Testosterone that is in the bloodstream is often found binding to proteins and SHBG and albumin in particular. Generally, about 2-3% of testosterone is thought to be free for use by the cells. For us to test this we must use an algorithm to gauge the amount of unbound testosterone in comparison to total amounts.

Commonly referred to as the “male sex hormone”, testosterone is actually existent in females too. It is necessary for effective protein synthesis, red blood cell protection as well as glycogen replenishment. It’s vital for bone and muscle strength, energy mood and sexual function. In males, it is a stimulator for fat mobilisation and in females, it induces storage of fat. Nonetheless, females have higher oestrogen levels that deposit fat in subcutaneous tissue, and not the central visceral fat area which occurs in men and affects health. Testosterone is crucial for peak performance, yet overtraining can decrease it. Standard training practices should see a slight increase in testosterone and they should not increase above average without supplementation or steroid use.

Sex Hormone Binding Globulin make sex hormones unavailable to your cells. Such hormones include testosterone, oestrogen and dihydrotestosterone. Gauging the blood level of SHGB offer valuable insight into unbound hormone levels which are biologically active and therefore free to be used.

LH or luteinising hormone’s production occurs in the pituitary gland where it operates with the crucial function of fertility in men and women. In females, it regulates the menstrual cycle, which peaks before ovulation. In males, it initiates the creation of testosterone.

FSH stands for the follicle-stimulating hormone which can be found also in the pituitary gland and is especially important for females in ovarian egg production. In males, it is important for producing sperm. In the initial 50% of the women’s menstrual cycle, FSH initiates ovarian follicles in becoming enlarges. Every follicle assists in the increase in oestradiol. A single follicle will assert dominance and release from the ovary will soon follow, called ovulation. Following this, hormone levels will fall in the closing 50% of the cycle. In males FSH exists on the seminiferous tubules of the testicles where they have the role of stimulation in immature sperm cells, helping them in their development to maturity.

Known commonly as the female sex hormone, oestradiol can actually also be seen to exist in males. Generally, it is created in the ovaries and has the role of reproduction in females as well as growing tissue of the breasts along with thickening bones. Levels tend to fall as one gets older, especially during menopause when egg production ends.

Prolactin is often found to be produced in the pituitary gland as well and is a hormone that is massively important in reproduction. It has the key responsibility of stimulating milk production after a successful pregnancy when a chile is born. Levels sore in women who breastfeed.

Often referred to as the “stress hormone”, cortisol actually has more functions than simply stress relief. Its production occurs in the adrenal gland and operates on almost all of the body’s cells. It assists with regulation of blood sugar, blood pressure, metabolism, inflammation reduction and memory. For sportspeople who regularly face physical and emotional stressors, cortisol can be higher than the average human, yet, strangely, overtraining can decrease this hormone. That said, it cannot be concluded that surplus cortisol or a deficiency will affect peak performance ability, as each individual will have an optimal level for them. Doctor’s advice should always be sought after for an accurate opinion.

In the blood exists an extremely common steroid hormone known as DHEA. This is actually a precursor for multiple significant hormones such as testosterone and oestradiol. Its production occurs in the adrenal gland and its role is important in both genders. Multiple research studies have indicates that healthy volumes of DHEA can be correlated with many health benefits such as improved cardiovascular health, avoiding cancer and improving insulin resistance.

At the base of the neck, we find the thyroid. This has the duty of regulating the metabolism of numerous processes such as energy expense, heart function, muscle function as well as substrate turnover. When the function of the thyroid is disturbed, hormone levels can vary, affecting performance in sport. TSH or thyroid-stimulating hormone sees production in the pituitary gland and is responsible for stimulating the thyroid gland in order to create the two thyroid hormones thyroxine (T4) as well as triiodothyronine (T3). The production of the thyroid hormone is a part of the neuroendocrine cascade. It begins with the hypothalamus with the thyrotropin hormone-releasing, triggering the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone by the pituitary gland. Cells bind in the thyroid gland, releasing hormones T3 and T4 (thyroxine). T4 converts into T3 as well (the more active of the thyroid hormones) in adjacent tissues. The metabolism that circulates your body is regulated by these hormones. Tight balance is ensured for these volumes with negative feedback loops. The thyroid function that is abnormal occurs from oversecretion/ under secretion. Commonly, an autoimmune feature exists with these conditions and it is regularly recorded in thyroid antibodies in more complex tests.

T4 or Thyroxine is a hormone whose production occurs in the thyroid gland. Its role is to quicken the pace of one’s metabolism. T4 binds itself to proteins in one’s blood, yet, only unbound T4 can be measured through testing.

T3 or triiodothyronine is the most active thyroid hormone, whose production occurs in the gland of the thyroid. T3 is predominantly found in our blood, binding toa protein. Free T3 is used to measure free T3 levels or T3 that is not binding to a protein and is available for metabolism regulation.