Hormones (9 Biomarkers)
There are many types of hormones that support different bodily functions and processes including growth, metabolism, appetite and fertility. Hormone imbalances or deficiencies may be to blame for a wide range of symptoms and conditions.
Oestradiol
Oestradiol is a form of oestrogen and the main female hormone produced by non-pregnant women. The hormone has an important role in the development of female physical features and reproductive functions. Oestradiol tests are used for the evaluation of ovarian functions. It can also be used to diagnose the cause of precocious and delayed puberty in girls as well as used to monitor hormone replacement therapy in peri-pausal and menopausal women.
Follicular Stimulating Hormone
Follicular Stimulating Hormone (FSH) a reproductive hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. FSH stimulates the growth and development of unfertilised eggs during the menstrual cycle in women and initiates the production of sex hormones such as oestradiol and progesterone. FSH is also used to stimulate the production of sperm in men. The FSH hormone is often tested with other sex hormones such as LH, testosterone, oestradiol and progesterone for diagnose infertility and pituitary gland disorders in men and women.
Luteinizing Hormone
Luteinizing Hormone (LH) is a reproductive hormone that is produced by the pituitary gland in the brain. This hormone is used to regulate the menstrual cycle and ovulation by stimulating the ovaries to produce other reproductive hormones in females whereas in men, LH stimulates and controls testosterone. The LH test is used to determine any reproductive problems.
Testosterone
Testosterone is a steroid hormone produced by the male testes and the adrenal glands in both men and women. This hormone production is stimulated and controlled by the luteinizing hormone. Testosterone is seen in large amounts in boys during puberty, causing growth of body hair and muscle development. It also regulates the male sex drive and maintain muscle mass. It is found in small amount in females from the ovary. Testosterone test is used to diagnosed various conditions such as erectile dysfunction and infertility in men.
Prolactin
Prolactin is a hormone produced by the pituitary glands in the brain. The main role of prolactin is to promote lactation (breast milk production) in women during pregnancy and after childbirth. A prolactin test is used to diagnose infertility in both men and women as well as menstrual problems and erectile dysfunction.
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin
Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) is a protein produced by the liver. Its main function is to bind and transport the hormones oestradiol, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone in the blood. The SHBG test is used to diagnose testosterone deficiency in men and is used to investigate the production of testosterone in women.
Free Testosterone Calculation
Free Testosterone Calculation is a measurement of the amount of free testosterone in the body. It is a steroid hormone produced by the male testes and the adrenal glands in both men and women. It regulates the male sex drive and maintains muscle mass. Free testosterone calculation is used in the diagnosis of various conditions such as erectile dysfunction and infertility in men.
DHEA-Sulphate
DHEA-Sulphate is a male sex hormone found in both male and female. It is mostly produced in the adrenal glands however a small amount is produced in the male testes and the female ovaries. DHEA-Sulphate is used to control body function such as heart rate and blood pressure as well as being important in the production of sex hormones, testosterone and oestrogen. DHEA-Sulphate is measured for the diagnosis of tumours of the adrenal grands or diagnosis of disorders of the testicles or ovaries.
Free Androgen Index
Free Androgen Index is a ratio used to identify androgen levels. Androgens are hormones which includes testosterone and can be found in both men and women. This hormone is used to help in the development of sex organs and in the production of the female hormone oestrogen. Free androgen index is used to diagnose various condition such as male infertility.
Liver Function (1 Biomarkers)
The liver is responsible for many of the body's essential functions such as regulating blood sugar levels, fighting infections and detoxifying your blood. Good liver function is vital to your overall health and wellbeing.
Albumin
Albumin is a protein specifically produced in the liver. Its function consists of keeping fluids in the bloodstream as well as transporting substances like hormones and vitamins throughout the body. Albumin tests can be used to help diagnose and monitor diseases of the liver and kidney.
