Biomarkers

1. Total Testosterone

   The primary male sex hormone, testosterone drives muscle mass, bone density, libido, energy, and mood in men, with levels declining naturally with age. Women produce it too, just in much smaller amounts, where it plays an equally important role in bone strength, sexual drive, and energy. Elevated levels in women can point to conditions such as PCOS.

2. Free Androgen Index (FAI)

   Rather than a hormone itself, FAI is a calculated value that reveals how much testosterone is truly active in the body, as most testosterone is bound to SHBG and unavailable for use. In men it helps assess functional testosterone status, particularly when SHBG levels may be distorting the total testosterone reading.

3. Free Testosterone

   Most testosterone in the bloodstream is bound to proteins and unavailable for the body to use.Most testosterone in the bloodstream is bound to proteins and unavailable for the body to use. In men, even when total testosterone looks normal, low free levels can still cause fatigue, low mood, and reduced muscle tone.
   
   In women, excess free testosterone tends to show up as acne, unwanted hair growth, and irregular periods, often pointing to an underlying hormonal imbalance.

4. Sex Hormone-Binding Globulin (SHBG)

   SHBG is a protein that binds to sex hormones in the bloodstream, effectively putting them on hold. In men, high SHBG means less free testosterone is available, which can produce all the classic symptoms of low testosterone even when total levels look perfectly normal on paper. For women, low SHBG is commonly linked to insulin resistance and PCOS, while abnormally high levels can suppress both oestrogen and testosterone activity, quietly affecting mood, libido, and energy.

5. Luteinising Hormone (LH)

   In women, LH has a different but equally critical job: it triggers ovulation each month. Persistently high levels can indicate PCOS or premature ovarian insufficiency, while a well-timed surge is confirmation that ovulation is happening as it should.
   
   In men, LH acts as a messenger, travelling from the brain to signal the testes to produce testosterone. When something goes wrong, measuring LH helps pinpoint whether the problem lies in the testes themselves or higher up in the signalling chain.

6. Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH)

   In women, FSH governs the development of ovarian follicles each cycle and is one of the most informative markers of ovarian reserve. Rising FSH, particularly alongside falling oestradiol, is strongly associated with perimenopause and the natural decline in egg supply that comes with
   
   FSH is central to reproductive function in both sexes, though it works differently in each. In men it drives sperm production, and raised levels are often an early indicator of testicular dysfunction or fertility issues.

7. Prolactin

   Produced by the pituitary gland, prolactin is present and active in both sexes. In women, raised prolactin outside of pregnancy and breastfeeding can disrupt the menstrual cycle, suppress ovulation, and cause unexplained milk production, making it an important marker for anyone experiencing irregular periods or difficulty conceiving.
   
   In men, elevated levels suppress testosterone production, contributing to low libido, erectile dysfunction, and fatigue.
   

8. Oestradiol

   Often thought of as purely a female hormone, oestradiol is present in men too, where it quietly supports joint health, brain function, and bone maintenance. Problems arise when levels climb too high, which can lead to low libido, mood changes, and fat accumulation around the chest. In women it takes centre stage, regulating the menstrual cycle and protecting bone and cardiovascular health throughout reproductive life. The drop in oestradiol during perimenopause and menopause is what drives many of the most recognisable symptoms, from hot flushes to mood shifts.
   

9. Amylase

   An enzyme produced mainly by the pancreas and salivary glands to help digest carbohydrates. Elevated amylase can indicate inflammation or stress affecting the pancreas.

10. Creatinine

    A waste product from normal muscle activity, removed from the blood by the kidneys. Raised creatinine is a reliable indicator that the kidneys are not filtering efficiently.

11. Uric Acid

    A byproduct of the breakdown of purines, found in certain foods and body tissues. High levels can lead to gout, a painful form of joint inflammation, and are also associated with kidney stones.

12. Urea

    A waste product produced when the body breaks down protein, filtered out of the blood by the kidneys. Elevated urea can indicate reduced kidney function or dehydration.

13. Calcium

    Calcium is the most abundant mineral in the body, with the vast majority stored in the bones and teeth. In the blood, calcium plays a critical role in muscle contraction, nerve signalling, blood clotting, and hormone secretion. A calcium blood test measures the level of calcium circulating in the serum and is used to assess bone health, parathyroid function, and kidney health, as well as to investigate symptoms such as muscle cramps, fatigue, or bone pain.

14. Globulin

    Globulins are a group of proteins produced mainly by the liver and immune system. They play a key role in immune function, transporting hormones and nutrients through the blood. Abnormal globulin levels can indicate liver disease, kidney problems, or immune system disorders.

15. GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)

    GGT is an enzyme found primarily in the liver that helps process nutrients and detoxify harmful substances. Elevated GGT levels are most commonly associated with liver stress, excessive alcohol consumption, or bile duct problems. It is often measured alongside other liver markers to give a fuller picture of liver health.

16. Total Protein

    Normal Range: 6.0–8.3 g/dL
    Total protein measures the combined amount of albumin and other proteins in the blood. Abnormal levels may be associated with liver dysfunction or other underlying health conditions.

17. Albumin

    Normal Range: 3.5–5.5 g/dL
    Albumin is a protein produced by the liver that helps maintain fluid balance and transport various substances in the blood. Low albumin levels may indicate liver disease or conditions affecting protein production.

18. Total Bilirubin

    Normal Range: 0.3–1.9 mg/dL
    Bilirubin is a yellow pigment produced during the normal breakdown of red blood cells. Elevated levels may indicate liver dysfunction or problems with the processing and elimination of bilirubin.

19. Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)

    Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST)
    Normal Range: 8–48 U/L
    AST is an enzyme found in the liver as well as the heart, muscles, and other tissues. Elevated AST levels may suggest liver damage but are less specific than ALT because AST is present in multiple organs.

20. Alanine Aminotransferase (ALT)

    Normal Range: 7–56 U/L
    ALT is an enzyme found primarily in liver cells. Elevated ALT levels may indicate liver damage or inflammation and are considered a sensitive marker of liver health.

21. Triglycerides

    A type of fat found in the blood, triglycerides are stored as energy but elevated levels, particularly after eating, are linked to increased cardiovascular risk. Levels rise significantly after fatty or high-carbohydrate meals.

22. HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)

    Known as good cholesterol, HDL carries excess cholesterol away from the arteries and back to the liver for removal. Higher levels are generally protective against heart disease.

23. LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)

    Often called bad cholesterol, LDL carries cholesterol to the arteries where it can build up as plaque. High levels increase the risk of heart disease and stroke.

24. Total Cholesterol

    A measure of all the cholesterol in your blood, including both good and bad types. It gives an overall indication of cardiovascular risk but is most meaningful when broken down into its components.

25. CRP (High-Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein)

    A protein produced by the liver in response to inflammation anywhere in the body. Chronically elevated levels are associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, even when no obvious symptoms are present.

Frequently Asked Questions