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.

Name Date drawn Laboratory

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