, which in turn decreases the production of testosterone. At the same time, certain drugs such as spironolactone, ketoconazole, and others can also trigger the development of gynecomastia. Cimetidine, which is a drug used to treat ulcer, is also associated with this type of health issue. Conclusions Treating gynecomastia can be done with relative ease these days, as long as you are aware of its existence. For a complete and thorough test which helps you diagnose this condition quickly, check out the Gynecomastia Test Panel. You can use a blood sample to perform this lab test panel from Discounted Labs, and you receive the results in just a few business days. The results can help your doctor decide what therapies are best for you to eliminate your gynecomastia.
Reference: Sansone A, et al. Gynecomastia and hormones. Endocrine. DOI 10.1007/s12020-016-0975-9
Suggested Reading: Testosterone Replacement Blood Test Targets
Categories: Choose Your Test, Men's Health Tests, Discounted Hormone Tests, Discounted Lab Panels, Price: $435 |
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Testosterone (T+F), Estradiol and DHT Panel
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$203 | Info |
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Description: This panel contains testosterone and its downstream metabolites: estradiol and DHT. All three hormones are measured using Liquid Chromatography/Mass Spectrometry (LC/MS), the most accurate assay for hormones. No interactions with supplements like biotin are present. Around 0.4% of testosterone aromatizes to estradiol in fat mass, testicles, and liver. Around 10% of testosterone converts to DHT via the alpha reductase enzyme. This enzyme is produced in many tissues in both males and females, including the reproductive tract, testes and ovaries, skin, seminal vesicles, prostate, epididymis, and many organs, including the nervous system. Testosterone, Total, LC/MS and Free (Equilibrium Dialysis)This panel includes free testosterone percent by equilibrium dialysis, free testosterone calculated from percent free T, and total testosterone measured using the most precise method (liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry, LC/MS). It is adequate for men who expect high T levels and women (LC/MS is accurate for high and low T levels as well). Total Testosterone: – Liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC/MS/MS)- No upper limit – Analytical sensitivity: 1.0 ng/dL – Analytical specificity: no cross-reactivity with other steroid compounds – Analytical Measurement Range: 1.0 ng/dL to 2,000 ng/dL
Free and Total Testosterone: – Percent free: equilibrium dialysis – Free: calculated based on total and percent free testosterone
Ultrasensitive Estradiol TestThis test may take up to 7 business days to obtain results. The body produces estrogen by aromatizing testosterone in the testicles, liver, and fat tissue. Estradiol is involved in bone health, cognitive function, sex drive, and body composition in both men and women. Depending on lifestyle factors, liver issues, medications, body fat mass, and genetics, some people may have higher estradiol conversions from testosterone. The commonly used estradiol test may overestimate estradiol. That test uses immunoassay technology that cannot differentiate C-Reactive Protein (involved in inflammation) from estradiol, so it reads the combination of the two as estradiol. This overestimation can lead to excessive use of an aromatase inhibitor that can result in low estradiol, which can cause several health issues. This ultrasensitive estradiol test is based on liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS), an assay technology that does not have that limitation.
DHT TestDihydrotestosterone (DHT) is synthesized from testosterone in the prostate gland, testes, hair follicles, and adrenal glands by 5-alpha reductase. Dihydrotestosterone exerts its action similarly to testosterone, which binds to and activates androgen receptors. Dihydrotestosterone is responsible for the formation of male primary sex characteristics and most male secondary sex characteristics during puberty, such as muscular growth, facial and body hair growth, and deepening of the voice. Excess DHT has been associated with hair loss, prostate volume increase, and acne in men with a genetic predisposition to those issues. Blocking or decreasing DHT to low levels may cause sexual dysfunction. More information on DHT in men. Categories: Choose Your Test, Men's Health Tests, Testosterone Tests, Discounted Hormone Tests, Price: $203 |
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TRT MALE Hormone/Wellness Follow Up Panel
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$238 | Info |
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Description: This panel includes main blood test variables monitored by many clinics that treat men with low testosterone. This panel is for men who are already on testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and who want to monitor their main blood tests. You save substantial amounts of money by ordering these tests together rather than one at a time. The panel includes: - Testosterone, Free, Equilibrium Dialysis With Total Testosterone, LC/MS - Sex hormone binding globulin (SHBG) - Estradiol (Ultra sensitive- LC/MS assay) - CBC (includes glucose, hematocrit, and immune cells) - CMP (includes liver and kidney function, eGFR) - Lipids (LDL and HDL cholesterol and triglycerides) FASTING REQUIRED You can add DHT, DHEA, TSH, Free T3, free T4 and Prolactin for a more comprehensive picture of your hormonal health.
