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 acts as a precursor to sex hormones. Measuring DHEA in saliva reflects the body’s active hormone levels, providing insight into immediate DHEA production. This measurement is useful for assessing adrenal health, aging, and the risk of chronic conditions.

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

Estrogen is a primary sex hormone present in both women and men, though at different levels. In women, it supports the development and regulation of the reproductive system, menstrual cycle, and secondary sexual characteristics, while also influencing bone health, skin, and mood. In men, it plays a role in libido, erectile function, and sperm production. Mainly produced in the ovaries for women and the testes for men, estrogen levels naturally fluctuate during puberty, menstrual cycles, pregnancy, and menopause. Imbalances can contribute to menstrual irregularities, mood changes, and other health concerns.

The estrogen/progesterone (E/P) ratio is a measure that reflects the balance between two key hormones in the body — estrogen (E) and progesterone (P). Both hormones play vital roles in female reproductive health, including regulating menstrual cycles, fertility, mood, and overall well-being. Maintaining an optimal ratio supports hormonal harmony, while imbalances can contribute to various health issues. This ratio naturally fluctuates throughout the menstrual cycle and can be influenced by age, lifestyle, and health conditions.

Free Triiodothyronine (fT3) is a measure that reflects the level of the active thyroid hormone available in the body. As one of the two primary thyroid hormones, fT3 plays a vital role in regulating metabolism, heart rate, and body temperature. Unlike total T3, fT3 represents the unbound hormone that is readily accessible for immediate use, making it an important indicator of thyroid function.

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

Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH) is a hormone produced by the pituitary gland that plays a key role in reproduction for both men and women. In women, FSH stimulates the ovaries to mature egg follicles, while in men, it supports sperm production. FSH levels vary throughout a woman’s menstrual cycle and are essential 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 primarily produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a key role in regulating the body’s internal clock, including the sleep-wake cycle. Melatonin levels naturally rise in the evening, peak overnight, and fall by morning, helping signal the body to prepare for rest. It also supports other functions such as immune response and antioxidant protection.

Progesterone is a hormone that plays a key role in the female reproductive system, primarily produced in the ovaries after ovulation. It prepares the uterus for pregnancy and helps maintain it if conception occurs, while a drop in progesterone triggers menstruation. Beyond reproduction, progesterone influences 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 that is primarily linked to lactation in females. It also plays important roles in fertility, immune system regulation, and sexual satisfaction. Elevated prolactin levels can lead to symptoms such as irregular menstrual cycles or infertility, while low levels may impact 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 key role in both male and female health. In men, it is mainly produced in the testes and is essential for the development of male reproductive tissues, promoting muscle growth, body hair, libido, and mood regulation. In women, testosterone is produced in smaller amounts 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.