Free and Total Testosterone and Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG) tests are important for assessing hormone levels that influence various bodily functions, including muscle mass, bone density, and overall energy.

• Free Testosterone: The bioavailable form of testosterone that is not bound to proteins and can enter cells.
• Total Testosterone: The total amount of testosterone, including both free and bound forms.
• Sex Hormone Binding Globulin (SHBG): A protein that binds to testosterone, affecting its availability in the body.

Why we test this: Regular testing helps monitor hormone balance, which can influence physical and mental health. Imbalances can affect muscle strength, mood, energy levels, and sexual health. Early detection allows for proactive management and lifestyle adjustments to maintain optimal hormone levels.

Cholesterol and triglyceride tests measure the levels of fats in your blood, which are crucial indicators of cardiovascular health.

• Cholesterol: A fatty substance essential for building cells but can be harmful in excess.
• Triglycerides: A type of fat in the blood that stores excess energy from your diet.
• High-Density Lipoprotein (HDL): Known as “good” cholesterol, helps remove other forms of cholesterol from your bloodstream.
• Low-Density Lipoprotein (LDL): Known as “bad” cholesterol, can build up in the walls of your arteries.

Why we test this: Monitoring these levels helps assess your risk for heart disease and stroke. Regular testing allows for proactive management through diet, exercise, and lifestyle changes to maintain a healthy cardiovascular system.

Full Blood Count (FBC) is a comprehensive test that evaluates overall health and detects a variety of disorders, such as infections, anaemia, and other conditions.

• Red Blood Cells (RBC): Carry oxygen from your lungs to the rest of your body.
• White Blood Cells (WBC): Fight infections.
• Haemoglobin: The protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen.
• Haematocrit: The proportion of red blood cells to the fluid component in your blood.
• Platelets: Help with blood clotting.

Why we test this: Regular FBC testing provides a broad overview of your health, helping to detect early signs of many conditions. It supports overall wellness by ensuring your blood components are in balance, allowing for timely interventions if necessary.

Growth Hormone (GH) and Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1) tests are used to evaluate growth hormone levels, which are crucial for growth, metabolism, and overall health.

• Growth Hormone (GH): Stimulates growth, cell reproduction, and regeneration.
• Insulin-like Growth Factor 1 (IGF-1): Mediates many of the growth-promoting effects of GH.

Why we test this: Monitoring GH and IGF-1 levels helps assess growth disorders, metabolic functions, and overall health. Regular testing ensures these hormones are balanced, supporting healthy growth and development, and overall metabolic health.

Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands, playing a vital role in stress response, metabolism, and immune function.

Why we test this: Testing cortisol levels helps manage stress, monitor adrenal function, and detect disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and Addison’s disease. Regular testing can support stress management, energy levels, and overall well-being by ensuring cortisol levels are balanced.

Vitamin D is essential for bone health, immune function, and overall wellness.

Why we test this: Monitoring vitamin D levels ensures you maintain adequate levels for bone strength, immune support, and overall health. Regular testing can help prevent deficiencies, which are linked to bone disorders, weakened immunity, and other health issues.

Ferritin is a blood protein that contains iron and is a marker for the amount of iron stored in your body.

Why we test this: Testing ferritin levels helps diagnose iron deficiency or overload, which can affect energy levels, immune function, and overall health. Regular monitoring supports optimal iron balance, preventing related health issues such as anaemia or hemochromatosis.

Electrolytes and magnesium tests measure essential minerals that regulate various bodily functions, including fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signalling.

• Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride, Bicarbonate): Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance.
• Magnesium: Supports muscle and nerve function, and energy production.

Why we test this: Regular testing ensures these minerals are in balance, supporting hydration, muscle function, and overall metabolic health. Early detection of imbalances allows for proactive management through diet and lifestyle changes.

Creatine Kinase (CK) is an enzyme found in the heart, brain, and skeletal muscles, and its levels can indicate muscle damage.

Why we test this: Monitoring CK levels helps detect muscle damage, inflammation, or disorders like muscular dystrophy. Regular testing supports muscle health and early intervention for potential muscle-related conditions.

C-Reactive Protein (CRP) is a marker of inflammation in the body, produced by the liver.

Why we test this: Testing CRP levels helps detect inflammation, which can indicate infections, chronic diseases, or other inflammatory conditions. Regular monitoring supports proactive management of inflammation, promoting overall health and preventing chronic disease progression.