Back to Biomarkers
Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) details
What Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) shows
Prostate-specific antigen (PSA) is a protein produced by the prostate gland, and this test is used mainly to help screen for and monitor treatment response in prostate cancer. However, PSA isn't specific to cancer — it also commonly rises with benign prostate enlargement (very common with age), prostate inflammation or infection, and even recent ejaculation or vigorous exercise — so an elevated result doesn't automatically mean cancer, and screening decisions (whether and how often to test) are typically individualized based on age, family history, and a discussion of the test's benefits and limitations with a doctor.
Normal ranges
Typical adult range
0–4 ng/mL
Most labs report a range close to this
Hormunity optimal range
0–2 ng/mL
A narrower functional target
Each lab sets its own reference range. Always compare your result with the range printed on your report, and review it with a healthcare provider.
Tests that include Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA)
This test measures total PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) in the blood. It is useful for monitoring recurrence and response to treatment in patients with a history of prostate cancer. Elevated levels have been reported in inflammatory conditions of the prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and prostate cancer.
Biomarkers
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) A protein made by the prostate gland. Used to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer, though it can also rise with benign prostate conditions.
This test measures total PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) in the blood. It is useful for monitoring recurrence and response to treatment in patients with a history of prostate cancer. Elevated levels have been reported in inflammatory conditions of the prostate, benign prostatic hypertrophy, and prostate cancer.
Biomarkers
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) A protein made by the prostate gland. Used to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer, though it can also rise with benign prostate conditions.
This test measures the level of PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) in the blood to help identify conditions like prostate cancer, benign prostatic hypertrophy (enlargement of the prostate), and inflammation of the prostate. Elevated PSA levels can indicate these conditions, making this test a crucial part of prostate health screening.
Biomarkers
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) A protein made by the prostate gland. Used to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer, though it can also rise with benign prostate conditions.
This comprehensive panel assesses biomarkers related to hormonal health, thyroid function, metabolism, cardiovascular health, inflammation, nutrient status, and environmental exposures. The results can help provide a broader picture of overall health and support personalized wellness and treatment strategies.
Biomarkers
- Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total The combined measure of both major forms of vitamin D (D2 and D3) in your blood — the standard test used to assess overall vitamin D status.
- ABO Group Identifies your blood type (A, B, AB, or O) based on antigens on your red blood cells. Essential for safely matching blood for transfusions or transplants.
- Antinuclear Antibodies Antibodies that target structures inside your own cells' nuclei. A positive result is a key screening marker for autoimmune conditions like lupus.
- Albumin The main protein made by your liver, which helps balance fluids and carries hormones, vitamins, and medications through your blood. Low levels can point to liver, kidney, or nutrition issues.
- Amylase An enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates, produced mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands. Elevated levels can signal pancreatitis or salivary gland problems.
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO) An autoantibody that's the most common marker of autoimmune thyroid disease, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Anti-Tg) An autoantibody against thyroglobulin. Elevated levels are associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and checked before using thyroglobulin to monitor thyroid cancer.
- Apolipoprotein B The main protein found on LDL and other 'bad' cholesterol particles. Considered a strong indicator of cardiovascular risk, since each particle carries one ApoB molecule.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) The sulfated, more stable form of DHEA. A reliable marker of adrenal androgen production, used to evaluate adrenal function and androgen excess.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) A pituitary hormone that drives egg development in women and sperm production in men. Key marker for fertility and menopause evaluation.
- Ferritin Reflects your body's stored iron levels. Low levels point to iron deficiency; high levels can indicate iron overload or, since it's also an inflammation marker, other conditions.
- Free Testosterone The small portion of your testosterone that's unbound and biologically active, considered a more accurate reflection of usable hormone than total testosterone.
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Gamma-glutamyl transferase, a liver enzyme sensitive to bile duct problems and alcohol use, often used alongside other liver tests.
- HDL Particle Number (HDL-P) HDL particle number — counts your actual HDL ('good' cholesterol) particles rather than just the cholesterol they carry, offering a more detailed cardiovascular risk picture.
- HDL Size Measures the average size of your HDL ('good' cholesterol) particles, used alongside particle number for a more detailed cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Homocysteine An amino acid byproduct of protein metabolism. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and can reflect low B vitamin (B12, folate, B6) status.
- LDL Size Measures the average size of your LDL ('bad' cholesterol) particles; smaller, denser particles are considered more likely to contribute to artery plaque.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) A pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. Used to evaluate fertility, menstrual irregularities, and reproductive hormone disorders.
