Sports Hormone Profile

A full blood count can be used to check your overall health and can detect a wide range of issues such as infection, anemia and leukemia. A full blood count will look at your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Please note that full blood counts can only be done through an in-store appointment and cannot be run on finger prick samples.

Full Blood Count (FBC) provides information about the different cells in the blood, these include the red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells contain haemoglobin which carries oxygen to the different tissues in the body whereas white blood cells control the immune system and protects the body from foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. FBC testing are used as a screening test for various disorders like anaemia and infections.

The liver is responsible for many of the bodies essential functions such as regulating blood sugar levels, fighting infections and detoxifying your blood. Good liver function is vital to your overall health and wellbeing.

Albumin is a protein specifically produced in the liver. Its function consists of keeping fluids in the bloodstream as well as transporting substances like hormones and vitamins throughout the body. Albumin tests can be used to help diagnose and monitor diseases of the liver and kidney.

Globulin is a protein produced in the liver by the immune system. It is important in liver function, blood clotting and fighting infections. Globulin test can be used to diagnose conditions including liver damage or disease, kidney disease and autoimmune disorders.

Total Protein is the total amount of two proteins found in the serum of the blood, these are albumin and globulin. Albumin is needed to keep fluid in the bloodstream whereas globulin is an essential part of the immune system. Total protein tests are used as an indicator to there being a problem with albumin or globulin levels.

Alkaline Phosphate (ALP) is an enzyme found mostly in the liver and bone. ALP tests can be used to diagnose liver or bone disease.

Alanine Transaminase (ALT) is an enzyme which can be found mostly in the liver and small amount in the heart, kidneys and the skeletal muscle. It is released into the bloodstream during an injury of the heart, liver, kidney and skeletal muscle. ALT tests can be used to diagnose liver disease.

Aspartate Aminotransferase (AST) is an enzyme produced by the liver. It is released into the bloodstream during an injury of the heart, liver and skeletal muscle. AST tests can be used to detect liver disease.

Gamma Glutamyl Transferase (GGT) is an enzyme mostly found in the liver and is also present in the gallbladder, spleen, pancreas and kidney. It is a significant enzyme used in the liver metabolism of drugs and other toxins. GGT tests can be used to detect liver disease and bile duct injury.

Total Bilirubin is a test which measures the amount of bilirubin in the blood. Bilirubin can be found in bile to help digest food. It is also produced from broken down haem, which is old red blood cells that used to carry oxygen around the body. Total bilirubin test can be used to diagnose and monitor liver diseases and certain types of anaemia.

Thyroid disorders are common but often remain undiagnosed. If your thyroid isn't functioning properly it can cause tiredness, mood problems and weight issues.

Thyroid Stimulating Hormone (TSH) are made by the pituitary gland in the brain to stimulate the thyroid gland (located by the throat). The hormones that are produced are used to regulate weight, body temperature and muscle strength. Levels of TSH are measured as it is an indicator of thyroid disease and is commonly tested with Free T4 and Free T3.

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 Free T3 and TSH.

There are many types of hormones that support different bodily functions and processes including growth, metabolism, appetite and fertility. Hormone imbalances or deficiencies may be to blame for a wide range of symptoms and conditions.

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.

Luteinizing 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.

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.