The endocrine system consists of glands located throughout the brain and body that secrete chemicals called hormones. Hormones serve in maintaining balance between the organ systems by sending messages to various parts of the body, prompting changes in metabolism, sexual function, blood sugar levels and a host of other physiological issues. When hormone levels rise or dip abnormally, it can lead to negative health effects. Tests to evaluate hormone levels can help determine the possible cause of various health problems that men experience.
Testosterone
Abnormal levels of testosterone in the body can indicate a problem in the pituitary gland or the testes. MedlinePlus explains that the pituitary gland secretes luteinizing hormone, or LH, which prompts the Leydig cells--found in the testicles--to produce testosterone. Women also produce testosterone but in much lower levels. Levels of testosterone are often measured in an effort to glean information when a man is experiencing impotence or infertility. Conditions such as androgen resistance and testicular cancer can lead to an increase in testosterone levels. Decreased testosterone can be a sign of testicular failure or inadequate pituitary function.
Estradiol
Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratories lists estradiol among the substances that are measured when evaluating male hormone levels. Testosterone can be converted to estradiol, which is a feminizing hormone, by an enzyme called aromatase. Aromatase is produced by fat cells, so excess fat can increase the conversion of testosterone into estradiol. Gynecomastia, or male breast enlargement, is a consequence of excess estradiol. Hormone level tests can compare the amount of testosterone to estradiol in men in order to evaluate any diversion from the normal ratio.
Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate
Dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate, or DHEA-sulfate, is a male hormone produced by the adrenal gland that's the precursor to estrogen and testosterone. DHEA counteracts the effects of cortisol, and the effects of the two hormones balance each other. MedlinePlus says DHEA-sulfate levels are sometimes elevated in women who have male features such as excessive body or facial hair. The Rocky Mountain Analytical Laboratories includes DHEA-sulfate in its slate of hormones tested in males, as abnormal levels of the hormone can be associated with hypothyroidism and other disorders.
Cortisol
The adrenal glands produce a steroid hormone called cortisol that works in opposition to testosterone. High cortisol levels can interfere with testosterone uptake, induce the conversion of testosterone to estradiol, and cause bone loss. The New York Times says cortisol levels are often tested in order to check the function of the pituitary and adrenal glands.
