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.

Cortisol is the primary glucocorticoid hormone produced by the adrenal glands and is commonly known as the “stress hormone.” It plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, immune response, blood pressure, and the body’s ability to handle physical and emotional stress. Cortisol follows a daily cycle, peaking early in the morning to help promote alertness and gradually decreasing throughout the day. Measuring total cortisol in the blood reflects the combined levels of free and protein-bound cortisol, offering insight into adrenal function and overall hormone balance. Abnormal cortisol levels may be linked to conditions such as adrenal insufficiency, Cushing’s syndrome, chronic stress, or metabolic disorders.

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 primary sex hormone found in both women and men, though at varying levels. In women, it supports the development and regulation of the reproductive system, menstrual cycle, and secondary sexual characteristics, while also affecting bone health, skin, and mood. In men, it contributes to libido, erectile function, and sperm production. It is primarily produced in the ovaries for women and the testes for men. Estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Imbalances can lead to menstrual irregularities, mood changes, and other health issues.

The estrogen/progesterone (E/P) ratio is a measurement that indicates the balance between two essential hormones in the body — estrogen (E) and progesterone (P). Both hormones are crucial for female reproductive health, including the regulation of menstrual cycles, fertility, mood, and overall wellness. Maintaining an optimal ratio promotes hormonal balance, while imbalances may lead to various health concerns. This ratio naturally varies throughout the menstrual cycle and can be affected by factors such as age, lifestyle, and medical conditions.

Free Triiodothyronine (fT3) is a measurement that indicates the level of the active thyroid hormone available in the body. As one of the two main thyroid hormones, fT3 plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Unlike total T3, fT3 represents the unbound hormone that is immediately available for use, making it an important marker 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 hormone produced by the anterior pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproductive health for both men and women. In women, LH triggers ovulation and supports the menstrual cycle by stimulating progesterone production. In men, it promotes testosterone production in the testes. Maintaining balanced LH levels is important for proper hormonal regulation and reproductive function.

Melatonin is a hormone mainly produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the body’s internal clock, including the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin levels naturally increase in the evening, reach their peak overnight, and decrease by morning, helping signal the body to get ready for rest. It also supports other functions such as immune response and antioxidant protection.

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 women. It also plays key roles in fertility, immune system regulation, and sexual satisfaction. Elevated prolactin levels can cause symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles or infertility, while low levels may affect milk production after childbirth.

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 that plays a crucial role in both male and female health. In men, it is primarily produced in the testes and is vital for the development of male reproductive tissues, promoting muscle growth, body hair, libido, and mood regulation. In women, testosterone is produced in smaller quantities by the ovaries and adrenal glands, where it supports bone strength, ovarian function, and sexual desire.

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.