An Introduction into TRT Male Hormone & Wellness Panel
This comprehensive and complex panel is designed especially for men undergoing testosterone therapy replacement to assess the progress of the medication recommended. This panel is one of the most cost-effective and exhaustive choices, it comprises tests like
All these get run together through this panel will save lots of time and money and overall bring the most value for your health.
Testosterone, Free, Equilibrium Dialysis With Total Testosterone, LC/MS
Testosterone is the primary male hormone, helping in developing all the masculine features, it is mainly produced in testicles. For women, testosterone is not a definitory hormone even though they are producing it as well in ovaries. Some women though may have higher levels which may create several undesired consequences in the long run. This test package is a complex and powerful form of information for men, especially for the ones who happen to suffer from thyroid disorders, obesity, or cirrhosis. The result of the tests may show how the binding proteins of the testosterone are disrupted and also evaluate the testicular condition. Testosterone tests are mainly ordered for men who either use the testosterone substitution therapy already and want to keep up with the progress or for men who experience symptoms like infertility, decrease in muscle mass, impotence, loss of libido. For women, it is also a helpful test if symptoms like hair loss, irregular menstruations, excessive body and facial hair, and infertility appear. If testosterone levels are higher than normal, this may indicate conditions like virilization or hirsutism. Usually, the total testosterone is linked to the SHBG hormone and a smaller fraction to the albumin. Free testosterone is found in very low concentrations throughout the body, it is the part left unlinked to SHBG proteins or albumin. Usual testosterone tests are not specific enough when it comes to identifying the free testosterone levels. Hence, it is used a procedure called equilibrium ultrafiltration Equilibrium ultrafiltration is achieved through adding tritiated testosterone in the sample analyzed and going through a process of stabilization. After this stabilization, the free testosterone from the sample is separated through centrifugal ultrafiltration. The percentage of free testosterone from the sample is then used to calculate the free testosterone The Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG)
The sex hormone-binding globulin is a very important protein for both men and women. It is known to have a powerful link to three hormones: testosterone, estradiol, and dihydrotestosterone. This protein is produced by the liver and carries with it these hormones throughout the body and distributes them in their place. Testosterone is the most important hormone associated with this protein and this is why they are commonly tested together. Usually, the test is ordered when men and women have abnormal levels. High SHBG can lower free testosterone. Read about how to lower SHBG. Ultra Sensitive Estradiol LC/MS Assay
Estradiol is the most biologically active of all estrogens. It plays a very important role in increasing the volume of the endometrium, the vagina, and the mammary glands. Estradiol is produced in the ovaries, testicles, and cortex of the adrenal glands. More than 95% of estradiol is bound to SHBG, the sex hormone-binding globulin. Estradiol contributes to bone health, body distribution, sex drive, and cognitive function. In men, estradiol is produced by the testicles and adrenal glands. To evaluate correctly the estradiol levels, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) technology. The old method of measuring estradiol using immunoassays may overestimate estradiol in men. Also, this technology has a higher sensitivity and a broad range which helps diagnose correctly and evaluate conditions like gynecomastia in men or bone loss density. Emerging data shows that the testosterone-to-estradiol ratio may be better correlated to libido and fertility in men. What Does a CBC Panel Contain?