- LP-IR Score Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Score — a composite score derived from lipoprotein particle measurements that estimates insulin resistance.
- Large VLDL-P Counts the largest VLDL particles, which carry a high amount of triglycerides and are associated with greater cardiovascular risk.
- Leptin A hormone released by fat cells that helps regulate appetite and energy balance. Levels generally rise with increased body fat.
- Lipase An enzyme that helps digest fat, produced mainly by the pancreas. Elevated levels are a key marker for pancreatitis.
- Lipoprotein(a) A genetically-determined, LDL-like particle. Elevated levels are an independent, largely inherited risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Magnesium Measures magnesium, a mineral essential for muscle, nerve, heart, and bone function.
- Mercury Measures mercury levels in your blood, used to assess exposure to this toxic heavy metal, often from certain fish or environmental sources.
- Methylmalonic Acid A compound that builds up when vitamin B12 is deficient. A more sensitive marker of B12 status than a B12 blood level alone.
- Prolactin A pituitary hormone best known for stimulating milk production; also checked to evaluate menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, or pituitary conditions in men and women.
- Rh Type Identifies whether your blood is Rh-positive or Rh-negative, an important factor for blood transfusions and pregnancy management.
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) A protein that binds and transports testosterone and estrogen in your blood, determining how much hormone is 'free' and active. Important for interpreting sex hormone results.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) A pituitary hormone that signals your thyroid to produce hormone. The primary screening test for both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions.
- Testosterone The primary male sex hormone, also present in women in smaller amounts. Evaluated for low testosterone symptoms, fertility, and reproductive hormone imbalances.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) A protein made by the prostate gland. Used to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer, though it can also rise with benign prostate conditions.
- Uric Acid A waste product from the breakdown of purines. Elevated levels are linked to gout and kidney stones, and can also reflect metabolic health.
- VLDL Size Measures the average size of your VLDL particles, used alongside particle number for a more detailed cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Zinc Measures zinc, a trace mineral essential for immune function, wound healing, and taste/smell.
- T3, Free (fT3) The unbound, biologically active portion of triiodothyronine (T3), the more potent thyroid hormone. Used to evaluate thyroid function.
- T4, Free (fT4) The unbound, biologically active portion of thyroxine (T4), your main thyroid hormone. A core marker for evaluating thyroid function.
- Cortisol, Total Your main stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Reflects adrenal function and helps evaluate conditions like Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
- Estradiol The main and most potent form of estrogen. Key for reproductive health in women and also present in men; used to evaluate menstrual, fertility, and hormone-related concerns.
- HDL Large The concentration of large HDL particles in your blood, measured as part of an advanced lipid panel to add detail on cardiovascular risk.
- C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP) A sensitive marker of low-grade inflammation in the body, commonly used to help assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Iron % Saturation The percentage of transferrin (your iron-carrying protein) that's currently occupied by iron — a key marker for detecting iron deficiency or overload.
- Iron, Total Measures the iron circulating in your blood, used along with other markers (like ferritin and TIBC) to evaluate for iron deficiency or overload.
- LDL Particle Number LDL particle number — counts your actual LDL ('bad' cholesterol) particles rather than just the cholesterol they carry, often a stronger cardiovascular risk indicator than standard LDL cholesterol.
- LDL Small Measures small, dense LDL particles, a lipid subfraction associated with higher cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance.
- Lead (Venous) Measures lead levels in your blood, used to assess exposure to this toxic heavy metal.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free The unbound portion of prostate-specific antigen. Used alongside total PSA to help assess prostate cancer risk, especially when total PSA is borderline.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), % Free The percentage of your PSA that's unbound to blood proteins. A lower percentage raises suspicion for prostate cancer, helping refine an elevated total PSA result.
- Rheumatoid Factor Measures rheumatoid factor, an autoantibody often found in rheumatoid arthritis, used with other tests to help evaluate joint pain and inflammation.
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Total Iron-Binding Capacity — reflects how much transferrin (the iron-carrying protein) is available in your blood, used with iron and ferritin to evaluate iron status.
- Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity — reflects how much additional iron your blood's transferrin could still carry, used with iron and TIBC to assess iron status.
This comprehensive panel assesses biomarkers related to hormonal health, thyroid function, metabolism, cardiovascular health, inflammation, nutrient status, and environmental exposures. The results can help provide a broader picture of overall health and support personalized wellness and treatment strategies.
