Testosterone blood test 6-marker hormone panel Busan Ko
Testosterone deficiency is significantly underdiagnosed in men over 40. MenPower Urology performs a full hormonal panel — not just total testosterone — before recommending TRT, because the treatment is not appropriate for every patient who feels fatigued.
Low testosterone is diagnosed when total T falls below 300 ng/dL on two morning fasting blood draws combined with hypogonadal symptoms. MenPower runs a 6-marker panel that distinguishes primary from secondary hypogonadism and screens for TRT contraindications (PSA, hematocrit, active fertility desire) before initiating any treatment. Long-acting injectable Nebido (10–14 week dosing) is preferred for foreign patients to minimise return visits.
Total testosterone alone is insufficient to diagnose and treat hypogonadism properly. Dr. Kwon runs a 6-marker panel that identifies the type of hypogonadism and screens for conditions that contraindicate TRT.
| Marker | Purpose | Normal Range |
|---|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | Screening; must be morning fasting draw (8–10AM) | 300–1,000 ng/dL |
| Free Testosterone (calc.) | Biologically active fraction; can be low even when total T is normal | >65 pg/mL |
| LH + FSH | High = primary hypogonadism (testicular); Low/normal = secondary (pituitary) | LH 1.5–9.3 IU/L |
| Prolactin | Elevated prolactin suppresses testosterone; rules out pituitary tumor | <20 ng/mL |
| PSA | TRT is contraindicated if PSA suggests active prostate cancer | <3.0 ng/mL (age-dependent) |
| Hematocrit | TRT raises red blood cell count; baseline required for safety monitoring | 38.3–48.6% |
Intramuscular injection every 10–14 weeks. Ideal for foreign patients: first injection in Korea, subsequent injections administered by your home GP or local clinic using our protocol letter. Stable testosterone levels with minimal fluctuation. Preferred option at MenPower for travelers.
MenPower cost: $180–$220/injection + protocol letter
Injection every 2–3 weeks. More cost-effective than Nebido but requires more frequent administration. Good option for patients who can self-inject or have a local clinic nearby. MenPower provides injection training and English-language protocol.
MenPower cost: $40–$80 per injection + supplies
Daily application to shoulders/upper arms. Flexible dosing. Risk of transdermal transfer to female partner or children — apply at night, cover site. Not ideal for patients with female partner skin contact at application site.
MenPower cost: $90–$130/month
| Side Effect / Risk | Frequency | When to Monitor | Management |
|---|---|---|---|
| Erythrocytosis (hematocrit rise) | 12–24% | 3mo, 6mo, then annually | Dose reduction; therapeutic phlebotomy if Hct >54% |
| Testicular atrophy | ~100% on TRT | Expected; monitor if fertility desired | hCG co-therapy if spermatogenesis preservation needed |
| Acne / oily skin | 15–20% | First 3 months | Topical treatment; dose adjustment |
| Mood changes / irritability | 8% | First 6 weeks | Usually dose-timing related; adjust injection schedule |
| PSA elevation | 2–3% | 3mo, 6mo, annually | Suspend TRT; urology re-evaluation |
| Sleep apnoea worsening | 5% | If symptoms develop | CPAP optimisation; dose reduction |
| Cardiovascular event (severe) | <1% (evidence mixed) | Cardiovascular screen before TRT | TRT in stable cardiac disease is generally safe per 2023 TRAVERSE trial data |
Full 6-marker testosterone panel with same-day results. English report. Same visit: get your diagnosis and first TRT injection if appropriate.
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