The CBC provides important information about the hematologic system and other organ systems. The blood count consists of the automatic measurement of the following parameters:
Glucose, also known as blood sugar, is one of the fuels of our organisms. Glucose can be extracted from foods, especially carbohydrates like bread, vegetables, fruits and fermented products like dairies. Right after we ingest carbohydrates, they split into several sugar types, among them glucose, which is a monounsaturated one. Once it has broken down, the small intestine absorbs it and transports it to cells where it can finally produce energy. Glucose is often associated with the hormone insulin, as the latter secures the glucose in cells. Your doctor may ask you to do this test to diagnose or monitor diabetes, evaluate cases of hyperthyroidism or hypothyroidism, liver disorders, pancreatic cancer, or evaluate an excess of weight. Hematocrit is generally defined as the percentage of erythrocytes in the blood volume, it is one of the important hematological parameters that help diagnose certain diseases. Hematocrit measures the volume of red blood cells compared to the total volume of blood (ie red blood cells and plasma). The normal value of hematocrit in men is between 40 and 54%. For women, the value is between 36 and 48% (sometimes between 37% and 47%). This value can be determined directly by centrifugation of the hematocrit or it can be calculated indirectly. The hematocrit test is part of the complete blood count. It measures the proportion of erythrocytes in a patient's blood and can help the doctor diagnose or monitor the patient's response to treatment. High values of HT may arise in case of dehydration, heart disorders, poisoning with carbon monoxide or testosterone use. On the contrary, low levels may indicate thyroid dysfunction, vitamin deficiencies, or hemorrhage. Immune cells are also known as white blood cells and even if they are found in small quantities in the body, their role is massive. Leukocytes, as they are also called, are stored in the lymph system, more precisely in the thymus, bone marrow, lymph nodes, and spleen. They are protecting the organism from viruses and bacteria. The leukocytes are categorized in two main ways according to their role
The main role of phagocytes is to help in the healing process, provide a shield against bacteria, contribute to the renewal of the skin, and defend the body against different pathogens, while lymphocytes have a memorizing role. They retain information from previous attacks and prepare for a comeback by producing antibodies and destroying cells that cannot recover. The immune system is our ally in the battle with different viruses, bacteria, or pathogens. Keeping these little fighters healthy can keep us away from many conditions. Your doctor may recommend this test to assess your overall health and diagnose disorders like diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, or lupus. What does a CMP Contain?This panel is a very complex one and may indicate a series of irregularities mostly related to the kidney and liver. It measures their performance alongside glucose levels, electrolytes ,and fluids. All these are essential for our body, each having a specific role in creating an equilibrium in our organism. Your doctor might request this panel as part of a yearly routine or as a way to confirm certain suspicions regarding diabetes, hypertension, etc. The panel comprises 14 elements to be analyzed:
What does a Lipid Profile Include?This package includes the necessary analysis to draw a lipid profile and evaluate risks for cardiovascular disease. Fasting is required to perform these tests so the results can be more accurate, The time needed for fasting is usually determined by your practitioner but usually, 12 hours before the test is enough. LDL stands for low-density lipoproteins; this is also known as bad cholesterol because they may clog your arterial walls with an extra deposit of cholesterol, causing atherosclerosis. This happens as the blood flow cannot get through the arteries. Being untreated may lead to serious health issues like a stroke, heart attack, or, in the worst case scenario, death. HDL stands for density lipoproteins, which, contrary to LDL, is known as good cholesterol. The HDL travels through the body until it gets to the liver, where it starts to be eliminated. Triglycerides are fats (lipids) that move in the blood and can be stored in the tissues of the body. If you have to do anything about triglycerides, it depends on how big they are. When you consume more calories than you need, the body forms triglycerides and stores them in fat cells. This type of lipid can be metabolized later to create energy. High-fat foods increase triglycerides, but sugar and alcohol have an even stronger effect. Elevated levels may lead to a risk of heart disease and stroke. Order Your TRT Panel NowIf you are looking for a comprehensive panel that includes some of the most important tests when it comes to TRT, and you also want to save time and money, this may be your best guess. To this panel, there are some other valuable, more specific tests that you can add for a more complex panel. These are: DHT, DHEA, TSH, Free T3, free T4, and Prolactin. For this and more hormone-related panels, go access DiscountedLabs.com and choose what is best for you at a fair price. Here are two other panels that include additional tests: Comprehensive Male Hormone Panel II
IMPORTANT: Discounted Labs only serves these states: Find a Location
HOW DOES DISCOUNTEDLABS.COM WORK? 1- Go to the "Find a Location" page to find the closest lab location. 2- Go to "Choose a Test" and add your selection (s) in the shopping cart. 3- If you have a discount coupon code, add it to your cart. 4- Pay using a credit card. 5- You will receive an order confirmation and a lab request emails within business hours. 6- Print lab request form attached to the lab request form email (PDF file). 7- Take that form to the closest lab with a picture ID. Get your blood drawn. No lab fee is required. 9- You will receive an email when the results are ready.
Important Note: You cannot place an order under someone else's profile. The profile person's name will appear on the lab order form. Please create your profile. You are allowed to use someone else's credit card as payment.
Suggested Reading: Testosterone Replacement Blood Test Targets
Categories: Men's Health Tests, TRT Side Effects Tests, Popular Tests, Discounted Lab Panels, Price: $238 |
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