Hormones
8 markers in this category
Cortisol
Cortisol is the body's primary stress hormone, produced by the adrenal glands. It regulates metabolism, immune responses, and the sleep-wake cycle. Levels follow a natural daily rhythm, peaking in the morning and declining throughout the day.
Estradiol (E2)
Estradiol (E2) is the most potent form of estrogen, playing a key role in reproductive health, bone density, and cardiovascular function. Abnormal levels may indicate hormonal imbalances that your healthcare provider can help evaluate.
FSH (Follicle Stimulating Hormone)
Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) is produced by the pituitary gland and plays an essential role in reproductive function. It regulates egg development in women and sperm production in men. Abnormal levels may indicate changes in fertility or hormonal health.
Free Testosterone
Free testosterone is the unbound, bioavailable form of testosterone that can directly enter cells and activate receptors. It may indicate your body's functional androgen activity. Your healthcare provider can help interpret what your levels mean.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
An LH blood test measures luteinizing hormone, a pituitary hormone essential for reproductive function. LH plays a key role in triggering ovulation in women and stimulating testosterone production in men.
Prolactin
A prolactin blood test measures the level of prolactin, a pituitary hormone primarily known for its role in lactation. Prolactin also influences reproductive function, immune regulation, and metabolic processes in both men and women.
SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin)
SHBG stands for sex hormone binding globulin. It is a protein made by the liver. SHBG binds testosterone tightly and oestradiol somewhat more loosely. Hormone bound to SHBG cannot act in the tissues. SHBG therefore determines how much of your total testosterone is genuinely available. SHBG is not itself a sex hormone but a transport protein. Results are reported in nmol/l. Normal values differ by sex and by age, and in men SHBG rises as they get older. An SHBG should therefore be assessed alongside total testosterone, never on its own.
Total Testosterone
Total testosterone measures the combined amount of bound and free testosterone in the blood. As the primary androgen, testosterone may influence muscle mass, bone density, libido, mood, and energy levels in both men and women.