What's this test for?

This test is ideal if you're experiencing symptoms linked to a pituitary or hormone-related growth, such as unexplained headaches, vision changes, irregular periods, or unusual hormone imbalances. It's also used to help track certain tumors that produce hormones in the pituitary gland, placenta, or pancreas. Your results can help identify unusual hormone activity that may need further attention.

What happens after I get my results?

Your results will show up in your account along with the normal range for alpha subunit so you can see exactly where your number falls. If your level is outside the expected range, next steps usually involve retesting to confirm the result or watching the trend over time, and reaching out for urgent care if you have severe symptoms like vision loss or severe headaches. You can download a standard lab report right from your account, and the trends feature lets you compare results if you test again in the future.

Who should consider this test?

This test is a good fit for people who have symptoms of a hormone-producing growth, such as irregular menstrual cycles, unexplained fatigue, headaches, or vision problems. It's also useful for people already being monitored for a pituitary, placental, pancreatic, or hCG-related condition who need to track hormone activity over time. If you've had unusual results on other hormone tests, this can help clarify what's going on.

What symptoms indicate I may need this test?

Common symptoms that might prompt this test include persistent headaches, vision changes, unexplained weight changes, irregular periods, low energy, or unusual hormone test results from other panels. Some people are also tested if they're undergoing GnRH or TRH stimulation testing, since alpha subunit levels can rise in response to those. If you're noticing several of these symptoms together, it's worth checking your alpha subunit levels.

When will I get my results?

Results are typically ready within about 7 days of your lab visit. You'll get a notification once they're posted to your account, where you can view the details and download your report.

How can I naturally support healthy hormone balance?

While alpha subunit levels are usually tied to specific medical conditions rather than lifestyle habits, general hormone health can benefit from good sleep, regular exercise, and a balanced diet. Managing stress is also important since chronic stress can throw off hormone signaling throughout the body. If your levels are abnormal, lifestyle changes alone won't resolve the underlying cause, so tracking your results over time is key.

What does high alpha subunit mean?

A higher than normal alpha subunit level can point to increased hormone activity from the pituitary gland, placenta, or certain tumors, including hCG-producing growths. It doesn't diagnose a specific condition on its own but signals that further evaluation may be needed. Retesting and comparing against other hormone markers can help clarify what's driving the elevated result.

What causes high or low alpha subunit levels?

High levels can be caused by certain pituitary tumors, pregnancy-related hormone activity, or hormone stimulation tests like GnRH or TRH testing. Low or normal levels are typical when there's no unusual hormone-producing activity happening. Because this marker is tied to specific physiological triggers, unusual results are best understood by looking at your full health picture and any recent tests or treatments.

How often should I retest?

Retesting frequency depends on why you're being tested in the first place. If you're monitoring a known condition, retesting every few months is common to track trends, while a one-time abnormal result might call for a retest within a few weeks to confirm accuracy. The trends feature in your account makes it easy to keep an eye on changes over time.

What should I do if my results are abnormal?

If your alpha subunit result comes back outside the normal range, start by reviewing the reference range and interpretation notes in your report. Consider retesting to confirm the finding, and keep track of any symptoms you're experiencing alongside the result. If you have severe symptoms like sudden vision changes or intense headaches, seek medical care right away.

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.Long story short: In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want. If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test. Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout. If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want. When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system. Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way. You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy! If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

How do I know which test to get?

In the test options, find the test you want. If you’re not sure which test to get, we can lend a hand in finding the right option. Just text or call us at 754-799-7833, email us at support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you. We've got your back and reply quickly.

When will my lab results be available?

Most test results will be available within 1–3 business days. Once they're ready, we'll send an email and text message to let you know. After your blood draw, just hang tight and don't worry – we'll keep you updated and in the loop! If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com, and we'll gladly help you.

Is it possible to make changes to my lab order if I made a mistake with the name, date of birth, or any other details?

Absolutely! We totally understand that errors can happen. No worries, we're here to help you. Just reach out to us via text at 754-799-7833 or shoot us an email at support@privatemdlabs.com. Remember to include your order number and let us know the correct information you’d like to update. Our awesome team will jump right in and make sure everything is sorted out and accurate for you. There are no changes necessary if your address is wrong on the requisition though. We don’t mail anything out. Our lab requires an address to be listed to generate an order.

Do you accept health insurance?

Only HSA & FSA is accepted. Our services are strictly self-pay and cannot be submitted to your health insurance provider except for Health Savings Accounts or Flexible Savings Accounts. This policy applies to all insurance companies, including federal health insurance programs like Medicare. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com.

Can I cancel my order?

Yes. We get it – sometimes your needs change. As long as your samples haven’t been collected yet, we’re happy to help you cancel your order. If you have any further questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com. You can read more about our cancellation policy here.

How can I find a lab location near me?

During the ordering process, you’ll be able to select a specific lab near you, with no strings attached! You can switch it up later easily and visit any of our authorized locations as long as it’s the same lab company you selected your test for (Quest Diagnostics or Labcorp). Before you proceed with your order, feel free to browse through all our lab locations here. This will give you the peace of mind of knowing that there's a lab nearby your home, office or your favorite gym. If you have any questions, please text us at 754-799-7833 or email support@privatemdlabs.com and we'll gladly help you.

Alpha Subunit Test - Pituitary & Tumor Hormone Check

Getting your blood test with us is easy, private & backed by the power of science.

Long story short:

In the test options, use the filters or search box to narrow your choices and find the test you want.
If you need a hand navigating through options, text our super friendly support team at 754-799-7833, and we'll provide tailored suggestions to help you find the ideal test.
Once your order is placed, we’ll create your doctor’s lab order remotely, without any need for you to make a trip to a doctor in person or to talk to the doctor. Expect to receive your doctor’s lab order right in your inbox. It will also be in your patient portal if you need to find it later. We’ll also include instructions regarding fasting and other requirements for your test. Your patient portal will be auto-created hassle-free during checkout.
If this is your first time ordering, you'll be prompted to create a password for instant login access to your patient portal. It's a quick way to conveniently access your orders and results whenever you want.
When you’re ready, visit one of our 4,000 locations. Just bring your ID – no printing or faxing of your lab order is needed, as your order and details will already be in the lab system.
Note that most lab locations don’t accept walk-ins, so it’s best to book an appointment in advance. Don’t worry – we’ll provide detailed instructions along the way.
You’ll get your results via email & SMS and dive into understanding your body better. Yup, that easy!

754-799-7833

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