DHEA-S is a hormone produced primarily by the adrenal glands and serves as a precursor to both testosterone and estrogen. It plays a vital role in energy, immunity, and mood regulation.
Diagnostic Value: Measuring DHEA-S helps assess adrenal gland function and androgen production. Low levels may indicate adrenal insufficiency or aging-related decline, while high levels can signal polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or adrenal tumors.
Clinical Importance: DHEA-S testing supports diagnosis of hormonal imbalances affecting fertility, libido, muscle tone, and mood. It also helps evaluate premature puberty in children and hirsutism (excess hair growth) in women.
Symptom Correlation: Abnormal levels may correspond with chronic fatigue, low sex drive, mood instability, or changes in body composition.
Because DHEA-S influences both male and female sex hormones, its measurement is an important part of understanding the body’s overall endocrine health.
Estradiol (High Sensitivity)
Estradiol is the most potent form of estrogen and plays a central role in reproductive health, bone strength, and cardiovascular protection.
Diagnostic Value: High-sensitivity estradiol testing detects even minor fluctuations in estrogen levels, critical for evaluating menstrual irregularities, menopause, infertility, and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) effectiveness.
Clinical Importance: Abnormal estradiol levels may contribute to infertility, osteoporosis, weight gain, or mood swings. In men, elevated estradiol can cause reduced libido and gynecomastia.
Symptom Correlation: Low levels often cause hot flashes, sleep disturbances, and vaginal dryness; high levels can lead to bloating, breast tenderness, or irregular bleeding.
Estradiol testing provides vital information for assessing reproductive and metabolic balance in both women and men.
FSH (Follicle-Stimulating Hormone)
FSH is secreted by the pituitary gland and controls the growth and maturation of eggs in women and sperm production in men.
Diagnostic Value: Abnormal FSH levels can help diagnose menopause, primary ovarian insufficiency, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), or testicular dysfunction.
Clinical Importance: Measuring FSH assists in evaluating infertility, irregular cycles, and pituitary gland disorders. In men, it helps determine the cause of low sperm count.
Symptom Correlation: High FSH in women often signals ovarian decline or menopause; low levels may reflect pituitary or hypothalamic issues.
FSH testing provides key insight into reproductive health and hormonal feedback between the brain and gonads.
LH (Luteinizing Hormone)
LH is produced by the pituitary gland and triggers ovulation in women and testosterone production in men.
Diagnostic Value: LH testing aids in identifying ovulation disorders, menopause, PCOS, and pituitary abnormalities.
Clinical Importance: Abnormal LH levels can explain infertility, low libido, and hormonal imbalance. It is also used to time ovulation for fertility treatments.
Symptom Correlation: High LH levels may suggest ovarian failure or PCOS; low levels can indicate hypothalamic dysfunction or pituitary deficiency.
Because LH acts as a key reproductive signal, measuring it helps clarify fertility status and gonadal function.
Progesterone
Progesterone is produced mainly by the ovaries after ovulation and supports pregnancy and menstrual regulation.
Diagnostic Value: Progesterone testing confirms ovulation and assesses luteal phase sufficiency. Low levels may cause infertility or recurrent miscarriage, while high levels may indicate pregnancy or ovarian cysts.
Clinical Importance: It is essential in evaluating irregular cycles, unexplained infertility, and menopausal hormone balance.
Symptom Correlation: Deficiency may lead to mood swings, spotting, sleep disturbances, and anxiety.
Progesterone testing helps assess reproductive stability and hormonal harmony essential for conception and menstrual health.
Testosterone, Free
Free testosterone measures the biologically active portion of testosterone not bound to SHBG or albumin.
Diagnostic Value: It provides a direct indicator of androgen activity. Low free testosterone may signal hypogonadism, while elevated levels can point to PCOS or adrenal overactivity.
Clinical Importance: This test is especially useful when total testosterone appears normal but symptoms suggest imbalance.
Symptom Correlation: Fatigue, decreased libido, hair loss, or muscle weakness may relate to low free testosterone; acne, excess hair, or irritability may relate to high levels.
Free testosterone testing offers a clearer view of true hormonal activity affecting vitality and reproductive function.
Testosterone, Total
Total testosterone measures both bound and unbound testosterone circulating in the bloodstream.
Diagnostic Value: It helps identify androgen deficiency in men and excess androgen states in women.
Clinical Importance: Key for evaluating sexual dysfunction, infertility, and endocrine disorders.
Symptom Correlation: Low levels may cause decreased energy, mood changes, or muscle loss in men; high levels in women may cause acne, excess hair growth, or menstrual irregularities.
Together with free testosterone and SHBG, total testosterone provides a complete picture of androgen status.
Prolactin
Prolactin is secreted by the pituitary gland and plays a key role in lactation and reproductive health.
Diagnostic Value: Elevated prolactin (hyperprolactinemia) may result from pituitary tumors, hypothyroidism, or certain medications.
Clinical Importance: Testing helps diagnose infertility, irregular menstruation, and unexplained breast milk production (galactorrhea).
Symptom Correlation: Patients may experience headaches, vision changes, or menstrual disruption.
Prolactin testing is crucial in assessing pituitary health and hormonal causes of reproductive dysfunction.
Vitamin D, 25-Hydroxy (25-OH)
Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) is essential for calcium absorption, immune function, and bone health.
Diagnostic Value: This test evaluates overall vitamin D status and helps diagnose deficiency, osteomalacia, or osteoporosis.
Clinical Importance: Deficiency contributes to fatigue, bone pain, immune weakness, and increased inflammation.
Symptom Correlation: Low levels may cause muscle weakness, joint pain, and susceptibility to infections.
Vitamin D testing is vital for assessing both metabolic and immune well-being.
SHBG (Sex Hormone–Binding Globulin)
SHBG is a protein that binds sex hormones (testosterone and estrogen), controlling their bioavailability.
Diagnostic Value: High SHBG may indicate hyperthyroidism or liver disease; low SHBG may occur with insulin resistance, obesity, or PCOS.
Clinical Importance: SHBG testing clarifies discrepancies between total and free hormone measurements.
Symptom Correlation: Fatigue, weight gain, or loss of libido may stem from abnormal SHBG levels affecting hormone balance.
It serves as an important regulator in interpreting hormonal test results accurately.
HGH (Human Growth Hormone)
HGH is produced by the pituitary gland and is critical for growth, metabolism, and tissue repair.
Diagnostic Value: Abnormal levels can indicate growth hormone deficiency or acromegaly.
Clinical Importance: Testing is useful in evaluating unexplained changes in muscle mass, body fat, or bone density.
Symptom Correlation: Low levels may lead to fatigue, decreased strength, and poor concentration; high levels may cause joint pain and enlarged features.
HGH testing is fundamental for assessing pituitary function and metabolic vitality.