Biomarkers
- Vitamin D, 25-OH, Total The combined measure of both major forms of vitamin D (D2 and D3) in your blood — the standard test used to assess overall vitamin D status.
- ABO Group Identifies your blood type (A, B, AB, or O) based on antigens on your red blood cells. Essential for safely matching blood for transfusions or transplants.
- Anti-Mullerian Hormone (AMH) A hormone produced by developing egg follicles that reflects ovarian reserve — an estimate of how many eggs remain. Commonly used in fertility evaluations.
- Antinuclear Antibodies Antibodies that target structures inside your own cells' nuclei. A positive result is a key screening marker for autoimmune conditions like lupus.
- Albumin The main protein made by your liver, which helps balance fluids and carries hormones, vitamins, and medications through your blood. Low levels can point to liver, kidney, or nutrition issues.
- Amylase An enzyme that helps digest carbohydrates, produced mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands. Elevated levels can signal pancreatitis or salivary gland problems.
- Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO) An autoantibody that's the most common marker of autoimmune thyroid disease, including Hashimoto's thyroiditis and Graves' disease.
- Thyroglobulin Antibodies (Anti-Tg) An autoantibody against thyroglobulin. Elevated levels are associated with autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto's thyroiditis, and checked before using thyroglobulin to monitor thyroid cancer.
- Apolipoprotein B The main protein found on LDL and other 'bad' cholesterol particles. Considered a strong indicator of cardiovascular risk, since each particle carries one ApoB molecule.
- Dehydroepiandrosterone Sulfate (DHEA-S) The sulfated, more stable form of DHEA. A reliable marker of adrenal androgen production, used to evaluate adrenal function and androgen excess.
- Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) A pituitary hormone that drives egg development in women and sperm production in men. Key marker for fertility and menopause evaluation.
- Ferritin Reflects your body's stored iron levels. Low levels point to iron deficiency; high levels can indicate iron overload or, since it's also an inflammation marker, other conditions.
- Free Testosterone The small portion of your testosterone that's unbound and biologically active, considered a more accurate reflection of usable hormone than total testosterone.
- Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) Gamma-glutamyl transferase, a liver enzyme sensitive to bile duct problems and alcohol use, often used alongside other liver tests.
- HDL Particle Number (HDL-P) HDL particle number — counts your actual HDL ('good' cholesterol) particles rather than just the cholesterol they carry, offering a more detailed cardiovascular risk picture.
- HDL Size Measures the average size of your HDL ('good' cholesterol) particles, used alongside particle number for a more detailed cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Homocysteine An amino acid byproduct of protein metabolism. Elevated levels are linked to increased cardiovascular risk and can reflect low B vitamin (B12, folate, B6) status.
- LDL Size Measures the average size of your LDL ('bad' cholesterol) particles; smaller, denser particles are considered more likely to contribute to artery plaque.
- Luteinizing Hormone (LH) A pituitary hormone that triggers ovulation in women and stimulates testosterone production in men. Used to evaluate fertility, menstrual irregularities, and reproductive hormone disorders.
- LP-IR Score Lipoprotein Insulin Resistance Score — a composite score derived from lipoprotein particle measurements that estimates insulin resistance.
- Large VLDL-P Counts the largest VLDL particles, which carry a high amount of triglycerides and are associated with greater cardiovascular risk.
- Leptin A hormone released by fat cells that helps regulate appetite and energy balance. Levels generally rise with increased body fat.
- Lipase An enzyme that helps digest fat, produced mainly by the pancreas. Elevated levels are a key marker for pancreatitis.
- Lipoprotein(a) A genetically-determined, LDL-like particle. Elevated levels are an independent, largely inherited risk factor for cardiovascular disease.
- Magnesium Measures magnesium, a mineral essential for muscle, nerve, heart, and bone function.
- Mercury Measures mercury levels in your blood, used to assess exposure to this toxic heavy metal, often from certain fish or environmental sources.
- Methylmalonic Acid A compound that builds up when vitamin B12 is deficient. A more sensitive marker of B12 status than a B12 blood level alone.
- Prolactin A pituitary hormone best known for stimulating milk production; also checked to evaluate menstrual irregularities, fertility issues, or pituitary conditions in men and women.
- Rh Type Identifies whether your blood is Rh-positive or Rh-negative, an important factor for blood transfusions and pregnancy management.
- Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG) A protein that binds and transports testosterone and estrogen in your blood, determining how much hormone is 'free' and active. Important for interpreting sex hormone results.
