Thyroid Function:

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) is made by the pituitary gland in the brain to stimulate the thyroid gland (located by the throat). The hormones that are produced by the thyroid regulate weight, body temperature and muscle strength. Levels of TSH are an indicator of thyroid disease and are commonly tested with Free T4.

Free T4 (free thyroxine) is a hormone produced by the thyroid gland. This hormone is involved in several body functions including metabolism and growth. It can be used for the diagnosis of thyroid diseases such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism as well as aiding the diagnosis of female infertility problems. Free T4 is commonly tested with TSH.

Free T3 (free tri-iodothyronine) is a hormone produced by the thyroid glands. This hormone is involved in several body functions including metabolism. It can be used to aid the diagnosis of thyroid diseases such as hyperthyroidism. Free T3 is commonly tested with Free T4 and TSH.

Antithyroglobulin Antibodies (Anti-Tg) are produced by the immune system as a defence mechanism to protect the thyroid against foreign invaders. Autoimmune conditions will increase the amount of anti-Tg in the body, attacking healthy thyroid cells. Anti-Tg tests are used to diagnose thyroid disorders and are an indicator for autoimmune conditions.

Thyroid Peroxidase Antibodies (Anti-TPO) are produced by the immune system as a defence mechanism to protect the thyroid against foreign invaders. Autoimmune conditions will increase the amount of anti-TPO in the body, attacking healthy thyroid cells. Anti-TPO tests are used to diagnose thyroid disorders and are an indicator for autoimmune conditions.

Hormonal Health:

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 (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.

Luteinising 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.

Progesterone plays an important role in preparing a female body for pregnancy. This test can help to assess if a woman is ovulating normally and should be done on day 21 into a cycle.

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.

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.

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 Androgen Index (FAI) is a calculation derived from a blood test that estimates the amount of free testosterone in your blood. Free testosterone is the active form of the hormone, meaning it's not bound to proteins and can exert its effects on the body.