Hormones

Our Hormone tests delve into the complex world of your endocrine system. Understanding hormone levels is key in managing health issues like metabolism, mood, and reproductive health. Below, find detailed descriptions of each hormone we test for, aiding in balancing your hormonal health.

Hormones
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Hormones

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is produced by the pituitary gland to regulate thyroid function. It signals the thyroid to produce thyroid hormones, which are crucial for metabolism, energy, and growth. TSH levels help diagnose thyroid disorders, indicating whether the thyroid is functioning properly....

Testosterone is a hormone primarily associated with male sexual development and health, though it's also important in women. In men, it's produced mainly in the testes and is crucial for developing male reproductive tissues, promoting secondary sexual characteristics like muscle mass and body hair, and influencing libido and mood. Women produce testosterone in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands, where it contributes to bone strength, ovarian function, and libido....

Testosterone is a hormone primarily associated with male sexual development and health, though it's also important in women. In men, it's produced mainly in the testes and is crucial for developing male reproductive tissues, promoting secondary sexual characteristics like muscle mass and body hair, and influencing libido and mood. Women produce testosterone in smaller amounts in the ovaries and adrenal glands, where it contributes to bone strength, ovarian function, and libido....

Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland, primarily associated with lactation in females. It plays a role in fertility, regulates the immune system, and impacts sexual satisfaction. High levels can cause symptoms like irregular periods or infertility, while low levels might affect milk production post-pregnancy....

Progesterone is a hormone crucial for the female reproductive system, mainly produced in the ovaries after ovulation. It prepares the uterus for potential pregnancy and maintains it if pregnancy occurs; if not, its levels drop to trigger menstruation. Progesterone also affects sexual desire, mood regulation, and bone strength. In pregnancy, it's produced by the placenta to support the pregnancy and prepare for breastfeeding. Men have lower levels of progesterone, involved in sperm development....

The noradrenaline (norepinephrine) to adrenaline (epinephrine) ratio refers to the relative levels of these two hormones in the body, both of which are involved in the fight-or-flight response. Typically, the body produces more noradrenaline than adrenaline, but this ratio can vary depending on factors like stress and physical activity....

Melatonin is a hormone primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the body's circadian rhythms, including the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin levels typically rise in the evening, peak during the night, and decrease by morning, signaling the body to prepare for sleep. It's also involved in other physiological processes, including immune function and antioxidant activity....

Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a crucial hormone in both men and women, produced by the anterior pituitary gland. In women, LH plays a vital role in ovulation and the maintenance of the menstrual cycle. It triggers the release of an egg from the ovary and stimulates the production of progesterone. In men, LH stimulates the production of testosterone by the testes. Balanced LH levels are essential for reproductive health and hormonal balance in both sexes....

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a crucial reproductive hormone in both men and women, produced by the pituitary gland. In women, it stimulates the ovaries to mature egg follicles; in men, it aids in the production of sperm. FSH levels fluctuate throughout a woman's menstrual cycle and are integral to fertility and reproductive health....

Free Thyroxine (fT4) is another key thyroid hormone, essential for metabolism, brain development, and bone health. It acts as a precursor for fT3. Measuring fT4 helps assess thyroid function, as it shows the hormone directly produced by the thyroid gland and available for conversion to fT3....

Free Triiodothyronine (fT3) is one of the two primary thyroid hormones, playing a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Unlike total T3, fT3 represents the unbound hormone available for immediate use by the body, making it a critical indicator of thyroid function....

The Estrogen/Progesterone ratio is a crucial indicator of hormonal balance in the body, particularly in women. Estrogen and progesterone are key hormones in female reproductive health, and their balance is essential for regular menstrual cycles, fertility, mood regulation, and overall well-being. An optimal ratio ensures a harmonious interplay between these hormones, while an imbalance can lead to various health issues. This ratio changes throughout the menstrual cycle and can be affected by factors like age, lifestyle, and health conditions....

Estrogen is a key female hormone, also present in men, crucial for developing and regulating the female reproductive system and secondary sex characteristics. In women, it manages the menstrual cycle and affects the reproductive tract, skin, and bones. In men, it's involved in libido, erectile function, and sperm production. Produced mainly in women's ovaries and in men's testes, estrogen levels fluctuate significantly during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Imbalances can lead to health issues like menstrual irregularities and mood swings....

DHEA-S, the sulfate form of DHEA, is more stable and abundant in blood. Blood measurement of DHEA-S provides a longer-term view of DHEA levels, useful for assessing hormonal balance, adrenal function, and aging-related changes over time....

DHEA, produced by the adrenal glands, serves as a precursor to sex hormones. Its saliva measurement reflects active hormone levels, indicating the body's immediate DHEA production. This assessment helps in evaluating adrenal function, aging processes, and risk for chronic diseases....

Cortisol, often recognized as the primary stress hormone, is synthesized by the adrenal glands, which are triangular-shaped organs situated on top of each kidney. This vital hormone plays a crucial role in orchestrating a multitude of physiological processes within the human body. Among its diverse functions, cortisol is intricately involved in the regulation of metabolism, modulation of immune responses, and orchestration of the body's reaction to stressors....