Men’s Hormone Health—What Should You Really Be Testing?
When it comes to men’s health, conversations often start—and stop—with testosterone. But what if the fatigue, brain fog, or mood changes you’re feeling aren’t just about "T"?
At Empowered Health, we evaluate a more complete picture. This blog walks through the key hormones and markers we test, why each one matters, and what the science says about staying sharp, strong, and energized as you age.
Which Hormones Should Men Be Testing?
✅ Free & Total Testosterone
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Total testosterone measures the full amount circulating in the blood.
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Free testosterone is the bioavailable form—this is what your body can actually use.
We often see men with “normal” total testosterone but very low free testosterone, explaining symptoms like fatigue, low libido, and poor muscle recovery.
Expert Tip: Many commercial labs only measure total testosterone. That’s not enough. You need both numbers for real answers.
✅ SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
SHBG binds testosterone and prevents it from being used by cells. High SHBG can lower free testosterone even if total testosterone looks fine.
✅ DHEA
DHEA is an adrenal hormone that supports the production of testosterone and cortisol. It naturally declines with age, and low levels are linked to fatigue, mood changes, and immune dysfunction.
Research Bite: One study in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology found that supplementing DHEA in older men improved energy and skin health while supporting hormonal balance.
✅ Cortisol
Cortisol is your primary stress hormone. When chronically elevated, it disrupts testosterone production, impairs sleep, and increases visceral fat.
Research Bite: Chronic stress elevates cortisol and suppresses the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis, reducing testosterone and libido. (Harvard Health, 2021)
✅ hs-CRP
High-sensitivity C-reactive protein measures subtle inflammation. Elevated hs-CRP can interfere with hormonal signaling and is linked to poor brain function, heart disease, and hormone resistance.
Expert Insight: Inflammation doesn’t just cause pain—it disrupts every hormone pathway in the body. We test hs-CRP in every Empowered Health lab panel.
How to Access Affordable Lab Testing
Here’s what many people don’t know: even if you have insurance, cash-pay labs may be the smarter option—especially if you have a high deductible.
At Empowered Health, we’ve partnered with Interpath Labs to offer discounted, transparent pricing for the full panel of hormone and inflammatory tests. No surprises. No unnecessary charges.
This means you get:
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Comprehensive data
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Fast turnaround
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Peace of mind about cost
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Results you can act on immediately
Expert Opinion: What We See in the Clinic
We regularly see men who’ve been told their testosterone is “normal,” but still feel:
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Foggy or distracted
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Less interested in intimacy
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Sluggish or underperforming in the gym
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Irritable or emotionally flat
In many cases, their labs reveal:
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High SHBG = less usable testosterone
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Low DHEA = stress-adrenal fatigue
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Elevated hs-CRP = brain inflammation
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Subclinical thyroid changes
These aren't things your typical 10-minute appointment catches. Our 90-minute new patient visit is designed to dive deeper—and change your trajectory.
Local Resources to Support Hormonal Health
Whether you’re in Richland, Pasco, Kennewick, or elsewhere in Eastern Washington, you have tools to support your hormonal health daily:
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Shop hormone-friendly foods at Kennewick Natural Grocers or Yoke’s—look for omega-3s, zinc-rich foods (like shellfish), and cruciferous vegetables
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Exercise at Badger Mountain Trail or take a men’s class at The Wellness Hub in Richland
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Reduce stress with float therapy at Float Euphoria in Kennewick, a calming, science-backed way to reset cortisol levels
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Consider a men's yoga or mobility class to support circulation and recovery
The Empowered Health Advantage
We don’t guess—we test. And we don’t apply generic solutions—we personalize every plan based on advanced labs and clinical experience.
Your first visit includes:
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A 90-minute deep dive with Dr. Schneider or Dr. Monie
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Full hormone, inflammatory, and nutrient labs
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A customized plan rooted in prevention, precision, and performance
📞 Ready to understand your body better—and feel like yourself again? Schedule your inquiry call today.
Empowered Health Institute
Why Empowered Health.
Time between patient and physician is dictated increasingly by the health system and insurance reimbursement. At Empowered Health, we take a membership approach to primary care in Tri-Cities that challenges the standard healthcare model.
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