Testosterone, Energy & Performance Testing in Central London
Low energy is not just “getting older”.
Loss of drive is not inevitable.
Reduced performance is not something men should ignore.
At Marylebone Diagnostic Centre, we see a growing number of men booking private hormone tests because something feels off.
This guide explains:
- What a Male Hormone MOT really is
- Which hormones matter most
- Symptoms men often dismiss
- What blood tests can reveal early
- When testing can change outcomes
What Is a Male Hormone MOT?
A Male Hormone MOT is a comprehensive hormone health check for men.
It assesses:
- Testosterone production
- Hormone balance
- Metabolic stress
- Early endocrine disruption
Unlike basic testosterone tests, a proper MOT looks at patterns, not a single number.
Why More Men Are Booking Hormone Tests
Common reasons men come to MDC:
- Constant fatigue
- Low libido
- Reduced gym performance
- Brain fog
- Poor sleep
- Increased abdominal fat
- Mood changes
- Loss of motivation
Many men are told:
“Your testosterone is normal.”
Yet symptoms persist.
Testosterone Is Not One Simple Number
Testosterone exists in different forms.
| Marker | What It Means |
|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | Overall production |
| Free Testosterone | Biologically active |
| SHBG | Hormone binding protein |
| Albumin | Testosterone transport |
You can have normal total testosterone but low free testosterone and symptoms of deficiency. This is why single-marker testing fails men.
What’s Included in the Male Hormone MOT at MDC
Core Hormone Markers
| Test | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Total Testosterone | Baseline hormone output |
| Free Testosterone (calculated) | Active hormone availability |
| SHBG | Binding and availability |
| LH | Pituitary signalling |
| FSH | Testicular function |
| Oestradiol (E2) | Hormone balance |
| Prolactin | Libido and pituitary health |
| Cortisol (AM) | Stress hormone load |
This gives a full endocrine overview.
Hormones, Energy & Mental Performance
Hormones influence:
- Brain chemistry
- Motivation
- Confidence
- Reaction speed
- Focus
Low testosterone is associated with:
- Reduced dopamine signalling
- Increased fatigue
- Lower resilience to stress
Cortisol imbalance can:
- Suppress testosterone
- Disrupt sleep
- Worsen anxiety
The Role of SHBG – Often Ignored, Highly Important
SHBG binds testosterone.
High SHBG means:
- Less free testosterone
- Symptoms despite “normal” totals
SHBG can rise due to:
- Age
- Calorie restriction
- Overtraining
- Liver changes
- Thyroid imbalance
Testing SHBG explains why symptoms don’t match numbers.
Male Hormones & Body Composition
Hormones regulate:
- Muscle mass
- Fat distribution
- Insulin sensitivity
Low testosterone is linked to:
- Increased visceral fat
- Reduced lean mass
- Slower recovery
This becomes a vicious cycle:
Fat → oestrogen conversion → lower testosterone.
Early testing breaks the loop.
Libido, Fertility & Hormonal Health
Hormones affect:
- Libido
- Erectile quality
- Sperm production
Importantly:
- Fertility issues can exist before libido changes
- Hormonal imbalance may precede abnormal semen results
A Male Hormone MOT pairs well with:
- Semen analysis
- DNA fragmentation testing
Stress, Sleep & Testosterone Suppression
Chronic stress raises cortisol.
High cortisol:
- Suppresses testosterone production
- Disrupts sleep
- Increases fatigue
Poor sleep reduces testosterone by up to 15–30%.
Hormone testing helps identify physiological stress, not just lifestyle stress.
What a Male Hormone MOT Can and Cannot Do
This MOT CAN:
- Identify hormonal imbalance
- Explain unexplained symptoms
- Guide lifestyle or medical intervention
- Support fertility planning
- Monitor treatment safely
This MOT CANNOT:
- Diagnose psychological conditions
- Replace clinical assessment
- Justify hormone therapy alone
Blood tests inform decisions. They do not replace them.
When Should Men Consider a Hormone MOT?
You should consider testing if you experience:
- Persistent fatigue
- Reduced libido
- Loss of muscle
- Weight gain despite effort
- Mood changes
- Poor recovery
- Fertility concerns
Age is not the deciding factor.
Symptoms are.
Why Choose Marylebone Diagnostic Centre?
- Results within 24–42 hours
- On-site consultant review
- Private suites
- Discreet and confidential care
- CQC-accredited and aligned with Marylebone High Standard
- Optional teleconsultations for results
📍 73 Baker Street, London W1U 6RD
🚇 5-minute walk from Baker Street tube
🕗 Monday–Saturday, 8:00–16:00
📞 +44 7495 970109
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Balance matters more than a single value.
Yes. Chronically elevated cortisol suppresses hormone production.
Most hormone results return within 24–42 hours.
Yes. Hormonal optimisation supports sperm health.
Book Your Male Hormone MOT Today
Your hormones influence more than libido.
They shape energy, drive, and long-term health.
Understanding them early allows:
- Better performance
- Smarter decisions
- Healthier ageing










