Why You Don't Feel Like Yourself · Dr. Ladynez Espinal
Your Complete Optimal Lab Reference
for Men
Two numbers matter on every lab report. The standard range is what most laboratories will flag as abnormal. The optimal range is where I want my patients to be. A result can sit comfortably inside the first and nowhere near the second — which is how a man is told he's fine while he feels anything but.
Optimal
In standard range, not optimal
Outside standard range
Before you fill this in. Draw testosterone in the morning, ideally between 7 and 10 a.m., when levels are highest — an afternoon draw can read falsely low and lead to the wrong conclusion. Free testosterone is reported differently by different laboratories, so compare that one against the range printed on your own report. Bring this sheet to your clinician rather than drawing conclusions from it alone.
🧪 Instructions for lab work
- Avoid alcohol: 72h prior
- Avoid resistance training, cycling, sauna: 72h prior
- Avoid supplements: 24h prior (biotin: 72h)
- Stay hydrated the day before
- Drink 1–1.5L water 90 min pre-draw
- No coffee or nicotine morning of test
- Fasted 8–12h (water allowed)
- Sleep 7–9h night before
- Sit quietly 10–15 min before blood draw
- Draw between 6:30–9:30am
- Postpone if sick or infected recently