Hormones

Free Cortisol refers to the unbound, biologically active form of cortisol circulating in the body. Unlike total cortisol, which includes both bound and unbound hormone, free cortisol represents the fraction that is available to tissues and can directly influence stress response, metabolism, immune function, and energy levels. Measuring free cortisol provides a more accurate reflection of how the body is responding to physical and emotional stress. It is commonly assessed in urine or saliva samples and is particularly relevant in evaluating adrenal function and circadian rhythm imbalances.

DHEA (dehydroepiandrosterone) is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to sex hormones. Measuring DHEA in saliva reflects the body’s active hormone levels, offering insight into immediate DHEA production. This measurement is helpful for evaluating adrenal health, aging, and the risk of chronic diseases.

DHEA-S (dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate) is the more stable and abundant form of DHEA found in the blood. Measuring DHEA-S levels provides a longer-term indicator of DHEA status, aiding in the assessment of hormonal balance, adrenal gland function, and age-related hormonal changes.

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....

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....

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....

Free Thyroxine (fT4) is a vital thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland, playing a crucial role in metabolism, brain development, and bone health. It acts as the precursor to the active hormone fT3. Measuring fT4 offers insight into thyroid function by reflecting the hormone that is directly released and available for conversion.

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a crucial role in reproduction for both men and women. In women, FSH prompts the ovaries to mature egg follicles, while in men, it supports sperm production. FSH levels fluctuate throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle and are vital for fertility and overall reproductive health.

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....

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....

Progesterone is a hormone that plays a crucial role in the female reproductive system, mainly produced in the ovaries after ovulation. It prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps sustain it if conception occurs, while a decline in progesterone triggers menstruation. Beyond reproduction, progesterone affects sexual desire, mood, and bone health. During pregnancy, the placenta produces progesterone to support fetal development and prepare for breastfeeding. In men, progesterone is present at lower levels and contributes to sperm production.

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....

Free testosterone refers to the fraction of testosterone in the bloodstream that is not bound to proteins like sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) or albumin. Unlike bound testosterone, free testosterone is biologically active and readily available to interact with cells, making it a key indicator of hormonal activity in the body. It plays a vital role in regulating libido, energy levels, muscle strength, and mood in both men and women.

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....

The Testosterone/Cortisol ratio reflects the balance between anabolic (building) and catabolic (breaking down) processes in the body. Testosterone supports muscle growth, energy, and recovery, while cortisol is a stress hormone that can promote tissue breakdown when chronically elevated. A healthy ratio may indicate good resilience, recovery capacity, and hormonal balance, whereas a low ratio may suggest high stress load, overtraining, or hormonal imbalance. This marker is particularly relevant for athletes, individuals under chronic stress, or those with fatigue-related symptoms. It helps provide context to both testosterone and cortisol values when interpreted together.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that regulates thyroid function. It signals the thyroid gland to produce thyroid hormones, which are essential for metabolism, energy regulation, and growth. TSH levels provide important information for diagnosing thyroid disorders and assessing whether the thyroid is functioning properly.