- Thyroid-Stimulating Hormone (TSH) A pituitary hormone that signals your thyroid to produce hormone. The primary screening test for both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions.
- Testosterone The primary male sex hormone, also present in women in smaller amounts. Evaluated for low testosterone symptoms, fertility, and reproductive hormone imbalances.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) A protein made by the prostate gland. Used to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer, though it can also rise with benign prostate conditions.
- Uric Acid A waste product from the breakdown of purines. Elevated levels are linked to gout and kidney stones, and can also reflect metabolic health.
- VLDL Size Measures the average size of your VLDL particles, used alongside particle number for a more detailed cardiovascular risk assessment.
- Zinc Measures zinc, a trace mineral essential for immune function, wound healing, and taste/smell.
- T3, Free (fT3) The unbound, biologically active portion of triiodothyronine (T3), the more potent thyroid hormone. Used to evaluate thyroid function.
- T4, Free (fT4) The unbound, biologically active portion of thyroxine (T4), your main thyroid hormone. A core marker for evaluating thyroid function.
- Cortisol, Total Your main stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. Reflects adrenal function and helps evaluate conditions like Cushing's syndrome or adrenal insufficiency.
- Estradiol The main and most potent form of estrogen. Key for reproductive health in women and also present in men; used to evaluate menstrual, fertility, and hormone-related concerns.
- HDL Large The concentration of large HDL particles in your blood, measured as part of an advanced lipid panel to add detail on cardiovascular risk.
- C-Reactive Protein, High Sensitivity (hs-CRP) A sensitive marker of low-grade inflammation in the body, commonly used to help assess cardiovascular disease risk.
- Iron % Saturation The percentage of transferrin (your iron-carrying protein) that's currently occupied by iron — a key marker for detecting iron deficiency or overload.
- Iron, Total Measures the iron circulating in your blood, used along with other markers (like ferritin and TIBC) to evaluate for iron deficiency or overload.
- LDL Particle Number LDL particle number — counts your actual LDL ('bad' cholesterol) particles rather than just the cholesterol they carry, often a stronger cardiovascular risk indicator than standard LDL cholesterol.
- LDL Small Measures small, dense LDL particles, a lipid subfraction associated with higher cardiovascular risk and insulin resistance.
- Lead (Venous) Measures lead levels in your blood, used to assess exposure to this toxic heavy metal.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free The unbound portion of prostate-specific antigen. Used alongside total PSA to help assess prostate cancer risk, especially when total PSA is borderline.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), % Free The percentage of your PSA that's unbound to blood proteins. A lower percentage raises suspicion for prostate cancer, helping refine an elevated total PSA result.
- Rheumatoid Factor Measures rheumatoid factor, an autoantibody often found in rheumatoid arthritis, used with other tests to help evaluate joint pain and inflammation.
- Total Iron Binding Capacity (TIBC) Total Iron-Binding Capacity — reflects how much transferrin (the iron-carrying protein) is available in your blood, used with iron and ferritin to evaluate iron status.
- Unsaturated Iron Binding Capacity Unsaturated Iron-Binding Capacity — reflects how much additional iron your blood's transferrin could still carry, used with iron and TIBC to assess iron status.
PSA, Free and Total is used to screen for and monitor prostate health. Measuring both total and free PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) helps differentiate between benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Biomarkers
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) A protein made by the prostate gland. Used to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer, though it can also rise with benign prostate conditions.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free The unbound portion of prostate-specific antigen. Used alongside total PSA to help assess prostate cancer risk, especially when total PSA is borderline.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), % Free The percentage of your PSA that's unbound to blood proteins. A lower percentage raises suspicion for prostate cancer, helping refine an elevated total PSA result.
PSA, Free and Total is used to screen for and monitor prostate health. Measuring both total and free PSA (Prostate-Specific Antigen) helps differentiate between benign prostate conditions and prostate cancer, improving diagnostic accuracy.
Biomarkers
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) A protein made by the prostate gland. Used to help screen for and monitor prostate cancer, though it can also rise with benign prostate conditions.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), Free The unbound portion of prostate-specific antigen. Used alongside total PSA to help assess prostate cancer risk, especially when total PSA is borderline.
- Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA), % Free The percentage of your PSA that's unbound to blood proteins. A lower percentage raises suspicion for prostate cancer, helping refine an elevated total PSA result.
ConsultationsConsultation
Not sure how to read your results? We can help.
Schedule a consultation with a Hormunity specialist. We’ll walk through every marker, interpret what it means for you, and map out the next steps for your care.
Book a specialist